With political tensions seemingly higher every day, residents of Washtenaw County are beginning to see public organizations and businesses alike voice both concern and intention looking toward what will undoubtedly be an impassioned American future.
Cultivate Coffee & Tap House, Ypsilanti’s non-profit beer garden and community stomping ground, is joining the list – taking a stand for social justice and providing a space for the unheard voices of the Southeast Michigan creative spectrum.
This will be done with a month-long calendar, designed and scheduled by MSW Candidate, Spoken Word Artist, and Community Advocate, Nadine Marshall and Director, Ryan Wallace. It lasts the duration of March, inviting local musicians, poets, print artists, photographers, among other contributors to the venue for an equally diverse spread of event content.
“Cultivate has been and will always be about investing in people,” Wallace said. “Cultivate believes that no person or business is neutral, but that we are all either contributing positively or negatively at all times in our community… This recognition causes us to do the difficult work of not just talking, but responding in action. This series is not ‘The Answer’ or ‘The Final Word’ it’s just one way that one organization is trying to respond; to hold space, to give voice…so that we can be challenged, so that we can grow, and so that we can help build a better city, one that is more equitable.”
For more information and full calendar, check out: cultivateypsi.org/equitablecity
- Friday, March 3, 5-7 pm “Alternative Facts”
The students of Lynne Settles’ art class at Ypsilanti Community High School are creating work to call attention to the social inequalities they see in the world today. Helping them are Rhea McCauley, activist and niece of Rosa Parks, and Nick Azzaro, the YCS photographer. The topics range from immigration in the United States to women’s rights in Africa, media bias to mass incarceration. They’re translating their messages into illustrations, painting, photographs, sculptures and more for display at Cultivate. - Monday, March 13, 6-11 pm
Hunger Advocacy Card Writing & Coloring Party
Cultivate’s monthly coloring party takes on an important conversation for March. The night will be dedicated to urging policymakers to prioritize poverty relief strategies specific to hunger. Cultivate will provide all supplies to write cards to your regional and national leaders on cards designed by local artists. There will be opportunities to learn about the policies that are actively being discussed that will impact the lives of hungry people. - Saturday, March 18, 3 PM Hunger & Housing
Listen in as community leaders share current perspectives on the challenges they face in addressing the issues of housing and hunger in Washtenaw County. - Saturday, March 25, 3 PM
Ypsilanti Discussions: Bridging Communities & Working Together Listen in as community leaders discuss ways they are working together to create/develop change. - 3 PM
Bridging Communities Roundtable w/D’Real Graham and Tyler Weston - 4 PM
Working Together as Entrepreneurs w/ Ryan Wallace, Cultivate and Tay Doss, Friends Closet
