Diversity & Equity

Higher education leaders defend diversity, equity, and inclusion amid federal pressure

As federal pressure mounts to eliminate DEI programs, higher education leaders remain committed to fostering inclusive practices.

Latest in Diversity & Equity
Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.” 

The Voices of Black Midland archive shares oral histories to raise racial awareness

A community-led oral archive shares the impactful stories of black residents in Midland throughout its history.

This is how to do mental health: Community outreach builds access

The staff of Michigan’s community mental health agencies aren’t sitting at their desks waiting for the phone to ring. They are out in their communities letting people know that mental health care is within reach. 

1in6 Support Group: Empowering families for an inclusive Midland

One in six children between the ages of three to 17 has a disability. Receiving this diagnosis, whether at birth or later in life, can be scary and overwhelming. Iris Mehler launched 1in6 Michigan Support, a support group for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities after this statistic impacted her life specifically. Today, the nonprofit organization continues to provide support, resources, and advocacy for the community.

Erin Patrice
Building community through conversations: Meet Erin Patrice

Meet Erin Patrice, founder of The Breaking Bread Village which fosters respectful conversations across differing perspectives, building empathy through inclusive dialogue, live events, and personal connections to promote shared understanding and growth.

Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.
OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Jessica Chai speaks with Max Loves Midland
Celebrating culture and youth leadership: Meet Jessica Chai

Meet Jessica Chai, a senior at Dow High School and Co-Chair of the upcoming Midland Lunar New Year Celebration at Dow Diamond.

The Ability Social Club, which opened in December inside the former Dunlop Pontiac, aims to provide a social setting for adults 21 and over. The center hopes to foster a sense of community for people with a wide range of abilities.
Bay City’s Ability Social Club creates a welcoming space for all

A new Bay City nonprofit, the Ability Social Club, fosters community and creativity for adults 21 and up. This inclusive welcoming center in Downtown Bay City is especially designed for folks living with a range of abilities.  

A stone statue in Washington DC commemorates the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Great Lakes Bay Region marks MLK Jr. Day with celebrations, scholarships, and awards

A Linwood man, students from Bay County high schools, and a Delta College associate professor are among those celebrated during two events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The keynote speaker at the SVSU event is Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  

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