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Some in Michigan's Native American community say they can relate to the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza. Artist Christina Damianos depicts the idea in her

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

MI Indigenous group uses art to show solidarity with Palestinians

Some Indigenous groups in Michigan want to draw parallels to their own historic struggles and those of Palestinians in Gaza and they are doing it thro…

A joint fundraising committee like that set up for Rep. Rashid Tlaib, D-Mich. enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has voiced her support for …

Michigan hosts the largest population of Arab Americans in the country, and Dearborn is home to the country's only Arab American History Museum. (flowertiare/Adobe Stock)

New US race, ethnicity standards include Middle Eastern, North African

Until recently, many Americans of Middle Eastern or North African descent were categorized as "white" in government surveys, making it challenging to …

The Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, formed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and led by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, took a comprehensive look at the state's system and released its report in July 2022 with 32 recommendations for improving Michigan's juvenile justice system. (Oleg Kozlovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees

Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

The Council on American-Islamic Relations estimates there are about 2.2 million American Muslim voters in the U.S., up from its previous estimate of almost 1.79 million. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Primary results: Are Michigan Dems committed to 'uncommitted?'

More than 100,000 people voted "uncommitted" in Michigan's presidential primary. What happens next will be, at least in part, up to President Joe …

More than half of Dearborn's nearly 110,000 residents are of Middle Eastern or north African origin.(munir/Adobe Stock)

Many Dearborn residents reconsider voting for Biden in upcoming election

Biden administration officials traveled to Dearborn on Thursday to meet Muslim and Arab-American community leaders, in an effort to repair relations …

One fifth of four-year college graduates complete their education later in life, according to a new report by the National Bureau of Economic Research. (moodboard/Adobe Stock)

A surprising number of Michigan college graduates are 'late bloomers'

When you think of college students, you may think of young adults starting out in life but a new report is pointing to a different trend. More older …

Apart from the January minimum wage increase, the new year also increased the minimum hourly wage rate for minors to $8.78 per hour, and the tipped employee rate increased to $3.93 per hour. (Seika/Adobe Stock)

MLK Jr.'s fight for fair pay resonates with MI service workers

Michigan food service workers are commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, bringing to mind their own, more recent battle for fair wages and …

In a statement, Edward Mitchell, CAIR's national deputy director, said

Questioning of Muslim American judicial nominee called 'irrelevant,' 'hostile'

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has drawn fire for his questioning of the first Muslim American judicial nominee. Hawley, along with Sen. Tom Cotton…

Rashida Tlaib is the only Palestinian American and just one of two Muslim Women in Congress. (SuperBasementBoy/flickr.com)

Censured Michigan congresswoman says she will not be silenced

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American voice in Congress, was officially reprimanded last Tuesday, but many of her colleagues say …

More than 30,000 labor activists have signed a letter calling on top U.S. union leaders to

Postal Workers become largest union to demand ceasefire in Gaza

One of the nation's largest labor unions has become the latest organization to demand a ceasefire in Gaza as Israel's war with Hamas plays out…

Jewish Americans hold up signs, including

MI advocates of Palestinian-Israeli peace march in DC today

In the wake of a significant protest by Jewish people supporting Palestinian rights last week, thousands are set to assemble on Capitol Hill today…

Climate change board games emphasize teamwork and group success. Either all players win together, or no one survives. (pathdoc/Adobe Stock)

Climate change: Better understood through board games?

By Debra J. Rosenthal for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Michigan News Connection for the Public News Service-Conversation …

Detroit Action hosts a Black August event where it strives to reimagine a world through an abolitionist point of view and healing-justice policies. (SmartArt/Adobe Stock)

Art Collaboration This Weekend for Black August in Detroit

Communities around the country and in Michigan are celebrating Black August and promoting liberation of all diversities. Anthony Baber, director of …

Black people, especially women and girls, have endured countless hair services, sometimes painful and damaging to the hair, to maintain hairstyles that might make them less likely to encounter discrimination. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Latest State to Make the CROWN Act Law

When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the CROWN Act into law this month, she tweeted she is "proud to take action to make Michigan a more equitable and …

More than 50 anti-Muslim hate groups were operating in the United States in 2021, according to the Southern Policy Law Center. Many groups target Muslims by the way they dress. (Adobe Stock)

Muslim Rights Group Sues Michigan Sheriff Over Forced Hijab Removal

A Muslim rights group is taking the Kent County Sheriff's Office to court for forcing a Michigan woman to remove her hijab for a booking photo…

Black employees encounter discrimination against appearance of natural hairstyles including but not limited to braids, dreadlocks, twists and Afros. (Olesia Bilkei/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Senate Passes CROWN Act to Prevent Hair Discrimination

The Michigan Senate has passed legislation to confirm wearing natural hair should not prevent anyone from rising in the workplace, in education or in …

The EPA claims that the EES Coke Battery plant has emitted thousands of tons of sulfur dioxide annually beyond its permitted limit of 2,100 tons. (Wikipedia)<br />

Detroit Neighborhood in Court to Hold Industrial Polluter Accountable

Members of a Detroit-area community are intervening in an Environmental Protection Agency lawsuit against a DTE Energy subsidiary charged with dumping…

Students who are forced to delay their college plans are less likely to complete that degree, and the pandemic has had an outsized impact on college-going rates for Black and Latino students. (Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

Report Cites COVID's Outsized Impact on Black, Latino College Plans

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an outsized impact on Black and Latino communities in Michigan, including when it comes to college plans. A new report …

Fewer than four in ten low-income renters in Michigan live in affordable units, and many are also inaccessible. (cunaplus/Adobe Stock)

MI Report: Invest Rescue Plan Funds in Affordable, Accessible Housing

A new report found older Michiganders and people with disabilities face some of the greatest barriers to housing, and systemic racism has led to …

Breonna Taylor was one of Everette Taylor's six children. He's currently incarcerated in a Michigan prison. (De'Andrea Taylor and Ateonia Taylor)

Call to Release Breonna Taylor's Father from Michigan Prison

By Josh Puckett for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Michigan News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

Nearly 75% of Michiganders age 75 and up already have been fully vaccinated. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

MI Health Officials Prioritize Equity in Calls for Residents to Get Vaccinated

FLINT, Mich. - Michigan health officials are prioritizing equity as they continue to urge more residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

LANSING, Mich. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

A woman's race, ethnicity and socioeconomic background all are among the barriers to equal pay, according to researchers who expect the pandemic's economic fallout to add to those barriers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Pay Gap Narrows, but Michigan Women Still Earn Less Than Men

LANSING, Mich. - While the wage gap between men and women has narrowed over time, there are concerns the pandemic's disproportionate economic toll on …

The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network is reimagining ways to grow food in cities, inspired by urban gardens in the 1960s and 70s. (espiegle/Adobe Stock)

Black-Led Food, Land Justice Groups: Land Leads to Self-Determination

By Ruth Terry for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Lily Bohlke for Michigan News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

About 260 people are among the migrant families that continue to be detained at the U.S./Mexico border. (Adobe Stock)

People of Faith in MI Demand End to Child Detention

LANSING, Mich. - Some Michiganders of faith are among those around the country urging President Donald Trump to stop detaining immigrant children at …

Around 413,000 Michigan kids live in poverty, a four-percentage point improvement since 2010. (AdobeStock)

Michigan Holds Steady in Child Well-Being Rankings

LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan is holding steady in an annual snapshot of how children are faring, ranking 32nd nationally for the second year in a row…

MOASH is encouraging its supporters to take concrete action to advance racial justice. (AdobeStock)

Michigan Group Says Reproductive Justice, Racism Not Mutually Exclusive

LANSING, Mich. -- With a global pandemic and national racial unrest, these are unprecedented times for youths in Michigan. And sexual health …

The Movement for Black Lives' Week of Action offers ways that Michiganders can show up for racial justice at the local level. (AdobeStock)

Michigan Faith Community Urges End to White Silence

LANSING, Mich. -- As they join the nationwide protests against the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, some faith leaders are calling on the white …

Opponents say increasing the capacity of a toxic-waste facility puts the health of 10,000 Detroit-area residents at even greater risk. (Coalition to Oppose Expansion of U.S. Ecology)<br />

Michiganders Find Solidarity in Fighting Hazardous Waste

LANSING, Mich. -- Despite losing their battle against the expansion of a toxic waste facility in Detroit, opponents of the project say they will …

According to the Department of Homeland Security, an estimated 13.2 million Lawful Permanent Residents or green-card holders currently live in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Green-Card Applicants Face Hurdles Under Federal Rule Change

LANSING, Mich. – Local experts say the latest changes to federal immigration laws would have damaging ripple effects on Michigan's immigrant …

Ann Arbor couple Alaa Kouider and Ameur Dhaimini, along with the Council on American Muslim Relations, are filing a civil-rights complaint against Tim Hortons restaurants. (Alaa Kouider)

MI Muslim Group Files Civil-Rights Complaint Against Tim Hortons

LANSING, Mich. – A Michigan group that advocates for Muslims is filing a civil-rights complaint today against Tim Hortons restaurants, claiming …

According to a new report, 419,000 Michigan children currently live in poverty. (Jason Stitt/Adobe Stock)

Poverty Still a Challenge for Michigan Kids

LANSING, Mich. — Despite progress in child outcomes since 1990, a new report reveals serious racial and ethnic disparities persist in child …

In recent years, Michiganders have gathered in the capital to advocate for clean drinking water on World Water Day. (Valerie Jean)

MI Voices Waiting to Be Heard on World Water Day

DETROIT – Michiganders plan to come out and show their support for the right to clean drinking water. Friday marks the 26th annual World …

About 800 social workers filled the Lansing Center on Thursday to tackle the big issues of 2018. (Duane Breijak/NASW-MI)

MI Social Workers Call for Change Ahead of Midterm Elections

LANSING, Mich. – Hot-button issues like immigration and the opioid epidemic headlined a huge conference of social workers in Lansing on …

The fifth annual Coming Together For Our Communities Summit will convene activists from across the state at a community college in Belleville. (Welcoming Michigan)

Welcoming Week Promotes the “Unity” in Community

BELLEVILLE, Mich. – Today, hundreds of people from across the state will gather in Belleville, just outside Detroit, for a conference dedicated …

Opponents of the U.S. Supreme Court travel ban decision call on Congress to step in at a rally in Detroit on Tuesday evening. (Michigan Muslim Community Council)

MI Muslims Rally Against Supreme Court Travel Ban Decision

DETROIT – Hundreds of people jammed Campus Martius Park in Detroit on Tuesday evening, to protest the U.S. Supreme Court's decision upholding …

More than half of the American workers are paid less than $15-an-hour. (Tom Drigger/Flickr)

Report: Pay Gaps Could Narrow with Higher Minimum Wage

LANSING, Mich. – A new report calls for raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour to reduce poverty and promote pay equity. While the …

Outside of metro Detroit, a new study finds many Michiganders don't know any Muslims or much about their everyday lives. (cohdra/morguefile)

As Hate Crimes Rise, New Study Highlights Contributions of MI Muslims

DEARBORN, Mich. -- They are doctors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs, but they're also the victims of hate crimes, discrimination, and profiling…

Trump's plan to ban transgender troops is drawing criticism and outrage. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

President's Tweets Spark Outrage, Fear for Transgender Community

LANSING, Mich. – He pledged to defend their rights, but President Trump now says transgender individuals can't defend their country, which …

Dozens of hate incidents were reported in Michigan between the Nov. 8 election and last week. (Daniel Lobo/Flickr)

Hate, Harassment Alive and Well in Post-Election Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Hate and harassment, unfortunately, are alive and well in post-election Michigan. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights said …

Some LGBT Michiganders fear the Trump presidency will threaten hard-fought LGBT rights. (Pixabay)<br />

Will Trump Erase Past Progress on LGBT Rights?

LANSING, Mich. -- There could be some trouble for LGBT rights during the Trump presidency. Donald Trump has said he would like to overturn national …

Medical experts say diabetes is rising about 1 percent per year. (Alden Chadwick/Flickr)

Vascular Surgeon: Beware Deadly Complications from Diabetes

LANSING, Mich. – During National Diabetes Awareness Month, health professionals are trying to get the message out about a serious complication …

Research shows racial disparities exist in Michigan in reading proficiency, school discipline, and graduation rates. (U.S. Dept. of Education)

Tackling Racial Inequities Head On in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – As hundreds of Michiganders gathered at a forum Monday to discuss poverty and racial inequity, a new report examines …

A study finds African-Americans, on average, waited up to twice as long at the polls as white voters in the last election. (David Reber/Flickr)<br /><br />

Research Examines Polling Problems in Communities of Color

DETROIT – As the presidential race tightens, voter turnout could play a decisive role, and a new study warns that some Americans may have a …

Michigan researchers say racism permeates all aspects of the nation's food system, from farm workers to food preparation and service. (Pixabay)

Michigan State Panel Tackles Racism in U.S. Food Supply

LANSING, Mich. - People don't often think of racism when they think of how food gets from the field to the table, but experts say it's an issue all …

Mira Krishnan of Grand Rapids says there is a tremendous opportunity to nurture a future wave of feminists. (Michigan NOW)

Creating Equitable Progress for Michigan Women

LANSING, Mich. - March is Women's History Month and, for over a century, women in the U.S. have fought for equality. But despite their advances…

Children are among those most affected by the humanitarian crisis in Syria. (Elsa Alaswad)

MI Social Worker Spearheads Effort for Post-Conflict Syria

LANSING, Mich. – The Syrian conflict is a monumental humanitarian crises with decades of social and human development lost since it began in 201…

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MI: Human Rights/Racial Justice