Bridging 23 Unity Walk
Bridging the Generations, Cultures, and Strengthening Futures
The History
Bridging US 23 was founded on the belief that when people unite for the greater good, positive change is inevitable.
Developed in collaboration by The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) with The Association for Youth Empowerment (AYE), Bridging US 23 is dedicated to transforming the way the people of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and the surrounding communities relate to one another.
Our ultimate goal is to connect communities, inspire compassion and take action to call forth the beloved community
The Unity Walk was born out of a Bridging US 23 restorative circle in 2017, when community members spearheaded the Walk as an annual fundraiser for the DRC.
The Unity Walk builds on the foundation of taking action and bringing public visibility to the inequities between the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor communities.
Donations to the Unity Walk will support the
Restorative Justice Youth Circles Program
Building a restorative community with youth and families
A program partnership between the Dispute Resolution Center & Dynastic Ministries 19 Consulting Firm, LLC.
The program serves justice impacted youth from 10-18 yrs old. Each cohort is ten weeks long with a maximum of 15 participants and meet on the weekends. The program is free, with transportation provided, and only available to Washtenaw County youth.
The program offers a safe, brave and non-judgmental space where young people can gather in restorative circle dialogues that encourages:
- Redevelopment of self-esteem
- Constructive approaches to communication
- Addresses problems or disagreements without verbal or physical violence
- Community cohesion
Learn more about the program HERE.
Thank you to our Event Partners!
Thank you to the 2026 Unity Walk Planning Committee!
Anika Awai-Williams, Ellen Abramson, Ellen Copeland-Brown, Rev. Maymette Dolberry, Jeff Gabrielson, Judy Hallas, Cassie Kurowicki, Mary Miller, Theo Poling, Germaine Smith, Emma Strain.
WHEN: Friday June 5th and Saturday, June 6th, 2026
Friday June 5th - Time TBD
The DRC and the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County are partnering to offer an Underground Railroad Tour.
We encourage participants to join us at the Unity Walk fellowship and celebration on Saturday, June 6 to share your experience!
Registration for the tour coming soon!
Saturday June 6th - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Walk-
- 10:00 AM - 5 mile walk Starts at United Way for Southeast Michigan
- 11:30 AM - 1.5 mile walk starts at Ypsilanti High School
- Both end at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church
Fellowship and Celebration - Games, activities, music and more!
- 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church in Ypsilanti, MI
Download the event brochure HERE!
Want to be a sponsor for the event?
See below for more info!
Sponsorship Levels
$5000 – CHAMPION FOR JUSTICE
At this giving level, you are directly supporting the restorative justice youth program with supplies, food, books, and summer field trips and experiences for a program cohort.
$2500— COMMUNITY HEALER
Supporting at this level, you make it possible for one family to get the support and resources they need through the youth circles program.
$1000 – COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
Supporting at this level, you directly pay for 10 community members to train and become restorative justice facilitators for the youth program and beyond.
$500 – PEACEMAKER
Your contribution will help fund the youth circles program graduation ceremony.
$250 – FRIEND
At this level, you help provide free lunches for the youth and their families for a day.
*All sponsorships include: website, social and program mention, registrations, t-shirts.
Download the sponsorship brochure HERE.
Youth Creative Arts Contest!
What is the Youth Creative Arts Contest?
It is a contest for youth to submit an art piece in any medium (painting, poetry, song, essay, sculpture, etc..) they prefer that reflects on the theme given below. The top five winners will have the option to display or perform their art medium at Brown Chapel Church during the Unity Walk Celebration on June 6th, 2026. Winners will be awarded at the celebration.
Who can Participate?
- Participants must be in grades 9–12.
- Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti School Districts only.
What's the prize? Five winners will receive $1000 each!
What's the Theme? Bridging the Generations, Cultures, and Strengthening Futures: Rising for the Future, Grounded in our Past.
To celebrate 10 years of the Unity Walk, we invite young artists to explore this theme by creating original works that reflect on the connections between past, present, and future. Your art should tell a story about how heritage, culture, and inter-generational relationships shape our identities and build stronger futures.
Download the FULL submission guidelines HERE.
Submit via Google Forms HERE or email: unitywalk@thedrcmi.org
Deadline to Submit: Friday May 22, 2026
Thank You to Past Sponsors
