Bridging US 23 is an initiative developed by The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) in collaboration with The Association for Youth Empowerment (AYE). It is dedicated to transforming the way the people of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and the surrounding counties relate to one another.
Bridging US 23 was founded on the belief that when people unite for the greater good, positive change is inevitable. 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 23 restorative community circle and has been spearheaded by community members since 2017.
It was built on the foundation of taking action and bringing public visibility and conversation about the inequities between the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor communities
This year we honor local black history in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and bring forth the contributions of the black community - past, present, and future.
We want to ensure that black contributions and legacies in our community are not erased from our local history; that the truth of black history is celebrated and honored with reverence; and embrace the deep cultural roots of the black community that enriches all of us.
For this year's walk, we are proud to partner and end in fellowship and celebration at the historic Brown Chapel A.M.E Church in Ypsilanti.
IN 1843, Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church came into existence as a mission without a name - 22 yrs after slaves were freed.
As the Second oldest active A.M.E. Church in Michigan, it is likely that Brown Chapel at Adams and Buffalo assisted in the safe travel through Ypsilanti visit the underground railroad of many slaves on their way to the “Promised Land” of Canada.
..The DRC's Restorative Justice Program that keeps adults and youth out of the criminal legal system and brings healing and wholeness to families and our communities.
Learn more about our Restorative Justice Program HERE.
Saturday June 11, 2022
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
LONG WALK (5 mi) - 10:00 AM - Check-in opens at 9:30 AM
START: Washtenaw County Farm Park (2230 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104)
END: Brown Chapel AME Church (1043 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197)
SHORT WALK (1.5 mi) - 11:30 AM - Check-in opens at 11:00 AM
START: Ypsilanti Community High School, 2095 Packard St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
END: Brown Chapel AME Church (1043 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197)
Registration levels: $0, $25, $50, $100
Sponsorship levels: $100, $250, $500, $1000, $2500, $5000