Here at Concentrate we're all about keeping on top of what's next for Washtenaw County, so we've made a bit of a tradition of ending each year by looking to the year ahead. With 2022 upon us, we've asked each of our staffers to weigh in on what they're most excited for in Washtenaw County in the new year just as we did in 2019, 2018, and 2017. And we were surprised by the diversity of results, ranging from new parks and trails to advances in criminal justice policy. Take a gander at our staff's picks and then tell us your own in the comments. Happy New Year!
The following views are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent Concentrate as a whole.
Sabine Bickford Brown, news writer: Im looking forward to seeing what Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit is going to do with his second year in office. Since he took office in January 2021, his groundbreaking policies, like the elimination of cash bail, have been making headlines. He has several new efforts set to begin in 2022, most notable of which might be the new Conviction Integrity and Expungement Unit. The unit will focus on both investigating wrongful convictions and clearing old criminal records, which are often used to discriminate against disenfranchised individuals. Savits office also recently introduced a new Economic Justice Unit, which will focus on protecting workers and consumers by holding those who commit economic harms, like wage theft, accountable. Im excited to see the positive effects that these policies and units will hopefully have on our communities.Washtenaw County prosecutor Eli Savit.Doug Coombe, managing photographer: Im most excited for the Amplify Fellowship class of 2022. The goal of the fellowship, sponsored by Ypsilanti's Grove Studios and Ann Arbor's Leon Speakers, is to nurture and give a leg up to African-American musicians in Washtenaw County. When the fellowship's 2021 class was announced I was excited to see one artist I loved (Dani Darling) and two fantastic artists completely new to me (London Beck and Kenyatta Rashon). Similarly, the class of 2022 consists of one of my favorite local artists (Ki5) and a new artist I look forward to hearing more from (Lorian Janine).
It was exciting to see the success of the 2021 Amplify Fellowship. All the artists put out great records and enjoyed high-profile gigs with the help of mentorship from Grove Studios and Leon Speakers. Southeast Michigan has always been a hotbed of musical talent. Its exciting to see all the generational and institutional knowledge getting passed on to new talent. And in a day and age when a lot of great albums are recorded (or at least demoed) at home, its nice to see some technical knowledge being passed along to the artists too.
Jaishree Drepaul-Bruder, chief news writer and feature writer:This past year I wrote an article that was especially powerful for me. I had the privilege to interview 10 of Washtenaw County's women leaders of Asian heritage. Their willingness to honestly share their experiences, challenges, hopes, and dreams for themselves, their families, and every resident in Washtenaw County was astounding. Within our community these women work tirelessly in their respective sectors to make our county better, not just for today, but for the future. Confined by a word limit, I was unable to share everything I wanted to about the deep thinking, insight, and initiatives these women are championing. After the article was published, I heard from many of these women about their commitment to continue to dismantle barriers and address issues head-on in tangible and impactful ways. I don't know what that will look like, but I'm excited to find out.Trista Van Tine, Nhu Do, Linette Lao, Linh Song, Praveena Ramaswami, and Yen Azzaro meet at Gallup Park. Patrick Dunn, managing editor: While researching a feature story on Michigan's growing acceptance of psychedelic medicine earlier this year, I was impressed to see how much of that movement is centered in Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor is notably only the third city in the U.S. to decriminalize entheogens an umbrella term for psychoactive plants like psilocybin, peyote, and ayahuasca. And the advocates who led the Decriminalize Nature Ann Arbor campaign have now launched a statewide movement called Decriminalize Nature Michigan. This past November, their efforts helped lead to a successful ballot proposal to decriminalize entheogens in Detroit. They've also seeded efforts in Grand Rapids, East Lansing, and Hazel Park, and they're also working with state Sen. Jeff Irwin as a sponsor of a statewide decriminalization bill.
Given the strong therapeutic effects these substances can have, and the sacred cultural traditions tied to them, I'm looking forward to seeing what else local advocates can accomplish to make them more accessible and safe to use.
Monica Hickson, feature and news writer: In the past six years that I have lived in Washtenaw County, I have been thankful to work in both technology and diversity fields. I have had the pleasure to interview several people in both of these fields and I have appreciated their candidness. Im looking forward to seeing all of the hard work that people are doing in both fields. The intersection of technology and diversity is where true creativity and collaboration begins.
Organizations such as Cahoots and the nonprofit Tech[Inclusive], among others, are shaking up the tech industry in Washtenaw County. I am thrilled to see what is happening in these traditionally white male-dominated areas, and eager to see the new faces in these tech spaces. When I heard the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners had approved three new diversity positions to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives I was elated. I like the direction the pendulum is swinging. I am excited to see the next generation from all backgrounds reach new heights in all aspects of technology, including artificial intelligence and programming.Brandon Martin at Cahoots.Jenn McKee, feature writer: You may not realize it, but a seismic shift in the local theater community is now underway, and Im on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens in 2022. Chelseas Purple Rose Theatre, founded by Jeff Daniels in 1991, has been fielding accusations of abuse and discrimination from a number of artists, designers, and former apprentices, as reported in an extensive, seven-part OnStage Blog series. Artistic Director Guy Sanville the person at the center of the controversy, and the public face of the Rose for more than 25 years is stepping down from his post, according to a letter sent to Rose donors. His departure marks the start of a new era at the professional theater.Will the company continue its mission to produce new plays, with an eye toward highlighting Midwestern voices? Or will it chart an entirely new course under the guiding hand of a different artistic director? And in either case, will Rose theatergoers come back? Theres no telling which is the upside of shake-ups, I suppose. The Rose, previously a known quantity, is suddenly all potential and possibilities again. Pass the popcorn.Rob Najarian and Aphrodite Nikolovski in Talley's Folly at The Purple Rose Theatre Company.Sarah Rigg, On the Ground Ypsilanti project manager: I have always enjoyed using Washtenaw County's parks and trails, so seeing some of the projects I've reported on come to fruition has been fun. In 2022, I'm looking forward to seeing the completion of projects that help pedestrians and cyclists connect safely between the city of Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, improvements to the Border-to-Border trail, and more. Access to safe outdoor spaces for recreation has been such a blessing during the pandemic, and I'm so grateful Washtenaw County's people and government invest in our parks and trails. On a selfish note, I recently adopted a puppy, so I'm hoping for some progress on Ypsi Township's plans for an off-leash dog park in 2022!
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What are you most excited for in Washtenaw County in 2022? - Concentrate
- Vermont Senate Passes Psychedelic Working Group Bill To Study How Entheogens Might Benefit Physical And Mental ... - Marijuana Moment - March 31st, 2024 [March 31st, 2024]
- Melissa Etheridge's New Book and Play Delve Into Her Son's Opioid ... - CelebStoner - October 29th, 2023 [October 29th, 2023]
- Walking the poison path: An interview with Coby Michael - The Wild Hunt - October 29th, 2023 [October 29th, 2023]
- Entheogenic drugs and the archaeological record - Wikipedia - April 14th, 2023 [April 14th, 2023]
- Learn All About The Top 10 Entheogens - Zamnesia Blog - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- Entheogens and Psychedelics (including Ayahuasca, LSD, Peyote ... - December 12th, 2022 [December 12th, 2022]
- Terence McKenna - Wikipedia - October 23rd, 2022 [October 23rd, 2022]
- Enlightenment (spiritual) - Wikipedia - October 21st, 2022 [October 21st, 2022]
- Shamanism - Wikipedia - October 17th, 2022 [October 17th, 2022]
- The History Of: Hallucinogens, Psychedelics & Entheogens - August 25th, 2022 [August 25th, 2022]
- How Does Sound Therapy Enhance the Psychedelic Experience? - Psychedelic Spotlight - July 31st, 2022 [July 31st, 2022]
- Could we please have some consistency in our drug laws - Mail and Guardian - July 3rd, 2022 [July 3rd, 2022]
- Filament Health and Jaguar Health Sign Letter of Intent to Develop Botanical Prescription Drugs for Specific Mental Health Indications - Yahoo Canada... - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- 5 Next-Generation Psychedelics Entering Clinical Trials This Year - Psychedelic Spotlight - May 28th, 2022 [May 28th, 2022]
- Mental Health Startup Journey Colab Aims To Develop Mescaline As An FDA-Approved Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder - Forbes - April 29th, 2022 [April 29th, 2022]
- Breaking down the decrim movement: Discoveries, doubts and personal ins & outs - Aspen Daily News - April 29th, 2022 [April 29th, 2022]
- Aztec use of entheogens - Wikipedia - March 29th, 2022 [March 29th, 2022]
- The Michigan Decriminalization of Psilocybin Mushrooms and Other Plants and Fungi Initiative Has Been Approved For Circulation As A Ballot Initiative... - February 24th, 2022 [February 24th, 2022]
- 5 Black Pioneers Combatting the Whitewashing of Psychedelics - Psychedelic Spotlight - February 17th, 2022 [February 17th, 2022]
- From Mycophobia to Mycophilia - The McGill Daily - The McGill Daily - February 17th, 2022 [February 17th, 2022]
- Entheogens and Plant Medicine: An Introduction Microdose - Microdose Psychedelic Insights - February 9th, 2022 [February 9th, 2022]
- Schumer Gives Update On Federal Marijuana Legalization And Banking In Meeting With Equity Advocates - Marijuana Moment - February 1st, 2022 [February 1st, 2022]
- USDA Teams Up With Cornell University For Hemp Education Webinar Series - Marijuana Moment - February 1st, 2022 [February 1st, 2022]
- Ohio Lawmakers Will Be Forced To Consider Marijuana Legalization As State Validates Activist Signatures - Marijuana Moment - February 1st, 2022 [February 1st, 2022]
- Psilocybin: Following in the Footsteps of Cannabis Along the Path to Legality - JD Supra - January 29th, 2022 [January 29th, 2022]
- What ketamine therapy taught me about my Jewish intergenerational trauma - Forward - January 29th, 2022 [January 29th, 2022]
- Debunking Myths and Misconceptions of the Psychedelics Industry - Rolling Stone - January 9th, 2022 [January 9th, 2022]
- Looking Into The Florida Bill That Proposes Decriminalization Of Psychedelics (And Every Other Illegal Dr - Benzinga - December 15th, 2021 [December 15th, 2021]
- The Wisdom of Agnosticism - The Humanist - December 15th, 2021 [December 15th, 2021]
- What Are Psychedelic Drugs (Hallucinogenics)? | Leafly - November 28th, 2021 [November 28th, 2021]
- Cannabis & Marijuana Education: Learn All About Weed | Leafly - November 28th, 2021 [November 28th, 2021]
- Vex - Destinypedia, the Destiny wiki - November 11th, 2021 [November 11th, 2021]
- Seattle City Council wants to decriminalize 'magic ... - November 11th, 2021 [November 11th, 2021]
- Tonight at 11: The unseen side of magic mushrooms, from moms to home growers - KIRO Seattle - November 11th, 2021 [November 11th, 2021]
- Guide to Entheogens: Plants, Therapy, Medicine - October 30th, 2021 [October 30th, 2021]
- What are entheogens and which are the best ones - October 30th, 2021 [October 30th, 2021]
- An upcoming election, pay requirement, and holiday, this week - KUOW News and Information - October 30th, 2021 [October 30th, 2021]
- Congressman Says He'll Bring The Psychedelics Reform Movement To Capitol Hill 'This Year' - Marijuana Moment - October 7th, 2021 [October 7th, 2021]
- From Cannabis MSO To Drug Development: Goodness Growth Wants To Understand Traditional Psychedelics Use - - Benzinga - September 16th, 2021 [September 16th, 2021]
- Jarvis Brookfield on his psychedelic paintings, dream-like states and what it means to be human - Creative Boom - September 12th, 2021 [September 12th, 2021]
- Oregon Psilocybin Panel Teams Up With Harvard To Research Psychedelic History And Impacts Of Reform - Marijuana Moment - September 12th, 2021 [September 12th, 2021]
- National Hemp Association Asks Congress To Budget $1 Billion To Support Industry Innovation - Marijuana Moment - September 12th, 2021 [September 12th, 2021]
- Psychedelic Drug Therapy: Tips and Support for the Experience - Greatist - August 28th, 2021 [August 28th, 2021]
- University of Michigan police say safety will be top priority at psychedelic shroom festival - MLive.com - August 22nd, 2021 [August 22nd, 2021]
- Two Years After Oakland's Psychedelic Decrim, What's Been the Impact? - Filter - August 4th, 2021 [August 4th, 2021]
- Psychedelics Decriminalization Advancing In Three More Cities, Spanning From Coast To Coast - Marijuana Moment - August 4th, 2021 [August 4th, 2021]
- Witch City Tarot & Divination Gathering | Coby Michael Ward - Patheos - July 29th, 2021 [July 29th, 2021]
- With Push From New Nonprofit, Arcata City Council Will Soon Consider a Resolution That Would Decriminalize Psychedelic Plants and Fungi in Arcata -... - July 7th, 2021 [July 7th, 2021]
- Group Hopes to Decriminalize Entheogens (Psychoactive Plant Substances) Within Arcata City Limits Redheaded Blackbelt - Redheaded Blackbelt - July 5th, 2021 [July 5th, 2021]
- Winners of Columbia@Roundabout's 2021 New Play Reading Series Announced - Broadway World - June 24th, 2021 [June 24th, 2021]
- Biden said he'd cut down on unemployment benefits, but he really might reinstate a pre-pandemic job-seeking policy The Madison Leader Gazette - The... - May 11th, 2021 [May 11th, 2021]
- The psychedelic revolution is coming. Psychiatry may never be the same - bdnews24.com - May 11th, 2021 [May 11th, 2021]
- Native Tribes Should Have More Say in the Psychedelic Movement - Green Entrepreneur - April 29th, 2021 [April 29th, 2021]
- Red Light Holland and Headland West Indies Lead #SVGStrong, a Relief Effort in St. Vincent and the Grenadines - InvestorIntel - April 29th, 2021 [April 29th, 2021]
- Jews, Christians, and Muslims Are Reclaiming Ancient Psychedelic Practices, And That Could Help With Legalization - Rolling Stone - April 25th, 2021 [April 25th, 2021]
- Psychedelic Experience launches new website to help navigate the world of psychedelics - PRNewswire - April 25th, 2021 [April 25th, 2021]
- Zide Door Oaklands Church of Entheogenic Plants - April 15th, 2021 [April 15th, 2021]
- Opinion | Is it time for Seattle to decriminalize shrooms and psychedelics? - Crosscut - April 15th, 2021 [April 15th, 2021]
- Following Local Successes, Cambridge State Rep. Puts Forward Bills on Controlled Substance Reform | News - Harvard Crimson - March 29th, 2021 [March 29th, 2021]
- The Potential (and Peril) of Legalizing Psychedelics - Progressive.org - January 1st, 2021 [January 1st, 2021]
- Oakland continues move to protect entheogen plants - The Leaf Online - September 18th, 2020 [September 18th, 2020]
- The Only Obstacle To A Healthy World Is Government Secrecy And Propaganda - Scoop.co.nz - July 21st, 2020 [July 21st, 2020]
- There's More to the CHOP Than What the Media Will Have You Believe - Study Breaks - July 21st, 2020 [July 21st, 2020]
- Entheogens | Sacred Geometry - June 15th, 2020 [June 15th, 2020]
- Entheogen - Wikipedia - May 4th, 2020 [May 4th, 2020]
- The Return Trip: Psychedelics may come back from the abyss of illegality - Valley Advocate - November 23rd, 2019 [November 23rd, 2019]
- How San Francisco's Summer of Love sparked religious movements - The Oakland Press - August 25th, 2017 [August 25th, 2017]
- Outside the Box - HuffPost - August 13th, 2017 [August 13th, 2017]
- 'Summer of Love' shaped American lives, spiritual expression - Houston Chronicle - July 29th, 2017 [July 29th, 2017]
- The Summer of Love was more than hippies and LSD it was the start of modern individualism - The Independent - July 24th, 2017 [July 24th, 2017]
- How San Francisco's Summer of Love sparked today's religious movements - Religion News Service - July 22nd, 2017 [July 22nd, 2017]
- The Poisoner: Pharmakos and Veneficus-Poisoner's Apothecary - Patheos (blog) - July 19th, 2017 [July 19th, 2017]
- The Summer of Love was more than hippies and LSD it was the start of modern individualism - Metro Newspaper UK - July 8th, 2017 [July 8th, 2017]
- The Summer of Love was more than hippies and LSD it was the ... - The Conversation UK - July 7th, 2017 [July 7th, 2017]
- Entheogen - PsychonautWiki - July 1st, 2017 [July 1st, 2017]
- The History and Possibilities of Putting Weed in Your Witchcraft - Seattle Weekly - June 29th, 2017 [June 29th, 2017]
- Entheogens : Al-Kemi : spagyrics and alchemy - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Takes Consciousness Research into Mystic Realms of the Divine Play - The Sociable - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Entheogen - June 15th, 2017 [June 15th, 2017]
- Entheogens | Drug War Facts - June 5th, 2017 [June 5th, 2017]