Literacy Mic

Learner Melissa shares her experiences with ESL Book Group.  She talks about her path to learning English through literature.  Her humor and joy of learning are clear throughout her conversation with Eric Black. Credits Guest: Melissa Host: Ethan Myers Interviewer: Eric Black Editor: Eric Black Producer: Ethan Myers

Learner Orwa came from Israel 6 months ago.  He began attending Washtenaw Literacy's book club to improve his skills and meet more people.  In the episode, he shares his experience learning English, getting to know the American culture, and finding a community of friends through Washtenaw Literacy. Credits Guests: Orwa Host: Ethan Myers Interviewer: Eric Black Editor: Eric Black Producer: Eth...

Program Coordinator David Christensen talks to tutor/intern Brook Drost about a learning lab she facilitated on the history of the LGBT community in the United States.  She also shares her experiences tutoring and perspective on adult literacy. Credits Guests: Brook Drost Host: Eric Black Interviewer: David Christensen Editor: Ethan Myers Producer: David Christensen Assistant Producer: Ethan Myers

Program Coordinator David Christensen talks to tutors/donors Marty Friedburg & Beth Dugdale about their experiences hosting multiple Thanksgiving dinners with ESL learners. They also share other ways they've connected with their learners over the years. Credits Guests: Marty Friedburg & Beth Dugdale Host: Ethan Myers Interviewer: David Christensen Editor: Ethan Myers Producer: David C...

In today’s episode, Program Coordinator David Christensen talks to long-time donor, former board member, and namesake of Nicola’s Books, Nicola Rooney. She talks about getting involved with the board, how Nicola’s Books supported Washtenaw Literacy’s mission over the years, and how Washtenaw Literacy has changed over time. If you’d like to check out Nicola’s Books, you can find their website at ht...

Program Specialist Karen Riggins talks to longtime Washtenaw Literacy learner LaRue. In the first part of their conversation, LaRue tells Karen about his experiences growing up in Detroit, how his path changed and why he was inspired to begin tutoring.  Later, LaRue talks about the responsibilities that learners and tutors have to themselves and to each other when working together.  Credits Guest:...

Program Coordinator Jennifer Musser talks with Donna DeButts. Donna has worn many hats over the years, from volunteer tutor to the first Executive Director. She’ll take us on a journey through the agency’s past and speculate on its future.  Credits Guest: Donna DeButts Host: Ethan Myers Interviewer: Jennifer Musser Editor: Ethan Myers Producer: David Christensen Assistant Producer: Eric Black

Program Coordinator David Christensen talks with former staff member Megan Jenkins about her time with the agency,  the capacity of the organization growing, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and her experience with Washtenaw Literacy's jail program. Credits Guest: Megan Jenkins Host: Karen Riggins Interviewer: David Christensen Editors: Eric Black & Ethan Myers Producer: David Christense...

Literacy Mic hosts Kurtis Edwards discusses barriers to learning with Makayla Whitney. Barriers to learning impact all of us and Makayla reflects on how her barriers, and her privilege, got her to where she is now. Makayla is a Program Coordinator with Washtenaw Literacy. Credits Guest: Makayla Whitney Host: Kurtis Edwards Interviewer: Kurtis Edwards Editor: Kurtis Edwards Producer: David Christen...

Today, Literacy Mic host Kurtis Edwards talks about barriers to learning with Myeshia McDaniel. In this conversation, Myeshia highlights the importance of valuing and taking ownership of yourself and how this can impact one's learning. Myeshia is the giving coordinator and office assistant with Washtenaw Literacy. Credits Guest: Myeshia McDaniel Host: Kurtis Edwards Interviewer: Kurtis Edward...

In our second episode, Literacy Mic producer David Christensen talks with Nick Lacy. Their conversation spans different kinds of barriers to learning, from dyslexia to racism and class in the United States. They thread a narrative that connects support from parents, teachers, and mentors to the achievement gap seen between the haves and the have-nots. Nick is the giving manager at Washtenaw Litera...

In this episode, Literacy Mic producer David Christensen has a conversation with Grace Pang. They talk at length about how Washtenaw Literacy operationalizes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and intersectionality. Grace is a board member and mentor with Washtenaw Literacy. Credits Guest: Grace Pang Host: Kurtis Edwards Interviewer: David Christensen Editor: Kurtis Edwards Producer: David...