Grand Ledge Public Schools, Hayes Middle School, COVID-19, mask mandate

Passions run high over COVID and schools, but debate remains civil

Across the country, school board meetings have erupted as parents and sometimes students have clashed about COVID vaccinations and masking. Some meetings have turned raucous and personal. School leaders have resigned or been removed. In and around Ingham County, people report that while interest and passions have run high, the climate had been civil. East Lansing Public Schools

Shelley Davis Boyd, president of MacDonald Middle School’s parent council

Boyd said the parents’ council has a very close relationship with the school district’s administration and superintendent. 

“We’re constantly kept in the loop on what’s going on … the reaction has been very positive,” Boyd said.

East Lansing voters

Despite dire warnings, they voted in person and liked it

After weeks of hearing that polling places would be crowded, dangerous and contentious, some voters in East Lansing, Detroit and Shiawassee County who decided to chancve it were pleasantly surprised. They said voting precincts were ready for them, lines were short or organized to move swiftly and they felt safe from COVID-19.

A "vote" sign is staked outside Dixie Baptist Church in Oakland County's Springfield Township.

Michigan voters head to polls

Michigan voters headed to the polls this morning amid a pandemic that’s helped push absentee voting to record levels. More than 3 million Michigan voters have cast absentee ballots, according to the Secretary of State’s office, and 2 million people are expected to vote in person at the polls today. That could beat a turnout record of just over 5 million ballots cast in 2008.

Paving the way: Popular 20th century African- American style symbolized political meaning

Many fashion trends developed as Interstate 496 underwent construction in 1963. Within the history of African-Americans in the 20th century lies political and cultural movements that used the power of fashion to assist in communicating ideas supplemental to the goal of obtaining equal rights. Style choices also derived from popular culture as well as advocates for Black pride. Key fashion motifs were confidence and class which can be seen through the successes of Bill Lett, the owner of a prestigious women’s fashion shop and later a bridal shop both in Lansing, Michigan during the 20th century. Luxurious fur coats and expensive bridal dresses were iconic pieces in these shops.