The City of Ypsilanti, along with Eastern Michigan University, are working together to highlight African-American history in Ypsilanti. A community conversation was held today at the Parkridge Community Center to discuss the project called "Black Ypsi: Recorded and Remembered."

A total of seven signs with photos and text of historic events will be installed around the city in the spring of 2018. Locations include the First Ward School on South Adams Street that served as the first African-American school in Ypsilanti and stops on the Underground Railroad.

Caroline Sanders is the Interim Assistant Director of Community Relations and Engagement at EMU. She says another sign called "Black Protest" will be located on campus.

"It will acknowledge the protest of the black students from Eastern Michigan University from basically the late 60's, early 70's and is also expected to include the most recent protest from last year."

Sanders refers to a protest that was organized after racist graffiti was found on campus. The Washtenaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau is also helping with the project.

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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu