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Bridging 23 will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2017, at Washtenaw Community College. The public is welcome to attend the free event. (Provided image)

ANN ARBOR, MI - U.S. 23 acts as a physical boundary between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, but some local groups think the divide runs deeper than geography.

The Association for Youth Empowerment and the Dispute Resolution Center of Washtenaw County are organizing a "Bridging 23" event, which intends to address the emotional, social and spiritual divide between the two sides of the highway. Community members are invited to attend on Friday, April 7, at Washtenaw Community College's Morris Lawrence Building.

"It is dedicated to transforming the way the people of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and the surrounding communities relate to one another," the event description reads. "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 community we all long for."

Those interested in attending Bridging 23 can reserve free tickets online. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and refreshments will be provided. The Dispute Resolution Center will facilitate "peace building circles," and there will be conversations about how to encourage more collaboration across Washtenaw County.

For more information, email drc@washtenaw.org or call 734-646-2274.