In 2021, Eastern Michigan University Archives lecturer Matt Jones began documenting the story of Ypsilanti’s Human Rights Ordinance #1279 in an effort to explore the ways in which local queer activism has evolved multi-generationally in Ypsilanti. What began as a refusal of service by a local print shop to a small EMU student group quickly turned into a years-long battle over who was deserving of basic human rights. To the LGBTQ activists and community members documented here, they had always been present in the community: working, paying taxes, painting their houses, mowing their lawns, attending council meetings, and even serving on council. This ordinance battle was about more than just LGBT rights—it was about protecting the human rights of all Ypsilantians. On December 13, 2021, Jones met with long time Ypsilantian, figure-skating coach, and community activist, Gary Clark. Clark became involved with the ordinance efforts very early on, when his partner encountered protestors in Depot Town after Tri-Pride was denied service. From there, they called up their friends, neighbors, and fellow community members and held what would become the first Citizens for Community (C4C) meeting. C4C became the group that took on the fight for the first campaign and initial ordinance passage. With Clark's leadership, community ties, and strong sense-of-self, the campaign was able to effectively advocate for an ordinance and bring more visibility to the LGBT community in Ypsi. He understood the importance of bringing in other communities to support the effort, and even visited the very same churches who  strongly opposed the campaigns. In this interview, Clark shares a more in-depth look at C4C's work, the initial drafting of the ordinance, and the shift towards Ypsi Campaign for Equality for the defense.

Gary Clark, Oral History Interview, 2021

Mark Lee is a Class of 1983 alum and former EMU student body president now teaching marketing at Eastern's College of Business. Lee is also the host of EMU Today-TV and a notable public speaker. He has held several leadership positions, such as CEO and president of
the Lee Group, an independent marketing and consulting firm based in Plymouth, Michigan. As a student Lee ran track under the leadership of Coach Bob Parks, and as student body president he advocated for the building of the REC/IM on campus. Lee was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and also helped develop EMU's Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations. During this interview he recounts growing up in Metro Detroit, his participation in campus life, and watching the University change over the years.

Mark Lee, Oral History Interview, 2023

In this interview an anonymous parent and their child share their experiences with Ypsi Pride. Anon shares how they have been coming to Ypsi Pride for many years, and explains that while their child, who is autistic, does not normally like big gatherings they love pride events. Anon also explains how they did not meet another queer person until they were an adult so they want to expose their child to the beauty that exists in the queer community.

Anonymous, Oral History Interview, 2023

In this interview Ypsi native Kenneth Curtis shares their experiences with Ypsi Pride, the first of which they attended in 2017. Curtis's first Ypsi Pride inspired them to start a GSA [Gay-Straight Alliance] at their high school, and later opened the door for them to join the Ypsi Pride board in 2021. They explain the difficulties of throwing Pride during pandemic, the importance of community spaces, and the hopes that Ypsi Pride will continue to grow and improve.

Kenneth Curtis, Oral History Interview, 2023

In this interview longtime Ypsi resident Thomas Droste shares their experiences with Ypsi Pride, explaining that 2023 is the first time they've attended. Droste shares that this is the first year they fully considered themselves a part of the queer community, sharing that they love the drag shows and thinks that events like Ypsi Pride show that Ypsi cares about all of its residents.

Thomas Droste, Oral History Interview, 2023

In this interview Michael Faunce shares their experiences with Ypsi Pride, sharing that they attended one previously working the booth for their church, Blue Ocean. Faunce explains that the lead pastor is a lesbian so they feel very welcomed there, and in the larger Ypsi community in general. They explain that while Pride helps increase tolerance towards queer people they hope one day labels won't matter and people can just be accepted as they are. 

Michael Faunce, Oral History Interview, 2023

In this interview longtime Ypsi resident Amber Fellows explains her experiences with Ypsi Pride, sharing that she attended the first one in 2015 and helped book live entertainment. Fellows explains that Pride is needed, but she finds more solace in other parts of the community, noting that Ypsi is known for being a queer haven. She also shares her experiences with Motor City Pride, impacts of the pandemic on Pride, and reminisces on running a zine table called Fag Rag Zines. 

Amber Fellows, Oral History Interview, 2023

In this interview Ypsi native Roberto Frausto shares their experiences at Ypsi Pride, detailing that they first attended a few years ago when they were coming to terms with their identity. Frausto shares that they identify as two-spirit, and they did not find that label for themself until they were in their twenties. Frausto also explores the power of queer connection, their thoughts on drag, and their love for their hometown of Ypsilanti.

Roberto Frausto, Oral History Interview, 2023

In this interview longtime Ypsi resident Grey Grant shares their Ypsi Pride experiences detailing that they first attended in 2021 to reunite with an old friend. Grant also details that they've been lucky finding a large queer community and queer spaces, and that their first pride was in their hometown of Winston Salem, NC, in the early 2000s. Grant also shares the importance of community for millenials and Gen Z, the joy of seeing so many trans people in Ypsi, and being happy to be at pride.

Grey Grant, Oral History Interview, 2023

On January 20, 2025, Dr. Mary Frances Berry, former chairperson of the US Civil Rights Commission, discussed her role as an ad hoc advisor to the Eastern Michigan University (EMU) Black Student Association (BSA) during the 1969 student demonstrations. Berry, who taught at EMU from 1968 to 1970, highlighted the practical demands of the BSA, such as more black faculty and programs, which were largely met. She contrasted the BSA's success with the less successful anti-Vietnam protests. Berry also recounted her experiences as a war correspondent in Vietnam and her efforts to secure legal representation for Bob Smith during the EMU protests.

Gary Clark, Oral History Interview, 2021

Eastern Michigan University Archives

Related tracks