Saginaw Community Alliance for the People, Michigan Health Improvement Alliance work to break down barriers to systemic racism
Saginaw’s Community Alliance for the People and the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance have hired Nyesha Clark-Young as their director of advocacy for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (AJEDI).
The nonprofits have partnered on the leadership position, which is focused on breaking down barriers to systemic racism in the city of Saginaw and communities throughout central and eastern Michigan.
Clark-Young, a founding member of Saginaw CAP, is no stranger to the nonprofit world and activism. She’s worked at Detroit-based organizations Mothering Justice and the Economic Justice Alliance of Michigan. She’s also volunteered as a board member with Saginaw-based organizations the Ezekiel Project and I Am Community, and she has served as creative director for AMusBE (A Museum of Black Experiences) and art chairwoman for the Saginaw African Cultural Foundation.
“Nyesha’s whole journey in community advocacy comes full circle with this position. Everything she fights for, she’s also endured, which is what makes her perfect for the position,” CAP Founding Member and President Jeff Bulls said. He noted that she’s a mom who raised her children in the fight for equity and justice, taught them to advocate alongside her, and now they advocate, too.
“Her advocacy isn’t just a position, it’s who she is. That’s why she will continue to do great things and help to get justice and equitable outcomes for families and children in this community,” he said.
As director of AJEDI, Clark-Young will work to identify and implement strategies that ensure everyone — regardless of who they are or where they came from — has equal access to:
- Receive affordable, convenient and safe health care;
- Live in vibrant neighborhoods and communities; and
- Be a part of a healthy workforce and economy.
“In her role with us, Nyesha will focus on advocacy with grassroots organizations, such as Saginaw CAP, to provide distinctive value to our partner organizations and the projects they pursue,” said Heidi Tracy, Michigan Health Improvement Alliance CEO.
Clark-Young emphasized the importance of relationships and partnerships.
“I see this role as bringing organizations together that are working toward a common goal and furthering the reach of the people who are already doing the work,” she said. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel; we’re just trying to connect the dots.”
Clark-Young is also passionate about art and art therapy, having initiated and led several community art projects. She also serves as an art therapist, using her skills and expertise to help individuals explore and express themselves through the transformative power of art.
“Community art creates balance,” she said. “People often get tired of being in the struggle so it’s OK to take time to produce joy and give it to the community; it creates energy. Joy is revolutionary.”
As for as her new role, she sees it as her life’s work.
“When you are passionate about something, it doesn’t feel like a job. This is the work I’ve been doing because it is my passion, my mandate,” she said.
Clark-Young can be reached via email at [email protected].