Author

Clifton Kirkman II

Clifton Kirkman II is a freelance journalist, father, sickle cell warrior, and minister at New Macedonia Church in Ypsilanti. He was born in Detroit and has lived in Ypsilanti since 2005.

Clifton Kirkman II's Latest Articles

Beyond the books: How Toyota and the Ypsi District Library are opening doors to STEM

Since its partnership with the Ypsi District Library began in 2023, Toyota has provided $30,000 annually to expand programming, purchase educational equipment, and introduce young people to STEM professionals.

“Where steel sharpens steel”: Inside Ypsilanti’s decade-long hip-hop haven

As hip-hop artist Diont'e Visible prepares to release his new album, Ypsi's long-standing open mic series, The Dojo, founded by Harlin Duke Newcomb and housed by the Regal Beagle, celebrates 10 years.

Ypsi Community Schools join statewide ‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully’ campaign

For Bullying Prevention Month, Ypsi Community Schools is joining a statewide effort to encourage kindness, inclusion, and safer learning environments through the “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” campaign.

The Ann Arbor Local Food Festival.
Ann Arbor Local Food Festival to feature nearly 60 local food vendors and organizations

The event will bring together nearly 60 local businesses, farmers, food vendors, and community organizations for an evening designed to help attendees taste, learn, and connect.

Broadway Park West in Ann Arbor.
First public programming at new Ann Arbor park includes Pilates, yoga classes

Ann Arbor’s new Broadway Park West is coming alive this summer with its first public programming, featuring free Pilates and yoga classes for residents of all ages and experience levels.

Washtenaw County staff demonstrate a food scrap collection bin.
Washtenaw County food scrap drop-off program expands to Dexter and Salem Township

The Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office is expanding its Food Scrap Drop-off Pilot Program to serve Dexter and Salem Township. 

Attendees at the 2025 Small Business Fair at Washtenaw Community College.
Entrepreneurship Summit offers numerous resources for Washtenaw County business owners

On March 13, Washtenaw County residents, entrepreneurs, and aspiring business owners will gather for the fourth annual Entrepreneurship Summit at Washtenaw Community College.

The 2025 Small Business Expo at Washtenaw Community College.
New Washtenaw County program offers support for business owners recovering from COVID

The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development is now accepting applications for its new Small Business Growth Activator Program, which aims to support entrepreneurs seeking to recover from the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washtenaw County sickle cell disease researchers and activists see promise in gene therapy, threats in federal funding cuts

As gene therapies become a reality and data-driven research expands despite federal funding cuts, the sickle cell disease community in Washtenaw County stands at a crossroads.

The Ann Arbor District Library's Downtown Library.
Ann Arbor District Library to offer downtown retail spaces with rents as low as $150/month

The retail suites, dubbed Lobby Shops, will be available for a six-month lease with an option to renew for another six months. Monthly rent ranges from $100 to $250.

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