Ypsi picnic uniting law enforcement with residents returns for third year

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

Organizers are proudly reflecting on the growth of Peacenic Ypsi, an annual community picnic intended to build bridges between residents and law enforcement, as its third year approaches. This year’s Peacenic will take place at West Willow Park, 2099 Tyler Rd. in Ypsilanti Township, on June 13 from 3-7 p.m.

“It’s something that brings enrichment to people’s lives, and at the heart is a message of unity,” says Peacenic volunteer Jamie Kelsey. “It’s about how we move through things successfully, how we can reach prosperity together. That’s a big theme of Peacenic: different components coming together.”

Ypsi resident Rev. Joseph Jackson founded Peacenic Ypsi after he visited Detroit’s 2023 Peacenic event. The first Peacenic Ypsi took place Aug. 10, 2024, at the Ypsilanti Community High School Parking lot, featuring live community resource tables, music, sports, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and other activities. Representatives from multiple public safety departments participated in the event meant to create a bridge between community members and police.

Looking back, Jackson says it was “really wonderful” that organizers had the opportunity to connect with numerous local organizations so soon after getting the ball rolling on a local version of Peacenic. Those organizations include A Brighter Way, Washtenaw My Brothers Keeper, and Ypsilanti Township government. Jackson says he felt the first event was “very successful”.

“We were elated that we were able to bring the community together, the partners we were able to bring together, the things for youth and seniors and those in the middle. I felt we were covering all ages and aspects, and that was a success,” Jackson says.

In 2025, Peacenic organizers had learned some lessons. They wanted to go bigger and better for the second festival, along with moving the date to June. They brought back some fan favorites but added a band from Detroit and a team of African dancers. 

Toneka Smith, community engagement officer for the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, has been part of the organizing committee for this year’s event since attending the event in 2025. She says she wanted “to make sure law enforcement has a way of getting out and connecting with the community on positive notes,” and not just when there are crimes.

“We want to be there for their needs,” Smith says. “Being a community engagement officer to me means showing up for the community when it’s in need, not pulling you over writing tickets. I’m there if you need resources or help, if you need to figure out how to get involved in the community.”

She says she wants the community to know that police officers aren’t rooting for people to go to jail. Instead, many of them “want you to do better and be better,” she says.

Jackson recalls an amusing moment at Peacenic when Smith participated in a tug-o-war pitting law enforcement against community members

“We had a tug-o-war event that featured the community versus law enforcement. Toneka ended up on the ground, but had fun,” Rev. Jackson says.

Jackson says Peacenic Ypsi 2026 will feature more than 50 community resource vendors and many of the same features as past picnics. It will also introduce a “Pitch with a Purpose” event that Jackson calls a “‘Shark Tank’-style platform for young entrepreneurs.” Another new addition will be an award honoring an Ypsilanti resident who has made a difference in the community.

Jackson and other members of the Peacenic Ypsi team want the community to know that while the picnic is the draw, the organization hosts additional programming throughout the year between festivals. 

Jackson says Peacenic is in its second year of hosting roundtables to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with resources and community. Stakeholders from community partners like the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Washtenaw County Mental Health, Bank of America, Michigan Works!, the Ypsilanti District Library, and more attend the roundtables as well.

Jackson says they meet with clients for a few hours, having a group discussion about the clients’ needs.

“Then we try to bring some stabilization to them with those partnerships,” Jackson says.

Nerissa Gilyard is a licensed clinical counselor and founder of mental health nonprofit Black Girls Crowned. She has helped with the monthly roundtables Peacenic began offering after the first Peacenic festival in 2024. She says the mental health piece of Peacenic’s work is meant to be subtle, with the aim of “making sure everyone is taking care of themselves emotionally.”

Jackson also wanted to offer a “five friends” initiative that would introduce five Ypsi-area residents, including both youth and adults, in various neighborhoods to each other so they can meet regularly for fellowship and community building. The program is on hold but Jackson hopes to relaunch it soon.

Kelsey says she keeps coming back to volunteer with Peacenic because she truly believes in the organization’s purpose.

“Come to our event, meet people, and feel good,” she says.

More information about Peacenic is available on its Facebook page.