In the Spotlight: Dr. Debby Mitchell Covington | Live 'n Ypsi
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In our new "In the Spotlight" series, we're highlighting community members of all interests and experiences, sharing their top reasons and tips for living in Ypsilanti.
For our February feature, we're shining a light on Dr. Debby Mitchell Covington, dedicated Chair of the African American Historical & Cultural Museum of Washtenaw County. As a resident of Ypsilanti with deep community connections, Debby shares what makes Ypsilanti truly special in her own words, plus what's happening and what's next for the museum.
What to know: The African American Cultural and Historical Museum (AACHM) has a mission to research, collect, preserve and exhibit cultural and historical materials about the life and work of African Americans in Washtenaw County. The museum is located at 1528 Pontiac Trail in Ann Arbor, just a short drive from downtown Ypsilanti. The museum hosts events like local history tours, and has a large digital collection of Washtenaw County history.
Now, let’s hear more from Debby:
How long have you been involved with AACHM?
I became involved in 2013 as an advisory committee member, then I was invited to the board after that. I became the vice chair, before stepping into the interim chair role. November 2020 elected as chair.
What would you like folks to know about your work in this space?
"Some of the things we have accomplished during my tenure has been building on the many years of faithful volunteers, founders, and others who have been diligent. The museum celebrated its 30th anniversary last September. But for 28 years, this was a museum without walls. In 2021, we opened our first brick and mortar museum- We've been running exhibits there. Our first theme was AACHM@1528: Art Meets History.”
Debby highlighted the museum's unique embedded exhibits like "The Great Migration: Millions Moved", creating dialogues between high school and college students and community members, giving insight into the First and Second migration by sharing their family's stories. These interactive partnerships create intergenerational art and community connections. Click here to view the exhibit's dialogue video series.
Family Foundations Exhibit at AACHM
The museum’s current interactive exhibition, “Family Foundations: Four Stories of Black Washtenaw County Community Building 1850-1950” features four origin stories of historic Black families from this area. The Kersey and Bass families, whose stories are presented here, provide a deeper look into what residing and connecting in Ypsilanti was like during this time. Family Foundations runs through February, then will reopen to the public at Washtenaw Community College soon after for an extended time. These photographs, records, and oral histories tell the stories of how these families laid the foundations for generations to come.
Would you like to share any upcoming news or updates from AACHM?
"A very important part of our story is what's next. What's next has to do with our building. We've purchased a historic farmhouse building from David R. Byrd and will now be the museum's permanent home. It is located in Pittsfield Township, Michigan. David Byrd was one of the first Black architects in the Ann Arbor Area. We went from being a museum without walls to being owners of a building."
Byrd Center Building, Future home of AACHM
Currently, The AACHM is located at 1528 Pontiac Trail in Ann Arbor. The new location will be 3261 Lohr Road in Pittsfield Township, in the David R. Byrd Center Historic District. This farmhouse was originally built in 1830 and restored and preserved by Byrd. The doors are anticipated to be open to the public later in 2024.
Lastly, as a resident of Ypsilanti and lifelong resident of the county, what do you like about living in Ypsi? Anything you'd like to give a special shout out to?
"It's the people and sense of community that I've experienced in Ypsilanti. I grew up in Ann Arbor and there was a really strong black community, and we were all connected, but I attended church in Ypsilanti and there was always that familiarity. I've been active in the community since I was 24 years old, so although I'm not a native, I feel very much at home here now because of the people in the city doing marvelous things."
If you have stories you'd like told or artifacts to share, please contact the AACHM. Reach out to the museum for volunteering and museum programming opportunities, or if you have interest in joining the advisory committee. Anyone can donate through affordable memberships for individuals, families, and organizations. Stay in touch by joining the mailing list. Click here to contact the museum today.
Want to learn more about living in Ypsilanti? Find more features and property listings at LiveNypsi.com.
