In this ‘In the Spotlight’ series, we're highlighting community members of all interests and experiences, sharing their top reasons and tips for living in Ypsilanti.  

We’re shining a light on Trische’ Duckworth, founder of Survivors Speak and advocate for the Ypsilanti community. Trische’ is dedicated to empowering and educating people, from the voting process to giving a voice back to those often silenced.

Trische’ shares why she continues to proudly show up and share love for Ypsilanti.

1. What should we know about you and your organization?

People should know that, both myself and Survivors Speak, we LOVE our community! When we say "our community", we mean "all of us" of many different hues. We are all siblings and need to love one another more than we do!

2. Why Ypsi?

Ypsi means a lot to me. I came to Ypsilanti, from Flint, in 1996, aimlessly trying to figure life out. I was a survivor of SA and PA, who never told a soul. Ypsi helped me find me! Ypsi helped me deal with me! Ypsi helped grow me into the woman that I'm consistently growing into daily. I've learned about systems of inequity in Ypsi, as I have been racially violated many times, in Washtenaw County, but here, in Ypsi, I became a woman that learned to push back and to help others see the power of what we can ALL do together! Ypsi has been and will forever be MY HOME!

3. What can you share about Ypsilanti that only a local would know?

Being a freedom fighter, living in this area, is so humbling to know that Harriet Tubman and also Frederick Douglas and other freedom fighters came through Ypsilanti. This was one of the last stops for folks who were traveling further North, some even migrating here, with the vision of freedom. We are still working towards that freedom to this day! 

4. What advice would you give someone looking to live in Ypsi?

I found opportunities here. Flint had me boxed in, but Ypsi helped me see the true potential I had in myself. I was exposed to so much culture and seen a wide variety of what I could be within myself. Ypsi is definitely a place to help someone find greater meaning, if they're looking! 

5. Good things are happening here all the time. What’s good in Ypsi?

What I love about Ypsi is the celebration of diversity in some aspects. It joys my heart to see so many Black owned Businesses Downtown: Puffer Reds, HINTON Real Estate Group, The Print Giants, Ypsi Marketing and Print Company, Brandhrt Evolution, and others. This is a town of many festivals. There is always something to do. The community is always coming together, through the good and the bad.

6. What is something you are looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to Ypsilanti's Annual Juneteenth Celebration Weekend, June 21st-23rd. We will come together to Celebrate Juneteenth, as a National Holiday, but we are also celebrating the work ahead. We have much work to do to build racial equity, but we must take the time to come together, in love, and refuel. That is what I'm excited about! We have some amazing acts, along with headlining artist, Dwele, on Saturday. This will be a weekend of fun; an educational celebration!

7. How would you describe Ypsilanti in 3 words?

“Place Called HOME”. Ypsi has a way of making folks feel at home, I'll say.

Want to learn more about living in Ypsilanti? Find more features and property listings at LiveNypsi.com.