Yett grows into Sterling Heights African American Coalition chair post – Macomb Daily

As a child attending public school in Sterling Heights she was bullied but instead of a bitter departure, AeYanna Yett stayed and watched her city grow into a diverse community that no longer tolerates racism.

Now she chairs Sterling Heights’ African American Coalition.

“Working with and serving the African American Coalition has been an empowering opportunity, as we collectively move toward more visibility, inclusivity, and belonging in our Sterling Heights community,” said Yett.  “This coalition is so promising, and I am excited to see the impact of our future work together.”

Yett and her parents moved out of Detroit and into Sterling Heights in 2004.

She was 7-years-old when they moved into their suburban home, where she soon learned she was a minority in the neighborhood. At that time, she attended a private school with a student population that was diverse compared to other schools. However, it closed and her family had no choice but to enroll her in public school.

Any student starting a new school is nervous but Yett was also the only Black student in her class.

“My first day I was surrounded by students in the corridor and called many racial epithets,” Yett said.

Not long after that she was able to transfer to the Utica Academy for International Studies, where she enjoyed a mostly peaceful existence despite being the only African American in her senior graduating class. Still, she became inspired to continue her education and hasn’t slowed down since.

She earned her bachelor of science in psychology and African American Studies from Wayne State University and is currently working on a master of social work in infant mental health while interning at Detroit’s Sasha Center, which provides holistic healing services to survivors of sexual assault while working to increase justice and visibility for victims in southeast Michigan.

It’s this scholarly journey along with her experiences working among Detroit’s diverse communities not only as an intern at the Sasha Center but as president of WSU Association of Black Social Workers that she brings to the roundtable discussions held by the coalition.

“We’ve had community forums where we talk about whatever the community wants to talk about and work toward solutions,” Yett said.

Such are the goals of the coalition founded in 2020 after a series of focus groups among the city’s Black population showed a need for it.

“It’s a fantastic group,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor “We formed it after the George Floyd murder because we knew we had blind spot and because residents felt their concerns were not being heard. Sometimes the easiest way to fix things is to bring people together.”

Yett concurred.

In the beginning the group had issues with individuals using it for their own gains. But in the past year it has found its groove and a cohesive approach to its mission to recognize racial disparities, accomplish racial equity and promote a culture of diversity and inclusion.

“We need to move away from segregation, racism and microaggression in our communities to a more collective belonging – where everyone feels – like they have a space and place in a community that loves them for who they are,” said the recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, which is dedicated to training the next generation of professional to serve and empower vulnerable people to build healthier community and live healthier lives.

FYI

The city of Sterling Heights African American Coalition provides an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities centered on racial equity within Sterling Heights and beyond.

The group is composed of African American residents; community leaders representing government, education, health care, business, clergy and more; and representatives from groups like Macomb Ministerial Alliance, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Interfaith Center for Racial Justice and others.

The group meets on the last Monday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m.

Anyone wishing to join the African American Coalition can contact Melanie Davis, community relations director for Sterling Heights at 586-446-2471.