Author

Theresa Coty O'Neil

Theresa Coty O’Neil is the Managing Editor of Southwest Michigan Second Wave. As a longtime freelance writer, editor, and writing teacher, she has a passion for sharing the positive stories in Southwest Michigan and for mentoring young writers. She also serves as the Project Editor of the Faith in Action series and Project Lead for Battle Creek Voices of Youth.

Theresa Coty O'Neil's Latest Articles

A cowboy at heart, Murphy Darden’s collection celebrates all that’s possible for African Americans

Artifacts from the first black astronauts, the Buffalo Soldiers, and the first African American millionaire are just the beginning of the Darden collection acquired over many years by the 90-year-old.

$100,000 in funding will help launch new Northside training and entrepreneurial programs

The Northside Cultural Business District is intended to increase the number of resident-owned business, especially those by African American and low-income residents, preserve existing housing and create new housing.

Longtime residents who choose the Northside create the backbone of the community

The Northside neighborhood has benefited from the hard and dedicated work of people who have lived there for many years.

Our neighbors. Our stories. How one neighborhood taught us what we have in common

For 120 days Second Wave has been in the Edison neighborhood for our first On the Ground project. Theresa Coty O'Neil offers some reflections on her time meeting the neighbors. 

From boom to bust to boom: Washington Square makes an upturn

After frustrating delays, challenging economic times, and constant misperceptions, Washington Square is on the way back. 

Dia de los Muertas
Increased deportation enforcement leaves many Edison families living in fear

Today, the chance of detainment and deportation is real for many undocumented immigrants. In Edison, that means some families live in fear of being separated. 

Climate of fear spreads beyond Latinx neighborhood and community takes action in response

Who to contact if you want to support immigrants in Kalamazoo. Here are some organizations doing the work. 

Washington Writers’ Academy shows off its writing skills during Art Hop

Washington Writers' Academy shows off its artistic flair and opens doors for its first Art Hop event.

Spreading gravel on a hot day is a Building Blocks’ way of meeting the neighbors

Neighbors build friendships as they come together on improvement projects as part of the Building Blocks program. 

How will Edison keep moving ahead? Neighborhood explores artistic answers

Artists find a place to call home in Edison and Edison calls on them for their ideas to lift the neighborhood.

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