Author

Al Jones

Al Jones

Al Jones is a freelance writer who has worked for many years as a reporter, editor, and columnist. He is the Project Editor for On the Ground Kalamazoo.

Al Jones's Latest Articles

Dr. Benjamin C. Wilson, keynote speaker for the Northside Ministerial Alliance's 35th annual celebration of the late civil rights leader.
MLK Day conversation: History can be rewritten, historian tells Kalamazoo ministers

"What happens when centuries of lies become accepted truths?" asks  Dr. Benjamin C. Wilson, keynote speaker for the Northside Ministerial Alliance's 35th annual celebration of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Wilson suggests that the accomplishments of African-Americans and the travails they suffered are left out.

New volunteer coalition focuses on shelter, heat, meals, and advocacy for Kalamazoo’s homeless

A new grassroots group in Kalamazoo has generated an outpouring of support for those living in Kalamazoo area homeless camps. This is how that turned into a little bit too much love, how the group has repaired its early over-enthusiasm and how it's pushing ahead.

‘Keep Kalamazoo Wild’ effort purchases and hopes to maintain woodland next to Kleinstuck Preserve

"We've been way more successful than we could have hoped. We were really happy when we were able to make an offer on the property and it was accepted this summer,” says Erin Fuller, president of the Stewards of Kleinstuck.  

City of Kalamazoo and United Way have a new grant program to help small businesses pay for PPE

The City of Kalamazoo and the regional United Way are partnering to help city-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees that need funds for personal protective equipment.

A few things they don’t tell you about recovering from COVID-19

When Al Jones caught COVID-19 he wasn't ready to believe that's what it was. Till he could feel it in his lungs. 

COVID-canceled 40th class reunion replaced by fund-raising challenge to support Maroon Giant seniors

Kalamazoo Central class of 1980 may not have been able to gather for their 40th reunion, but they are rallying around a cause as they hope to establish a legacy gift that will help seniors overcome financial barriers to graduation.

Kalamazoo City Commission earmarks $100,000 to support gun violence reduction efforts

As shootings across Kalamazoo neighborhoods continue, the City Commission votes to take a step to join with local groups combatting gun violence, among other measures.

City of Kalamazoo gets set for first-ever Civil Rights Board

Seven members of the City of Kalamazoo's Civil Rights Board Local will hear complaints that are to be investigated by the Kalamazoo city attorney or his designee. 

COVID will halt 230,000 more human service connections in Greater Kalamazoo this year, survey finds

The organizations serving the Kalamazoo area's most vulnerable are vulnerable themselves as COVID-19 exacts a toll on physical and financial resources. A new survey shows what that toll is.

Event to highlight new research on Alzheimer’s, launch next phase of fundraising for learning center

Those who live or work with people with memory loss will have an early opportunity to advance their knowledge as Heritage Community in Kalamazoo hosts a virtual education event titled “State of Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Research.”

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