In a city whose well-known historical figures include revered, fiery abolitionist Sojourner Truth, other influential women have also made their mark by following paths that were uniquely their own. As part of On the Ground Battle Creek’s coverage of Women’s History Month, Jane Parikh shares stories of three women who secured their unique spots in the city’s history.
As part of our Voices of Youth Battle Creek series, On the Ground Project Editor Jane Parikh speaks with Lilyana Collins, a seventh grade artist who is one of many area young artists featured in the annual Art Center of Battle Creek's "Class Act." Second Wave photographer Taylor Scamehorn captured the proud artists with their creations at the show's opening on March 19.
Waséyabek Development Company, established in 2017 by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi of Calhoun County, has become a poster child for the Harvard Project on American Indian Development. Waséyabek is on pace to become a $1 billion company by 2040, and in recognition of its success, President and CEO Deidra Mitchell has been invited to serve as a guest lecturer at the prestigious Harvard-Kennedy School on March 24.
In Michigan, the average pay for a Child Care Worker is $30,047 a year and $14 an hour and the average salary range for a Child Care Worker is between $23,406 and $34,343. “Childcare itself is not a money-making venture. Many of our childcare providers live in poverty and often without benefits,” says Kathy Szenda Wilson, co-director of Battle Creek's Pulse, which will use the grant money to help support childcare providers.
Did you know that Southwest Michigan hosts 114 miles of an eight-state national scenic trail? The North Country Trail, managed by the local Chief Noonday Chapter, is a quiet, local treasure. On 10 a.m. March 11, the Chapter is inviting visitors on a four-mile guided hike. Hikers will meet at Ned’s Deli on Gull Lake located at 15450 M-43.
Transportation to and from a healthcare provider is a significant obstacle for many in Calhoun County. Starting this spring, the Calhoun Wellness Wagon will bring healthcare to residents who don't have reliable forms of transportation.
Goodwill Industries does a lot more than run a resale storefront. Its Navigations Program has been helping people with physical and mental disabilities find and maintain self-supporting jobs since 1993. After 30 years, one of its original hires, John Shriver, is about to retire.
Cemeteries are historical treasure troves, and Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek is home to the final resting place of Sojourner Truth, John Harvey Kellogg, C.W. Post, and many others. But the chapel is in serious disrepair. Funeral Director Sydney Morgan is spearheading a campaign to restore the historic chapel to its previous glory.
Battle Creek's Tiffany Blackman is beating the odds with her small downtown business, Bread & Basket, while supporting, encouraging, and mentoring other Women of Color with their businesses. Her business plans got an unexpected gift during the pandemic, she says. “When you have the responsibility of raising and supporting a family you don’t have time to dream. The pandemic gave me the time to dream.”
A 'best kept Battle Creek (musical) secret,' Battle Creek's Cereal City Concert Band honors Black History Month with the world premier of a piece by Flint native Gary Powell Nash featuring local soprano soloist Carmen Bell and several selections by African American composers at their "Life Every Voice and Sing" February concert.
Our Sponsors
Our Media Partners
