Diversity & Equity

Coverage of programs that deal with gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, and socioeconomic status; are focused on fair access to resources and opportunities; and, those that create environments where people feel welcome, respected, and fully accepted.

Four-year-old Heritage Fund fosters an accurate appreciation for Native Americans and their history

The Native American Heritage Fund is becoming a model that the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi would like to see being used to promote positive relationships for more Native American Tribes.

Latest in Diversity & Equity
Fair housing ordinance passes unanimously in Kalamazoo

"Kalamazoo will be a better city tonight than we were yesterday."  Those supporting changes to the city's housing ordinance that make t is easier to obtain housing for those who previously have been shut out of the housing market by a variety of barriers saw the adoption as a new day for the city. 

Shabaka Gibson, Vice President of Retention and Workforce Development with BCU.
Vice President of BCU advises ‘deal with the world the way it is and not how you want it to be’

When there is a problem, but the focus of the problem becomes racism, it can get in the way of addressing the problem, suggests Battle Creek Unlimited Vice President Shabaka Gibson. 

It’s complicated: In cities nationwide, including Kalamazoo, barriers can keep people homeless

Kalamazoo county's population is 11 percent Black while 60 percent of those in housing crisis are Black. Clearly, discrimination deeply factors into the housing inequities seen locally. Those barriers are about to be addressed.

Statements on gun violence in Kalamazoo from mayor and vice mayor

City officials speak to the gun violence occurring in Kalamazoo.

Belle Harvest farmer Tom Heffron checks a worker's temperature using a touchless thermometer.
With numerous barriers to health care, Michigan immigrants are among hardest hit by COVID-19

Fear of accessing public health programs, vulnerable working conditions, and lack of access to federal pandemic relief all contribute to immigrants being more susceptible to the pandemic than most.

Blog: The Great Stain: 10 Years after the Kalamazoo River oil spill

Ten Years after the Kalamazoo River oil spill the effects on the smallest organisms, the ecosystem as a whole, and long-term human health may never be fully understood.

The 2020 Kalamazoo Black Arts Fest will be a digital celebration

Kalamazoo’s 34th annual celebration of African-American culture, art, and innovation starts Friday, July 10, and continues through Sunday, July 12. This year it's online so everyone can stay safe.

Battle Creek’s Juneteenth Celebration will be on the road this year
The role of police in schools is being debated in Kalamazoo

Do police officers have a role in Kalamazoo Public Schools? The question is up for debate as a grassroots organization demands that officers must go.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services
Consumers Energy

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.