Safe space at Battle Creek’s Voces helps immigrants navigate legal landscape
“We have had generations of people who have emigrated from their native countries and established themselves here (in Battle Creek). It’s a safe and embracing community.”
Orchestra Jammbo’laya offers feast of music from African diaspora for under-served BIPOC youth
“We wanted to explore the African diaspora esthetics of music. And while anyone can join, our hope is to encourage underserved Black youth in our community to explore instrumental music by Black composers from the Americans, the Caribbean, Europe, from anywhere."
Spelman College Glee Club to perform free concert in Battle Creek
“There is an experience going to an HBCU that you just can’t compare. It’s the camaraderie, the cultural experience, and the emphasis on the heritage. You’re able to see how people of color in those days were able to create an institution with so little.”
Owner-occupied housing is focus of four new homes in Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood
The first four of some 21 homes the Northside Association for Community Development hopes to build in the neighborhood are nearly ready to be offered for sale.
200-partner collaborative raises awareness about impact of adverse childhood experiences in Michigan
Partners in the Michigan ACE Initiative are working to raise awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), prevent ACEs, and foster resilience among children who have experienced them.
What’s next for housing in Kent and Ottawa counties
As Kent County grows faster than the rest of the state, the community looks at ways to address its ongoing housing shortages. Through government entities, upcoming developers like Housing Next, and seasoned community development financial institutions like IFF, Grand Rapids has a collaborative plan in place to address the issue.
State of Michigan public health celebrates 150 years of service to Michiganders
The State of Michigan’s public health system recently celebrated its sesquicentennial: 150 years in service to Michiganders. To mark the occasion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared a nice collection of sesquicentennial information on its website.
Ford Airport one of first airports to use sign language boards powered by AI
The Grand Rapids airport is one of the first in the nation to try out new technology powered by AI that is being used successfully at train stations in the United Kingdom.
Galilee Baptist Church clears the way for $7M housing development on Kalamazoo’s Northside
Galilee Baptist Church moves ahead with plans to develop housing across the street from the church’s longtime location, with hopes of breaking ground later this year on two large apartment buildings.
Battle Creek leaders reflect on Jennifer Crumbley verdict and Michigan’s new gun legislation
“How many people along the way saw warning signs with Ethan (Crumbley) and felt like it was not their place to say anything? We need to support each other in this thing called parenting. Parenting is hard and we all need each other to get through it.”
