With an economic development organization that is the envy of many communities, Battle Creek is a city building on its food industry roots and the land that makes it the state’s third largest city. For fun, each year the Cereal City, world headquarters to the Kellogg Co., celebrates the significance of the most important meal of the day with the World’s Longest Breakfast table. Bikers, cyclers and joggers take in the parks, forests and streams linked by a 24-mile linear park. Campers and outdoor lovers visit Fort Custer Recreation area for fishing, hiking, cross country skiing and boating. For animal lovers, African creatures, like giraffes, and Asian animals, like snow leopards, make the Binder Park Zoo a must. The Battle Creek Art Center and Battle Creek Symphony stoke the city’s cultural offerings and the new Firekeepers Casino adds to the city’s fun side. B.C’s Math and Science Center is acclaimed and secondary education needs are accommodated by Kellogg Community College, Robert B. Miller College and a branch of Western Michigan University. And Sojourner Truth, who lived here, watches over downtown from the memorial in her honor.
Leonard Harris has worked over the years with young people as a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer and a tutor through his church, Mt. Zion A.M.E. He knows how important it is for them to see that they can have successful careers and good lives.
Michigan Reconnect will give any resident 25 years and older with a high school diploma or GED a tuition-free education at any participating community college in Michigan. Some are already signing up for classes.
Given the history of abuse by the health care system in the United States, there are understandable reasons for People of Color to be cautious about the COVID-19 vaccination. Battle Creek leaders hope with more information that suspicion can turn around.
The pandemic has hit entrepreneurs across the board, closing some 3.3 million small businesses at least temporarily, and the sidelining of 440,000 African Americans was especially severe. Catering business Taste-A-Licious has come through so far but there is a long way to go.
“I wanted to communicate to the kids that people may communicate differently and that it’s OK,” Language Arts Instructor Jamesia Nordman says. “I wanted them to understand and try to develop empathy for others.”
Churches across the country have dealt with the pandemic in different ways. At First Congregational Church in Battle Creek going online has created new ways to reach an audience they might never have otherwise encountered.
Racial Healing Facilitators in Battle Creek are creating circles where people can be in a safe place to discuss the difficult conversations that come with experiencing racial trauma.
SURJ works to connect people across the country while supporting and collaborating with local and national racial justice organizing efforts. SURJ provides a space to build relationships, skills, and political analysis to act for change. “It is important to not the lead work but to follow the people who are already doing the work,” says Sarah, who also leads White Caucus gatherings for SURJ.
With 2020 done the City of Battle Creek is assessing residents' greatest needs and how to address them. Plans are in place to offer assistance even as City staff is down by 26 employees.
Second Wave reporters, correspondents, and photographers were as busy as they could be during 2020. We're grateful that you read and shared Second Wave stories (readership is up nearly 35 percent when compared to the previous year). We hope you will let us know what you want to read about in 2021.
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