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.
“My biggest passion and mission for the Burma Center is to empower our people and make these people valued in this community and make sure that their voices are heard so that they can thrive alongside other people here so they can be successful like other families."
Starr Commonwealth in Albion is partnering with Grand Valley State University in its Omni initiative to provide adults with the knowledge and tools they need to work with children who experience trauma.
“I think the beauty of this campaign is that we had so many of our community partners coming together. It really reflects our city and promotes a sense of pride, growth, and excitement."
Battle Creek native, graphic designer, and longtime art teacher Jeff Keedy created the font chosen for Battle Creek's new tagline. “I find that it has both a playful and erratic quality. [The font] can be used to connote a cutting-edge kind of weirdness but also playfulness."
“There is a bigger movement afoot. We can and must simultaneously support today’s workforce while working to change the system that is holding these childcare problems in place.”
On the Ground Battle Creek's Jane Parikh took part in an LGBTQ&A Trivia Contest with other BC notables for a kickoff to Battle Creek Pride. "As an ally and a friend to members of the LGBTQ + community, I thought I understood a lot," Jane writes. "I was wrong."
Rent, mortgage, and utility support are available to early childhood educators in Battle Creek through the American Rescue Plan Act and W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds.
Foundation-based youth advisory councils provide a valuable opportunity for youth to speak up about issues and solutions they think will matter.
“We really want to make sure that the public policy advocacy we’re doing was grounded in the experiences of families we serve all across the country."
As BC Pride begins celebrations, organizers, allies, and advocates are excited to celebrate. "We are your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. We contribute to our community in many positive and impactful ways and we are here to stay.”
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