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.
A recent project for Christina Ne’Cole Smith involved capturing images of children dressed as African American historical figures during Black History Month in February. And the Battle Creek photographer displayed the photos on various social media platforms.
Having a hotel connected to Kellogg Arena is one of the solid selling points for those seeking a place to host their events. Events that have a multimillion-dollar impact on the city and the county.
The Kellogg Foundation says: "R.I.S.E.’s violence interruption strategy is grounded in a public health approach and is in alignment with the foundation’s closest held values of race equity, community engagement, and community-based leadership."
Kellogg says the spinoff of its North American cereal and plant-based foods businesses should be complete by the end of 2023. Both will continue to be based in Battle Creek.
Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative, in collaboration with The Synergy Health Center and Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, will welcome community members to a Community Conversation.
For 19 years the We Read program in Battle Creek has been working with children who might not have someone at home to read to them or listen to them read. This year the program needs volunteers to keep those relationships growing.
The idea of a food co-op in downtown Battle Creek has been discussed for several years and now there is a demand for it given the growth of residential properties that are fully occupied with waiting lists.
Randy Case will soon receive the American Institute of Architects Michigan 2022 Gold Medal, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an architect in the State of Michigan.
The Milton is considered a Community Revitalization Project that rivals anything that has happened in a larger city like Detroit, says Mark Harmsen, founder and president of MDH Development and owner of The Milton.
Dorothy McClendon, who passed away in 2020, was a tireless advocate for racial justice, equity, and healing. For the second year in a row, The Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation is hosting several community activities in recognition of her life and legacy.
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