On the Ground Battle Creek coverage to launch on Oct. 18
Coverage of Battle Creek's neighborhoods begins today, Oct. 18, as part of the On the Ground Battle Creek initiative.
On the Ground
On the Ground helps to tell the stories of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for Southwest Michigan.
Published by Southwest Michigan Second Wave, the mission of On the Ground is to connect readers to the area's most visionary and active people, businesses, and organizations — elevating a wide diversity of voices and contributing to the community conversation about what it means to call Southwest Michigan home.
Our journalists engage residents through regular listening sessions, events, and conversations to build trusted relationships that shape the community’s unique, solutions-oriented stories. We want to know what you think because what you think matters.
The On the Ground Battle Creek team includes Project Editor Jane Parikh and Photographer John Grap. The On the Ground Kalamazoo team includes Project Editor Al Jones and Photographer Fran Dwight. The Managing Editor for both series is Theresa Coty O'Neil.
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
We’re always looking for story content. Send your Battle Creek or Calhoun County ideas to otgreporter18@gmail.com. Send your Kalamazoo or Kalamazoo County ideas to editor@swmichigan.secondwavemedia.com.
Dreaming of the Northside Promise: Free, high-quality infant to Pre-K care and education
The Kalamazoo Promise has inspired Northside educators to dream of a promise of their own.
Justyce Against Bullying in Schools supports youth, raises awareness of how to deal with bullying
Do you know what to do if you are bullied? The young people in JABS are learning how best to respond when confronted by bullies.
The Douglass Community Association’s Autumn Gala to take place at Cityscape
Autumn Gala to benefit Douglass Community Association moves to Cityscape for a celebration of its years of service to the Northside.
From a genesis in Gary to a nexus on the Northside: One rapper’s artistic journey
Rapper Ed Genesis, gives poetic testimony to his Gary, Ind. roots and his Northside neighborhood while mentoring youth around the region to speak their own truths through spoken word and rap.
Rootead transplants to the Douglass to help area youth thrive
When Rootead outgrew its previous location it turned to the Douglass Community Center as a new home base.
A marriage of nonprofits: Young Kings and Queens, Inc.
The belief behind Young Kings and Queens is if you give a young person enough positive experiences they will learn how to be their best in the world.
Northside Gardens: Creating beauty and community
James Pitts shares the bounty of his garden and his gardening tips with his neighbors. And David Jones realizes a dream when a vacant lot becomes verdant.
From hammer to clipper: The evolution of Ennovy’s Beauty Bar, a model for Northside entrepreneurs
From a program named SWEEP to a beauty bar on North Street, Yvonne and Ricky Thrash have been making things beautiful on the Northside for years.
Northside Community Police Officer Aaron Jackson serves as eyes and boots on the ground
With the help of many City of Kalamazoo patrol officers who know the Northside well, Aaron Jackson says, he tries to be the “eyes and boots on the ground.”
