Despierta awakens Hispanic American Festival and now moves to larger venue
Despierta Kalamazoo moves the Hispanic American Festival to Growlers Stadium and closer to the Edison Neighborhood.
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.
Edison is disability friendly, but unfriendly sidewalks are among issues to be addressed
Affordable housing makes Edison a place where many with disabilities live. The neighborhood is both accommodating and in some places hazardous for those navigating broken sidewalks.
As the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year, Damarion Johnson learns how to take center stage
For Damarion Johnson, being named Kalamazoo Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year taught him he had skills he didn't even know about.
Empowering Women in Edison: Two women who help others find their own strengths
Veteran services, legal assistance, working for birthing justice, a belief that rhythm is life, and having babies is part of the rhythm are all part of the work of two Edison nonprofits helping women.
The library building is in its 90th year, but the programs change to keep up with Edison
Do you know what's new at the Kalamazoo Public Library branch in Edison?
Let your voice be heard in Edison: IK2025
The goal is to hear from everyone in the Edison Neighborhood for a complete plan.
For many single parents in Edison it takes almost super powers to succeed
From "struggle, struggle, stuggle" to supporting others, one mom finds the strength to keep growing.
Liga Azteca de Futbol offers convenient sports option for Edison parents
Where kids come to have fun and parents meet people they don't see every day: Liga Azteca de Futbol.
From a single scooter company to three buildings, Jericho Town grows in Edison
In Jericho Town they are literally taking down the walls. It's a place in Edison where new businesses are finding a home in old factory buildings.
Edison Voices: Jaylah N. Lewis offers an invitation to Fire
Teens at Fire in the Edison neighborhood recently published their own zine that featured the poetry and artwork they created in Fire workshops. This is one of those pieces.
