Editor's Note: On the Ground Battle Creek Project Editor Jane Parikh spoke with six Battle Creek residents — leaders, activists, youth — who shared what brings them hope, what sustains their hope, and what they hope for in their community in the coming year. 
 
Jose Orozco, Executive Director of VOCES
Jose Orozco, Executive Director of VOCES
 
What are some of your greatest hopes for the community?
 
One of my greatest hopes for the coming year is that the Latino community shows up to vote this year. According to census data our community continues to grow at a rapid speed and our vote is our voices. Additionally, It would be great to see Latino representation throughout the county and city on various leadership boards.
 
What do you see now that gives you hope for the coming year?
 
I have noticed quite a bit more involvement around civic engagement in the Latino Community not only from adults but youth as well. They are asking more questions about the process so that they are prepared when it is time to vote.
 
When it comes to hope and being hopeful, can you share a reflection, piece of advice, quick story, trusted practice, or lesson that has served you well?
 
I believe it is important to be as inclusive as possible of all communities.  We are not always going to get it correct 100% of the time but a show of good effort goes a long way in making folks feel welcome.

Michelle Salazar, Community Development Specialist, City of Battle CreekMichelle Salazar, Community Development Specialist, City of Battle Creek
 
What are some of your greatest hopes for the community? 

In the vibrant tapestry of Battle Creek, my hope is for a community where the spirit of being good neighbors prevails. When we embrace support, visibility, acceptance, and encouragement, we cultivate an environment where greatness flourishes and is nurtured.
 
What do you see now that gives you hope for the coming year?

Witnessing some of the vibrant collaborations and unity in our community gives me immense hope for the upcoming year. As businesses intertwine in partnerships, leaders explore innovative styles, and individuals courageously use their voices to shape our collective future, I am inspired by the momentum propelling Battle Creek towards a shared vision of prosperity and growth.

When it comes to hope and being hopeful, can you share a reflection, piece of advice, quick story, trusted practice, or lesson that has served you well?

Michelle Obama's "The Light We Carry" and the many lessons I've learned from her. 
  
Janet Wilson, Pastor, Trinity Neighborhood Center
Janet Wilson, Pastor, Trinity Neighborhood Center

What are some of your greatest hopes for the community?
 
My greatest hope for Battle Creek is that we learn to love this amazing community and value all that is present.

What do you see now that gives you hope for the coming year?
 
I see hope in efforts — from the City to organizations to community members, from young folks to seasoned elders, from established to upstart — to celebrate the great things that are present and create new things. Sometimes there is so much going on during a weekend that my husband and I have to choose carefully and will still miss an interesting event!

When it comes to hope and being hopeful, can you share a reflection, piece of advice, quick story, trusted practice, or lesson that has served you well?
 
 As a gardener, hope is all about planting seeds without knowing the outcome! Things may come up exactly as planned and dreamed in the next season. Or they may come up in an unexpected color or place. Sometimes it takes years for a project to come into full bloom. My job is to keep planting and tending … and to keep hoping. 
  
George Pyatt, a Freshman at the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center and Battle Creek Central High SchoolGeorge Pyatt, a Freshman at the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center and Battle Creek Central High School

What are some of your greatest hopes for the community?
 
I hope that our community can learn to work together and help improve the city as a collective group, and work towards things that will help everyone grow.

What do you see now that gives you hope for the coming year?

When I see people going out of their way and helping out strangers without being asked, it makes me have hope for our future.

When it comes to hope and being hopeful, can you share a reflection, piece of advice, quick story, trusted practice, or lesson that has served you well?
 
No matter where in life you are, as long as you have hope, you will always be okay.
  
Tha Par, Executive Director, Burma Cente
Tha Par, Executive Director, Burma Center
 
What are some of your greatest hopes for the community?
 
I hope that the spirit of hope will continue to be the inspiration of our community leaders and residents. Hope, I believe is what will sustain and bring forth passionate leaders to develop innovative and effective services in our communities that will bring healing and prosperity. Hope plays a crucial role in fostering positive change and development.
 
What do you see now that gives you hope for the coming year?
 
I get inspired by bold, visionary, and equity-minded individuals. I am often humbled by their insight, passion, and actions. They give me hope.
 
When it comes to hope and being hopeful, can you share a reflection, piece of advice, quick story, trusted practice, or lesson that has served you well?
 
I stumbled upon this quote, 'We rise by lifting others," by Robert Ingersoll. I felt such a strong conviction reading the quote because it challenged my perception of success. On a personal and organizational level, success has often been limited to what I or the Burma Center was able to accomplish. What this quote puts in perspective for me is the importance of supporting others to thrive alongside our individual and organizational success. So, my hope for 2024 is for the community as a whole to be intentional about how we allocate our time, energy, and resources with the purpose of lifting others.
 
Samuel A. Gray, Community Activist/Volunteer

Samuel A. Gray, Community Activist/Volunteer
 
What are some of your greatest hopes for the community?
 
The Bible talks about, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Even in the face of presumed impossibilities, my hope is that this community can come together in meaningful ways that will impact the lives of all its residents.
 
What do you see now that gives you hope for the coming year?

I see this community trying in a lot of ways to change i.e. churches coming together, events happening in the community that reach all its citizens from different origins, and cultures. I see growing businesses downtown.
 
When it comes to hope and being hopeful, can you share a reflection, piece of advice, quick story, trusted practice, or lesson that has served you well?
 
Because I’ve had several health challenges last year I’m more about my health as the Bible helps me view things. “3 John 2 AMP:  Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way AND [THAT YOUR BODY] MAY KEEP WELL, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers. God’s will is that your body gets well and stays healthy.” 
 
Just like I was able to turn my health situation around, I pray that this community prospers in every way. I’m from Battle Creek, born and raised here. I’ve been around the world literally and to the bottom of the world. There is no place like home and spending time with my family is very important to me.
 
Our youth need something to do, someone to listen to them, and somewhere to go. When someone truly listens, it’s healing. I’m encouraged by the groups and organizations that do this work.
 
We must continue to show in our community and speak up. There comes a time, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr. 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.'"


Devon Wilson, President, Sunlight Gardens

What are some of your greatest hopes for the community?

My greatest hopes for the community is that we look to lift each other up and pass on knowledge to one another. I would love for us to adopt a more collaborative spirit. If you want to go fast go alone and if you want to go far go together 

What do you see now that gives you hope for the coming year?

I see the youth looking to get involved with grassroots organizations and I see our city becoming more interconnected which I hope will promote more collaboration 

When it comes to hope and being hopeful, can you share a reflection, piece of advice, quick story, trusted practice, or lesson that has served you well?

It always seems impossible until it’s done, believe in yourself and your community and seek to problem solve.