Through stories, song, and dance, Battle Creek Celebrates ‘The Rhythm of Community’

Editor’s note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave’s On the Ground Battle Creek series. All photos were taken by John Grap.

BATTLE CREEK, MI — Despite frigid temperatures, close to 400 people from across the community gathered at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Battle Creek to celebrate the National Day of Racial Healing on the evening of January 20. 

The theme of this year’s event, hosted by the Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation, was “The Rhythm of Our Community.” 

Daja Excel, artist and entrepreneur, provided a poetic reflection, and Michael Patton, President and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Urban League, gave a community blessing. 

Members of the Sojourner Truth Gospel Choir, Lakeview High School Black Student Union, and the Lakeview Burmese Dance Group gave performances. 

“Bringing together people of diverse communities helps us grow to be bigger and better,” said Cheryl Roberts, community volunteer. 

Noel Thang, whose mother’s escape from Burma left many scars, says events like this are important. “Having a space where she can talk about her problems and hear about other people’s problems is important,” he says. His mother, Par Mawi Taikwel, adds, “Racial healing is like a bridge for me to reach other people.” 

Digital creator Andy Helmboldt reflects, “Anytime we can come together, face-to-face, just to celebrate being humans is a good thing.”