Tao Adedeji, the owner of He Reigns Magazine, was one of those businesses. Already a one-man operation, Adedeji was informed by a vendor, Ralph Jones of RJ’s Printing, of an opportunity to receive $5,000 through a Micro-Enterprise Grant. That referral turned into a blessing. But would it be enough for the black business community? READ MORE!
Archive
Jeter Donates $25,000 to Bronson
The Turn 2 Foundation announced it would donate $25,000 to the Bronson Health Foundation’s Rapid Response Fund. “We are grateful to the amazing doctors, nurses and therapists at Bronson Healthcare for their devotion to helping others and saving lives during these unprecedented times,” said Sharlee Jeter, president of the Turn 2 Foundation. “ READ MORE HERE!
Kalamazoo Youth Facility License Revoked
“The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office thanks MDHHS and its licensing division for completing thorough investigations that will aid our office in determining appropriate charges in this tragic case,” said Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Getting. READ MORE!
First Black Woman Executive Hired at American Express
American Express made history by appointing Glenda McNeal, the company’s President of Strategic Partnerships, to their Executive Committee. With this appointment, McNeal became the first black woman to serve on the American Express executive committee. READ MORE!
Democrats Deliver $880M in COVID-19 Relief
The Michigan House of Representatives unanimously approved Senate Bill 690 today to provide critical supplemental support to Michigan residents and businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan agreement includes just over $880 million in allocations of federal coronavirus relief funding and reflects the community priorities outlined in Michigan House Democrats’ recently unveiled Michigan Strong Plan. READ MORE!
Theater Sues Over Juneteenth Event Closure
Royal Oak-based Emagine Theatre on Monday, June 22, filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon. READ MORE!
National Civil Rights Museum Facebook Live on Voting
“2020 has brought to the forefront many challenges of the African-American experience – healthcare, police brutality, an unequal judicial system,” said Trevia Chatman, Chair of Keepers of 306. “Our forefathers fought the same battles and overcame them through advocacy and policy change. Voting and advocating for policy change is essential and truly the way that we move forward as a nation.” READ MORE!
I Remember: The Tornado of 1980
Everyone remembers where they were during devastating events. For me, I remember clearly what happened the day of the 1980 tornado in Kalamazoo. Check out this story and the exhibit displaying this Kalamazoo Moment! READ MORE!
LIVE Community Conversation Planned on Racial Unrest
The Lewis Walker Institute will host a series of Zoom discussions with leaders in our community and nation to address the current events surrounding George Floyd’s death and its aftermath. READ MORE!
Little Miss Perfect Video Wins National Award
Last Fall up-and-coming film director MJ Harrell shared a video with then co-worker Sonya Bernard-Hollins. Harrell had provided hands-on training in videography to members of the Merze Tate Explorers. He would even accompany them to record an exclusive interview with costume designer Ruth Carter, just days before her historic Oscar win for Best Costume Designer for her work on Black Panther. The students later would repay Harrell for his time by participating in the remake of a video he had recorded years earlier. READ MORE!