Michigan Community Voices

It was a proud day for Dayna Dantzler when she walked across the stage of Miller Auditorium in 2004. Her mother was there from Warren, MI, glowing in pride as Dayna’s name was called to receive her degree in Theatre from Western Michigan University.

Although Dantzler had been a student at WMU for years and active with the theater program, before graduation the closest she came to the stage of Miller Auditorium was the stage behind it in the Gilmore Theater Complex.

On Sept. 21 however, Dantzler will take center stage at Miller Auditorium as she plays Celie, the lead role in the Broadway musical, The Color Purple: A Musical About Love. READ MORE ABOUT DAYNA’S THEATRICAL JOURNEY!

Imperial Beverage of Kalamazoo, Michigan has been named a 2010 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award finalist. Imperial Beverage takes craft beer education and awareness very seriously and stands out in this important area. The distributor’s monthly daylong education meeting is just one example of its efforts to further develop the craft knowledge of staffers who are eager to learn the intricacies and unique traits of each beer they are proudly promoting. READ MORE ABOUT JOE CEKOLA AND HIS COMPANY’S SUCCESS!

The students of the Merze Tate Travel Club had their second opportunity to share of their experiences with the nation. Tori Zackery and Natasha Mahonie were interviewed recently on the Michael Eric Dyson Show. Dyson, whose show is produced in Baltimore, MD, interviewed the girls via sister-station at WMUK on the campus of Western Michigan University.READ MORE!

While many know of Jackie Robinson as the first African American to play in the major leagues, little know of Black, who was the first African American to win a World Series game. Many also know little about the life he led and those who learned from his “Pearls of Wisdom.” LEARN MORE.

“In business, everybody wants to increase their wealth. Your first thought is money, increase my bottom line. To do that, you need to increase customers, have marketing, sales strategies and good basic business principals. But, how do you do that in a way that accomplishes both spiritual and economic goals?” READ MORE ABOUT UPCOMING BUSINESS EXPO!

“I quit my job as a teacher last year to truly devote my time and energy to making this happen. I’ve never done anything like this before and it took a lot to get to this point. I know once people see what we do and where our hearts are, they will support. We’re thankful to God for what’s he’s done so far and that’s affirming.”
READ MORE!

Latasha Cameron doesn’t like getting dirty. She goes to great lengths to make sure her hair and clothing are, just right. So when the announcement came that students would be interviewed for an auto body internship at Rushmore Body Co., she wasn’t seen as a likely candidate.

During an awards ceremony six weeks later at the Douglass Community Center as she was handed her Certificate of Completion and a bonus gift certificate for perfect attendance. After receiving them she laughed with Joe Morton, director of Youth Advancement Academy.

“You told me I couldn’t do it,” she said.

“No, I said you might not like getting dirty,” Morton laughed.
READ MORE!

For the first time in its six year history, the Sixth Annual Foremost Insurance 28th St. Metro Cruise® will add a 5K run/walk and a 10K run. This event will take place as part of the large car festival that has drawn hundreds of thousands to the area.

What do brightly colored insects mean to prey? How do you know a male frog from a female frog? What’s the difference between a tortoise and a turtle? LEARN MORE!

Safe Kids event brings fun and safety! READ MORE!