Two Battle Creek organizations are hosting several community activities in recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing, Jan. 18.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) will host several activities the week of Jan. 17 with a focus on healing and awareness to address disparities and move toward racial equity.
Drumming, dancing and vaccine clinic at the Black Expo & Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2022
1-8 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day, Jan. 17, Kellogg Arena, 1 McCamly Square
The Urban League of Battle Creek is hosting a Black Expo and MLK Celebration at the Kellogg Arena, in partnership with the African American Collaborative and TRHT. Kuungana Drum and Dance Company, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi, and others will give cultural drumming performances at 6 p.m. Participants also will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Mayoral proclamation at city commission meeting
7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, City Hall, 10 N. Division St., Room 301
The city of Battle Creek will issue its sixth proclamation to recognize the National Day of Racial Healing, urging residents to promote racial healing and transformation and supporting ongoing community activities to build an equitable and just Battle Creek.
Race to heal: Join the movement – Hearts in the Streets & yard sign campaign
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, Willard Library, 7 W. Van Buren St.
Battle Creek residents and organizations are invited to complete commitment cards, which can be found at this link or at Willard Library Downtown or Helen Warner Branch.
Participants can demonstrate their support for the movement by placing a yard sign and decal at their house and/or place of work. Free yard signs and decals can be picked up at Willard Library Downtown or Helen Warner Branch.
Volunteers across the community will be carrying large red hearts and leaving behind yard signs at the locations they visit. Photos can be uploaded to social media #BCRaceToHeal.
The necessity of black homeownership
Thursday, Jan. 20.
In person with food at 5:30 p.m. at New Level Sports, 400 Michigan Ave.
Virtual meeting at 6 p.m. on Zoom or Facebook Live.
According to TRHT, people who own their homes end up with an average of 45 times the wealth of renters, yet only 27% of Black families own their home in Battle Creek. One way to help close the racial wealth divide and advance racial prosperity is to support increasing Black homeownership.
African American homeowners and an African American Realtor will explain the process for buying a home and share their experiences. Participants will receive a free printed copy of the Battle Creek Homebuyer Guide. This event is co-sponsored by the Southwestern Michigan Urban League, the Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors and TRHT.
Virtual Book Launch: “How We Heal: An Anthology of Personal Testimonies about Racial Healing in Battle Creek”
7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, on Facebook Live.
“How We Heal: An Anthology of Personal Testimonies about Racial Healing in Battle Creek” is a collection of 25 submissions from Battle Creek residents compiled by THRT. A selection of authors will read excerpts from the book during the virtual event. Advance copies of the book can be ordered here.
The National Day of Racial Healing was established in 2017 by more than 550 leaders from around the U.S., providing an opportunity to take action together for racial healing and a more just and equitable world. The organizations said racial healing is an individual and collective process that supports the dismantling of racism within individuals and society.
More information on TRHT and National Day of Racial Healing activities and ways to get involved is at the THRT website and on Facebook.
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