Community Voices spring summer 2014

Thank You to all those who contributed to the success of the 2014 Tate-Stone Travel Writers Academy

Attend the unveiling of the 2nd Annual Girls Can! Magazine 6 p.m. Friday, October 3rd at MLive’s Kalamazoo Gazette during Art Hop!

Speed Bump June 21–September 21 FREE

Enjoy the wit and whimsy of the human experience through Speed Bump, the comic strip

by Dave Coverly, formerly of Plainwell, Michigan.

This exhibition was organized by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees

REGISTER

NOW. MARIA W. MEDICAL ADMIN

www.kvcc.edu/register

kalamazoomuseum.org 269.373.7990

PUBLISHER’S VOICE

Shaping Dreams...Together

C

ommunity Voices may not be seen on every magazine rack in the country. Its attempt to provide free, uplifting news of the people making a difference in West Michigan still finds new readers each issue in our print and online magazine. We receive news from the White House Press Department of new developments that influence our state, and we receive emails from grass-roots programs trying to make themselves known. One of the most exciting parts of publishing Community Voices is the opportunities to meet amazing people.

I, along with a few dozen women, were invited to have an intimate lunch with Workout Diva Donna Richardson. The lunch in Battle Creek was more than her talking about her life. She spoke to the hearts of the women in the room; many whom had overcome challenges in Sonya Bernard-Hollins (left) with Workout Diva Donna Richardson relationships, careers and health. She had also experienced an emotionally devastating divorce, which left her having to “start over,” emotionally, financially and spiritually. But, she got through it for herself, her family and her community.

In this issue we will share of others in our community who, despite odds, worked towards something bigger than themselves. They worked to help youth, the church, education or to share the message that following dreams do come true. None claim that their journey was a walk in the park. Their outcomes were based on past experiences and things they learned along the way...things to inspire others.

Richardson’s message speaks to the whole health of a person (physically, mentally and spiritually) to become an asset to the community. Through Community Voices, we are excited to continue to share of those stories, big–and not so big that allow you to see what others are doing in efforts that you too can see how your dreams and passion can help shape your community.

See you online!

Sonya

For more information visit www.comvoicesonline.com write: Community Voices P.O. Box 51042 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 or call: 269-365-4019

Community Voices is published quarterly by Season Press LLC, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Free issues are available throughout West Michigan. Subscriptions are available. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.

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Contents What’s Inside P.L.A.C.E. 6 Charlie’s Charles Parker breaths new life into focus on youth

Diva 10 Fitness Donna Richardson tells audience to Woman Up!

Ready?

12 Author Advice from area self- published authors

That Book Out of 16 Get You! Authors take the plunge...and love it!

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Faith: Girls learn the

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Backtalk with Dr. Abiade

meaning of Beauty

MULTI-CULTURAL NEWS SOURCE

Volume 2, Issue 1

Founders Arlene & James Washington Your Community, Your Voice (2005-2010) Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) Editor-In-Chief

Sonya Bernard-Hollins Graphic Design/Photography Fortitude Graphic Design Contributing Writer

Dr. Zawdie Abiade

Cover Photo: iStock Images; designed by Sonya Bernard-Hollins

Charles Parker, President/CEO (center) poses with members of Charlie’s P.L.A.C.E. Board of Directors.

They include: Alisa Parker, VP; Nicole Parker, treasurer; Teleshia Parker, secretary; TaKarra Dunning, sergeant of arms; Calvin Harley, Jamar Johnson, Tiffany Parker, Aaryn Wilson and Tanya Wilson.

Photo and article provided.

By Alisa Parker GREATER KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- He was named “Mr. Everything,” by the Kalamazoo Gazette.

He helped establish the Y.W.C.A. program at Lincoln Elementary School and was founder of the Kalamazoo Black Achievers Program. Today, after decades of working in the trenches to teach integrity, values and teamwork to youth through sports, Charles Parker is taking the helm of his own nonprofit organization. With the support of his family, Parker has established Charlie’s P.L.A.C.E. (Pursuing Leadership and Community Engagement).

Charlie’s P.L.A.C.E. promises to engage the community’s youth with the best of what Parker has offered through his employment with other organizations in the past. His mission is: facilitating community transformation by providing diverse social services; serving youth ages 5-22, low-income populations and families (while offering) a platform for personal development and community engagement in the Greater Kalamazoo area.

The organization will host such programs as Youth Basketball League (YBL), Judo, Ballroom dancing, pre-college access workshops, golf, track and field and more in addition to counseling and supply rental services.

For more information regarding Charlie’s Place, visit their Facebook.com/Charlie’s P.L.A.C.E., call 269-903-1459, or e-mail: kzoocharliesplace@gmail.com

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Charles Parker’s involvement with youth has led to him meeting presidents, representing Kalamazoo as an Olympic Torchbearer and inspiring youth in many athletic areas.

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Contributed by Chris Cahill

300,000 kids in the US and 10,300 kids in Michigan have arthritis.

LAPEER (MICH.) – Nestled in the quiet and picturesque woods of Lapeer, Michigan, is a summer camp for kids. The facilities are similar to what you’d find at most camps. There’s a swimming and fishing pond, nature center, trails, activity fields and, of course, a large campfire pit suitable for any marshmallow roast and sing-along.

But this camp is different.

Named Lions Bear Lake Camp, this barrier free facility is home to the Arthritis Foundation’s Camp Dakota, a medically supervised residential camp for kids who have arthritis.

It’s a widely held misconception that only old people get arthritis. Not true.

Arthritis affects people of all ages and origins. In fact, more than 300,000 kids in the US and 10,300 kids in Michigan have arthritis. That’s more than cystic fibrosis and juvenile diabetes combined!

Also untrue is the notion that arthritis is a minor affliction. This is propagated by the sneakiness of arthritis. On the outside, people who have arthritis oftentimes look normal. But what you can’t see is their body’s immune system attacking their bones, ligaments, tendons and cartilage.

Their joints are slowly and progressively deteriorating. They are in pain. Sometimes the pain is excruciating. As the disease slowly progresses, mobility declines and pain increases.

Camp Dakota was established by the Arthritis Foundation in 2003. It’s as a place where kids who have arthritis can be themselves in an environment free of misunderstandings and stereotypes, and among other kids who know what it’s like to have arthritis. There are medical personnel on-site, 24 hours a day to address emergencies and help administer medications – some kids take more than 8 medications daily. Activities range from archery and swimming to arthritis education sessions and leadership development programs. The goal is simple – help these kids develop strategies for better controlling their arthritis and coping with the associated pain, connect and bond with other kids who have arthritis, and have lots of fun while doing so.

Campers are from various cities within Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

For more information, visit: http://www.kidsgetarthritistoo.org

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THERE’S A REASON

MORE PEOPLE

CHOOSE

BRONSON. In fact, there are many reasons. And they all start with our commitment to high-quality care and seamless access to all of Bronson’s specialized services, no matter where you are. Being a Bronson patient has so many advantages: • One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ for orthopedic surgery* • One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ for stroke care* • One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ for spine surgery* When it comes to choosing a hospital, a doctor, emergency services or outpatient care, do what your friends and neighbors do. Choose Bronson, the region’s leading healthcare system. As our Positivity grows, no one benefits more than you.

www.comvoicesonline.com Spring/Summer 2014 | *Bronson Methodist Hospital — Healthgrades, 2014

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BATTLE CREEK (MICH.)-The Battle Creek Community Foundation recently brought in workout diva Donna Richardson as the keynote speaker of their annual Community Prayer Breakfast. In addition, Richardson addressed an invitation-only audience of diverse women at the Burnham Brook Center for lunch.

During her intimate talk she inspired them to Woman Up! for their physical, mental and spiritual health in order to be productive members of our families, society.

She also shared of her recently released book, Witness to Fitness which some audience members received as a gift.

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www.comvoicesonline.com Spring/Summer 2014 |

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by Sonya Bernard-Hollins Christina McGrinson had a story to tell. It was a story of pain. A story of heartache. A story of grief. However, she had to tell it to help other children. After years of holding it inside, she approached me in effort to finally publish the story of her 5-year-old son’s murder by her (then) husband. My husband, Sean Holllins of Fortitude Graphics and I had just started Season Press Publishing. She would be our first client.

On the day of her book release we concealed the book from her until the unveiling. In the midst of dozens of close friends, her heart was

Tip 1 :

so overwhelmed at finally seeing her son’s story, Forever Friends, come to life that she fainted. The months of writing, rewriting and working with artists was not easy. We all learned along the way.

However, self publishing is something she said helped her heal nearly 30 years after the death of her only son, Christopher.

Since then, we have worked with many authors who had a passion to write but didn’t know how to start. What they learned in the process is valuable for those attempting to write their own book.

Get A Designer

James Ford

G

o to Fortitude Graphics. I’m responsible for the content of my book, but not the cover or the layout of the pages or the arrangement of the photographs. What (Fortitude) gave me was a book that has a professional appearance equal to what any New York City publishing house could produce.

I worked on the book for about nine years before I had it ready to publish. I didn’t write my book for any commercial purpose. It is a multi-generational history of memoirs and letters that I compiled for the sake of my children and grandchildren.

The satisfaction for me was having all of this history in one book so my descendants will know where they came from, and what life was like when Michigan was a wilderness.

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It’s just a bonus when others enjoy it.

I suppose that writing the book should be the most difficult, but with my limited computer skills the most difficult aspect was just formatting it all in book form after the transcript was written. Without Fortitude Graphics I would still be working on page one. I came with a completed transcript, but no idea how to convert over 500 pages into a finished book.

(Fortitude) did that, and Sean produced a beautiful cover. I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out.

Order at: www.createspace.com/3437015

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Tip 2 : James Smith Poetry, Memoir

lesson to learn. I wish I had gone to Fortitude in the first place. For one, they are local and Have A Plan are always there to talk to about any issues, in person. Second, they are much more reasonably priced!

H

ave in mind your blueprint for your book and where you want it to go.

Who is your audience? What is your message to them? Once you know that, call Sean and Sonya!

Order books at: (Sunk by the Navy) www.createspace.com/4058973

I wanted to publish a book but didn’t know how to go about it. I used online publishers for my first two books after seeing their ad in a magazine. When I had issues, I didn’t know who to contact. That was a hard and expensive

Tip 3 :

Research

Doug Smith

M

the time period. The most challenging part of self-publishing was identifying someone who was dependable, trusted, and skilled in publishing a book, since I had no experience in this area.

I worked on my project five years before I published. Initially, there was only a plan to document historic moment and send it to those who were a part of

I had a desire to tell the story of the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the campus of Western Michigan University in 1962. I came to Fortitude with a draft manuscript after being referred by Dr. Martha Warfield, vice president Diversity and Inclusion at WMU. The most rewarding aspect of self-publishing is the response from readers and the good feeling related to completing what was started.

ake sure to have more than enough specific documentation (individual statements and pictures) early in the project.

*Doug’s book became the focus of the fraternity’s 50th anniversary reunion in 2012 at WMU.

Order at: www.createspace.com/3965162 www.comvoicesonline.com Spring/Summer 2014 |

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Tip 4 : Tip 5 : Tip 6 :

Ask Questions

Don't Rush Have Fun

Ruth Klassen Andrews

I

came to Fortitude with my manuscript and illustrations. I didn’t know how to put them together or any of the technical aspects of creating a book. I didn’t know that I should create illustrations to “bleed” off the page.

Sean’s creativity and graphic expertise enhanced what I wanted to communicate.

I appreciated his willingness to throw in some of his own ideas. Sonya’s encouragement, enthusiasm, knowledge about publishing and marketing, gave me confidence. It’s wonderful to work with people who believe in your project.

The most challenging part of self-publishing was believing in myself. I had worked on the project for two years before coming to Fortitude. I love d that I was able to design the book exactly like I wanted.

Order at: www.createspace. com/3814503

You Can Be a Self-Published Author When You...

1 - Have a hook to capture your audience in a 9 -Interviewed illustrators and graphic

subject of interest to you.

2 - Have researched similar books to verify yours is one-of-a-kind.

3 - Have gathered the photos, documents and permissions for non-fiction works.

4 - Have the motivation to convince the media to promote your work.

5 - Realize that an audience of one or 100 should be seen as an opportunity.

6 -Understand that you will not make money without marketing your works.

7 -Are creative enough to find conferences and events to sell to your audience.

8 -Find a niche or hook that will make your book something your audience needs.

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designers to give your book shelf appeal.

10 - You are up for the challenge of doing everything to market your book and get it into the hands of those who will love it!

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Tip 7 :

The Artist

Christina McGrinson

were things that required compromise.

They helped me secure an artist who we worked closely with.

S

Working with Fortitude allowed me to receive hands-on consultation. The storyline remained authentic.

I called Sonya after attending a selfpublishing workshop she held at the Alma Powell Library. Together Sonya and Sean guided me through many challenges as well as some very positive experiences. They had suggestions, which I followed; but on the other hand there

Order at: www.createspace.com/3740716

pend time with the artist. I needed an artist who could digest or understand the emotional hardship I underwent to bring the book (about the murder of my son by his father) to that point. I had worked on the book for seven years before approaching Sonya.

Tip 8 : Tip 9 :

Set Deadlines Marketing

Talk to everyone you know about your book to keep it alive and relevant. Always keep a copy of the book with you, and always introduce the book in every setting possible...and make your sale!

Find people and organizations that have a common theme with your book and seek them out. They will lead you to

Tip 10 :

others you would not otherwise meet.

Be enthusiastic about your book, and be encouraging to people who dream of writing a book…they are encouraged to complete or carry out their dream of publishing.

During a book release party, Sean and Sonya didn’t allow me to see the book until we unveiled it at the end of the program. When they presented it to me, I became weaken at the knees and fainted.

I was overcome with emotion. Yet, I was delighted that I had attained my goal.

Be Proud of

Your Accomplishments After publishing you may find something you wish you could have done differently. We all do.

Relish in your success, learn what to do better next time.

It’s not over. Publishing the book once does not mean you can’t go back later, make another anniversary edition, and add a DVD, CD, or workbook supplement to bring new life to your book. Just GET THAT BOOK OUT OF YOU!

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Many of us have watched a movie, read a book or saw a product that we swear was an idea we had years before. You just want to kick yourself when you see all of the money and notoriety that person is getting because of YOUR idea!

The truth is, that person receiving the Pulitzer Prize, Nobel Peace Prize or Inventor of the Year recognition was once just like you…they had the idea. The only difference is that they moved on the vision without allowing lack of money, status or connections hold them back. I have always believed that more than one person can have the same idea. The difference is one person brings it to fruition.

What excuses do you having for not completing that book project you have wanted to write for years? Is it money, time, resources, connections? Those excuses only hold up for so long; especially when you see someone you know sitting behind a table autographing a book that they said they were going to write, and did!

Don’t let another year go by without starting on that novel, workbook, graphic novel, biography…whatever. If it is truly something the world needs to hear from you (or maybe just your close friends and family, that’s okay too) and you feel you can tell it the best, begin the process of making your action plan today. www.comvoicesonline.com Spring/Summer 2014 |

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The most challenging aspect of writing a book is, wanting the end result to be something that people–hopefully a lot of people– will buy. That pressure alone is enough to make you want to shut down the computer before you create your working title. There are more questions than answers when it comes to even knowing what you need to get started.

Based on more than 10 years of helping self-published authors, I have learned that the most apprehension comes from understanding publishing. Based on those I have worked with in the past, here is a breakdown in the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing.

Traditional Publishing House • Submit your work along with a self-addressed stamped envelope (so they can return your manuscript with a letter of acceptance or rejection) for review. You also will submit a synopsis of the book in a cover letter, which also tells who your audience is, why the book is something people would want, and why you are the best person to write it.

• Be sure to read their recommendations for submission as leaving out pertinent information will automatically disqualify your work for review. Don’t send a manuscript about zombies to a publisher that focuses on cooking and travel books. Some publishing houses only take manuscripts submitted by agents. With that, you should research agents who would push your type of work.

• If your work is accepted you will be presented with a contract and editor and paid a royalty check based on what they feel they could earn from you (minus cost of marketing, editors, artists, book tours, etc.). In addition you also may receive frequent checks based on the sale of your book, which could be as little as 15 cents per book–but, remember you got the check in the beginning? Some publishers own your copyright and any future movie, play or television deals based on your work–read the fine print!

• Publishers may arrange book tours for you if they feel you have an audience to market to.

Otherwise, you may be on your own–but check the fine print to make sure you can promote your own tours.

For your FREE one-hour consultation on self publishing with Season Press, contact Sonya Bernard-Hollins at: editor@comvoicesonline.com.

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Self Publishing • You are solely responsible for the writing your book. Don’t feel that because you finally have everything out of your mind and onto paper that you have a manuscript. That is a first draft! Many professional writers have several drafts before their work is ready to present to the public.

• You are responsible for editing. While you can hire someone to edit, remember, the final review is up to you. You must be willing to pay someone if your work needs a professional editor. Always present a final proof to a close friend, coworker or family member to make sure you or the editors didn’t miss anything.

• You are responsible for the sales of your work. There are many online companies willing and able to take thousands of dollars from you to help you self publish, but ultimately, you have to get out there and be the face of your book.

• You are responsible for marketing your book. What is your hook? What conferences, workshops, annual events, library retreats, social media, church, organizations or fraternities will allow you to be a vendor at their event or have you come as a guest author?

•

You are responsible for all the costs! To self publish a quality product you need money. While some products can cost less than $500, others can run $5,000 and up. You want shelf appeal, so a dynamic graphic artist should be hired. It’s nice that your child thinks he is an artist. However, don’t allow their love for drawing give your book a low-budget feel because your profits will reflect it.

• You are responsible for the printing of your book. Research the various online options that give you the luxury to print on demand as opposed to printing hundreds of copies. Today’s print-on demand services allow you to make changes and upload a new file within 24 hours.

*You get to keep all of the profits!

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Call 269-342-2367 for your FREE 1 hour consultation.

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I WASN’T GOING TO SIT AROUND

WAITING FOR MY

BACK TO HEAL. SITTING WAS JUST TOO PAINFUL.

The act of lifting a bale of hay was merely the trigger. My doctor said the disc was already herniated. Time would determine if rest and physical therapy would take care of it. Six painful weeks went by.

Then twelve. Finally, I’d had enough. I went to Bronson to talk about the one thing that pained me more than the pain itself: surgery. My fears went away when I learned minimally invasive back surgery is not like traditional back surgery. The incision was less than an inch long. Amazingly, I went from flat on my back to back on my feet in less than three hours. For that I’m thankful to my surgeon — and to Bronson, where Positivity is always part of the healing process.

bronsonhealth.com

Bronson Methodist Hospital was named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for spine surgery. www.comvoicesonline.com Spring/Summer 2014 |

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ISAAC’S: 2014 Banquet Elise Bryant inspired the hundreds who attended the 2014 ISAAC annual banquet at Western Michigan University’s Bernhard Center. Bryant, an award-winning director, actor, singer and playwright expressed the importance of all races working together for a better world. In addition, area student, Havier Hill Roller entertained the audience with vocal talents which have been featured in Off-Broadway performances.

Photos by Sean Hollins

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Tree of Life

Giving to the

When God spoke to Adam Sterenburg about a Christian school in the inner city, he thought it was a great idea...for someone else. After years of avoiding the call meant for him, he opened the Tree of Life School with 12 students. Today the school is located on south side of Kalamazoo and houses more than three dozen students. Sterenburg’s vision of a school became a reality with thousands of dollars in donations from educators, builders and community members.

The school held its annual fund raising dinner at Centerpoint Church where they raised funds towards an expansion project.

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Church Passion Group Teaches of Beauty Inside and Out What is beauty? The world’s standards of beauty often differ greatly from God’s beauty standards.

That’s what the young women of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Kalamazoo learned during an eightweek Passion Group class hosted by Mary Kay Beauty Consultants Cheryl Wright and Sonya Bernard-Hollins.

The Passion classes met each Wednesday evening during Bible study and included classes to inspire students to seek their own God-given talents and passions. Classes included Zumba, cake decorating, culinary skills, poetry and many others.

During the Real Beauty Passion group, girls participated in fun ways to learn of the beautiful women of the Bible and how those women exemplify beauty, inside and out. In addition, they selected scriptures that were parallel to meanings of the face cleaning regiment taught by the consultants.

Real beauty is on the inside and it shines through to the outside.

Beauty is kindness, love, care... the beauty you have on the inside always will show outside.

Amanda

Real beauty is not just how you look or what you wear, but how you act. True beauty is when your spirit is joyful and brings others happiness.

Jaelyn

Makeup is not as important as one thinks.

God loves your natural beauty!

Brandi

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Real beauty is being yourself.

Real beauty is being a good person and NOT being afraid to be yourself in front of anyone.

Kiana

Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Cheryl Wright goes over the steps of face cleaning with the teens.

1. Cleanse 2. Exfoliate 3. Freshen Photos by Sonya Bernard-Hollins

4. Moisturize 5. Foundation/Sunscreen www.comvoicesonline.com Spring/Summer 2014 |

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Rep. Margaret O’Brien Commends Walmart for Donation to local Big Brothers Big Sisters Chapter

PORTAGE (MICH.)-State Rep. Margaret O’Brien participated in a ceremony with local Walmart representatives who presented a $1,500 donation to the Kalamazoo Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters is a reputable organization that has done so much to assist struggling youth in our community,” said O’Brien, R-Portage. “I am very excited to see this partnership between Walmart and Big Brothers Big Sisters and hope this helps the organization continue investing in our backyard. This shows commitment to our kids and an attitude of team work to tackle some of the unique challenges facing them in Kalamazoo County.”

“We greatly appreciate Walmart’s support for the children in our community,” says Amy Kuchta, chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters, A Community of Caring. “We are pleased that Representative O’Brien helped secure this donation on our behalf.”

and thrive in life,” added local Walmart manager Scott Phelps. “Their programs develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. It’s in this spirit that Walmart is proud to be a partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters and support their mission of helping children reach their potential.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters, A Community of Caring serves more than 1,200 children annually in Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren Counties. The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization provides a system of ongoing support and evaluation to help families by improving the odds that youth will perform better in school, avoid activities that could limit their success, and have stronger relationships with their parents and others.

Photo provided: State Rep. Margaret O’Brien with local Walmart managers Scott Phelps and Monte McCollum and Amy Kuchta, CEO at Kalamazoo Big Brothers Big Sisters

“For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed 26

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Contributed by Cheri Bales for Community Promise Federal Credit Union KALAMAZOO’S EDISON NEIGHBORHOOD (MICH.)-Edison resident Jacqueline Luttrell likes CPFCU’s community focus.

She has been a resident of the Edison neighborhood for 22 years and became a member of Community Promise Federal Credit Union as soon as she found out a credit union was finally coming to her neighborhood. After many years using other banks, she was more than thrilled about the arrival of a new credit union because of the positive impact it would have on the neighborhood.

“The best thing about Community Promise Federal Credit Union is that they treat me like a person and not just another credit score,” said Luttrell. “They don’t base your ability to become a member on your credit score, and they genuinely care about helping people build a solid financial foundation so they can build their credit and establish a good future financially.”

to help them make sound financial decisions.

The credit union is accepting new members and offers many financial services such as check cashing and free coin counting.

Community Promise Federal Credit Union works with new members to go over their sources of income, credit score, and loan options in order

For more information about Community Promise Federal Credit Union and how to join, please visit .www. communitypromisefcu.org or call 269-459-1777.

Prepaid Debit Cards

• Available to all CPFCU members • Load only the amount you need • Spend only the amount on the card • PDCs are not tied to your savings account • Reload at CPFCU, online or with direct deposit

Open an account today for access to a lower-cost Prepaid Debit Card

Your Community Your Family Your Credit Union

Services:

1313 Portage Street • Kalamazoo, MI • 269-459-1777

We specialize in fast, short-term, low-interest loans and free financial counseling Membership is open to people who live, work, worship, or volunteer in the City of Kalamazoo.

Savings Accounts Personal Loans Direct Deposit Check Cashing Money Orders Official Checks Notary Service Wire Transfers Coin Counting

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A clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities that makes sure “stars” are recognized.

If Jesus were to visit this place today, he could see they can feed thousands in Kalamazoo County.

This organization helps get fathers involved in healthy family values with Barbershop Talks, Father Flag Football and more.

The history of cars is preserved at this museum in Hickory Corners.

Volunteers with this Marshallbased organization takes meals to those in need.

After more than 25 years this organization provides cultural entertainment and education to the community of West Michigan.

Volunteers feed hot meals to the needy in Battle Creek.

3 1 2 45 This organization focuses on senior citizens and the improvement of their physical and mental health.

This handson museum is for kids who are curious.

No bicycle is too outdated or broken for this organization.

9 7 10 8 6

10. Cycle-Re-Cycle-cycle-re-cycle-swm.org

1. Volunteer Kalamazoo- Volunteerkalamazoo.org; 2. Loaves and Fishes Kalamazoo- kazoolf.org; 3. Grand Rapids African American Health Initiative-graahi.org; 4. Black Arts and Cultural Center-blackartskalamazoo.org; 5. God’s Kitchen-godskitchen.org; 6. Citizens for Better Care- cbcmi.org; 7.Gilmore Car Museum-Gilmorecarmuseum. org; 8. Mobile Meals of Marshall; 9. Curious Kids Museum-curiouskidsmuseum.org;

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[radical transgressions] [critical solidarities] [emergent epistemologies]

let’s re-map the world

With/Out – ¿Borders? conference

Thursday, September 25—Sunday, September 28, 2014 cosponsors University of Chicago, Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture

Western Michigan University Center for the Humanities

Kalamazoo People’s Food Co-Op

University of Illinois, Chicago Social Justice Initiative

Kalamazoo County Public Art Commission

Douglass Community Association

YWCA Kalamazoo

Case Western Reserve University, Social Justice Institute

James and Grace Lee Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership

register online todaY! https://reason.kzoo.edu/csjl/withoutborders/ Follow @ACSJL #WithOutBorders #KzooWOB

facebook.com/ACSJLKzoo

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Back Talk with Dr. Zawdie Abiade MUSKEGON (MICH.)-Several years ago, Dr. Bill Cosby opened up one of the windows of the Black community by sharing at a NAACP convention some of the realities that Black people have learned to live with. Though his focus was on the African American communities in larger cities we cannot deny a parallel reality in the Muskegon, Michigan area.

1. Education: Parents give a lot more time, energy and attention to sports than they do the education of their children. You are more likely to see a parent at a sports game than at their parent-teacher conference. Dropout rate is higher and poorer grades are acceptable.

In some schools a student can get several “D’s” and still be eligible to play.

2. Parenting: In the 60’s five out of six African Americans were born in two parent households; today, almost less than two out of six African American children are born in two parent households.

What was once a point of shame is a place of pseudo celebration. Depending on the state and area, anywhere from 70-90% of Black men incarcerated come from single parent homes.

3. Violence: A commentator once said that the new KKK is no longer the person wearing the white hood, but the gang member living with a “hood” mentality. Black-on-Black crime has been and continues to devastate the Black community.

Dr. Cosby was dangerously correct when he said, “We, as Black folks, have to do a better job; we have to start holding each other to a higher standard.”

I believe we can make a difference through the following steps: 1. Every Black pastor in the county needs to find a place where we can all come to the table laying down doctrine with a focus and commitment of address the three top issues plaguing our community.

We need to accept someone to lead us leadership.

2. Every Black person with a college degree should gather with the evaluative focus on strengthening the Black family. They must be focused, not allowing words to cause them to stumble over the purpose of strengthening the Black family.

3. Every politician and entrepreneur needs to join forces to evaluate the resources and methods to achieve the goals set by the leaders.

These three ideas are being lifted up as simple points of initiative conversation. As Dr. King, I too have a dream rooted in the hope of a better tomorrow.

Dr. Zawdie Abiade currently serves as pastor of Sanctuary of McAuley in Muskegon, Mich.; a longterm care facility. In addition he teaches an online class for Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids and continues to serve part-time as pastor of Lakeside Community Church in Muskegon. He has been a column writer for Community Voices since 2005.

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| Spring/Summer 2014 www.comvoicesonline.com

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