Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Beatrice Orns
Beatrice Orns of Battle Creek, is a pillar in Southwest Michigan for the ways she inspires those around her, and the example she sets.
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Curtis Woods Jr.
Curtis Woods Jr., an Army National Guard veteran and local entrepreneur, is a pillar in Southwest Michigan for the ways he gives back and the example he sets.
Black Heroes Round Up
In celebration of Black History Month, BBBS featured 18 Local Black Heroes. Meet these Black leaders and trail blazers here.
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Layla Wallace
Layla Wallace is a community-minded high school student and entrepreneur. With every sweet treat sold, Layla’s Cool Pops gives back.
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Stacey Randolph Ledbetter
Captain Stacey Randolph Ledbetter (ret) was Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety's first Black woman sergeant, lieutenant, then captain. Now retired from the force, her drive and current anti-racism work create...
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Jahdal Johnson aka DJ Conscious (Video)
Jahdal Johnson (aka DJ Conscious) is a father and entrepreneur. His purpose in life is to motivate and inspire others to be the best version of themselves. Keep watching after...
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Von Washington Jr. (Video)
Von Washington Jr. is the Executive Director of Community Relations for the Kalamazoo Promise. He tries his best everyday to help somebody, in some kind of way, no matter how...
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Josephine Brown
Josephine Brown is the retired Director of Human Resources for Kalamazoo County. Southwest Michigan is more just and equitable because of her anti-racism work.
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Deveta Gardner
Deveta Gardner is an Associate Dean at WMU and has been a cheer coach for decades. She recognizes herself as “a seed planter" for local youth, "listening, challenging, and holding...
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Valerie and Jeff Boggan
Valerie & Dr. Jeff Boggan are the ultimate Kalamazoo/Battle Creek power couple. These two principals understand the importance of igniting the potential of youth in the community, and share their...
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Kama Tai Mitchell
Kama Tai Mitchell is the Founder and Executive Director of Rootead, which offers healing arts and birth work programs that are diverse, inclusive, anti-racist and trauma informed. She hopes to...
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Arthur Washington Jr. (video)
Serving at Kalamazoo's first Black City Commissioner, Arthur Washington, Jr. was a legendary pillar in the community, committed to equality and justice.