Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Vernon Coakley Jr.
Vernon Coakley Jr. is the Chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, and KDPS' first Black chief. He believes that giving back is, "...bigger than me."
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Angela Anderson
Angela Anderson is an entrepreneur and local radio personality who strives to inspire people to believe in themselves. She want you to "Live out loud!"
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Vic Ledbetter (Video)
Vic Ledbetter has spent his life serving the community as a police captain. He now runs the police academy at KVCC where he is inspiring the next generation of police...
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Kandace Lavender (Video)
Kandace Lavender's life's work is dedicated to impacting and igniting the power of youth. She is is an internationally known poet, vocalist, hip-hop lyricist, and special education educator in Southwest...
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Dorothy Young
Dorothy Young was a passionate advocate for children and education. She was heavily involved in her community and always strived for the best.
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Anna Whitten
The iconic Anna Whitten was a civil rights activist, a family woman, and a woman of faith. She allowed her actions to speak louder than her words.
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Dré Patterson (Video)
Dré Patterson is co-owner of the Presidential Blend Suite barbershop. His goal is to bring a “fresh breath to barbering.”
Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Yolonda Lavender
Yolonda Lavender is a determined trailblazer in our community who is adamant in her fight to be the change.