This year in honor of Black History Month, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region invited staff and community members to reflect on and share their thoughts on who in Black history – past, present, local or global – has inspired them.

Every Tuesday and Thursday during February, we shared these submissions on our UWBCKR social media channels with our “Black History Month Spotlight” posts.

United Way BCKR President & CEO Chris Sargent highlighted several partners making history right now with their leadership in community.

“Reggie LaGrand at WKKF, who constantly checks in on people and is grounded in grace and support. Grace Lubwama, who leads the YWCA with such conviction and passion. Denise Crawford, who advocates for taking care of people’s health in our community through Family Health Center. Finally, Lenzy Bell, a local pastor and part of our Board who always talks about doing something for others,” Sargent said.

“The list is long and the beauty and passion of our friends who we get to partner with is inspiring for sure.”

Below are submissions featured in our “Black History Spotlight” posts:

Ruby Bridges

Submitted by Bobby Boyd: Community Outreach and Diversity, City of Portage
“Her story is so inspiring, especially when you take in consideration that she played a major role in the desegregation movement and even more importantly set the chain reaction that led the integration of schools in the south when she was only 6 years of age.”

Leatrice Fullerton, Community Education Director of Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Submitted by Claire Michael, UWBCKR
“I have made it my life goal to advocate for and be a positive representation for people in all of the marginalized groups that I belong to. I do this through my work with Disability Network, as well as with volunteering for several other agencies in Kalamazoo. In my current position, I’m able to assist Disability Network in carrying out its mission of educating and connecting people with disabilities to resources while advocating social change!”

Lucille W. Gorham

Submitted by Luchara, Layla’s Cool Pops
“She welcomed all into her home regardless of race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, education, or age. That is why she was known by many as Love because she loved many and all. We are inspired by her life and legacy. We are encouraged to keep working for our community because of the example she set.”

Fannie Lou Hamer

Submitted by Molly Trueblood, UWBCKR
“She was brave, constantly risking her own personal safety and finances for the cause of Black voting rights, and she worked tirelessly to make Black civil rights a project for our whole nation – as she famously said, ‘Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.'”

Nichelle Nichols

Submitted by Rick Chambers, Rick Chambers & Associates, LLC
“She inspired countless Black women, from scientists like Mae Jemison to fellow actors like Whoopie Goldberg. Nichols also recruited women and BIPOC candidates to be astronauts for NASA.”

1966 Texas Western Men’s Basketball Team

Submitted by Mitch Wilfer, UWBCKR
“With their courage and bravery, these seven men helped to start the break of barriers within college basketball as more Black men were able to play a pivotal role within college programs as players, and as coaches.”

Dr. Addis Moore

Submitted by Leatrice R. Brooks, Chosen PLLC
“I am so grateful for his spiritual and professional mentorship. Through his influence, I have come to understand my purpose on a much deeper level and grander scale. He has empowered and equipped me for entrepreneurship and I started Chosen, PLLC and The Power in Presence to serve our community.”

John Lewis

Submitted by David Pawloski, UWBCKR
A video tribute from the UAW

Thank you to all those who participated and shared their stories of inspiration!