BC/Kzoo General
18 Ways to Learn About Black History
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the contributions African Americans have made to our country and our communities, and the central roles they have played in our history. At United Way BCKR, we are also marking the occasion with our 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge, a learning journey that examines…
Read More8 Ways to Work for Equity on MLK Day
In his 1963 book “Strength to Love,” Martin Luther King Jr. wrote: “The ultimate measure of a man is … where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In the past 12 months as we witnessed more instances of ongoing police violence against African Americans — as well as the overwhelming and disproportionate toll…
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement: A Call to Live United
Never in American history have we faced an assault on our national values of the scale we saw on January 6, 2021. Neither in rebellion nor in wartime nor under unprovoked attack have the fundamental principles of our nation been so threatened, its institutions so terrorized. Such violence is inexcusable, and we at United Way condemn it unequivocally.
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement of Position on Harassment Allegations
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is profoundly concerned by allegations reported by news media regarding sexual harassment, retaliation and other inappropriate behavior at United Way Worldwide. We have reached out directly and formally to UWW earlier this month to express our concerns and call for swift action and accountability. Our local…
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement on Kalamazoo County Encampments
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care (CoC) supports the development and implementation of community wide plans to deliver housing services and supports for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Kalamazoo County, like many communities across the country has experienced homeless encampments for many years, though there has been variability in the locations, sizes, and durations. Individuals…
Read MoreNew Grant Program Supports Protective Measures for Kalamazoo Small Businesses
A new fund created through a partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way will help city-based small businesses afford protective measures that keep workers and customers safe from COVID-19.
Read MoreEquity Challenge makes ‘extremely powerful’ impact
“I’ve joined our anti-racism team at work.” “I’ll be more vocal when I encounter racism in everyday life.” “I commit to being more aware of my biases and actively working to change them.” “Listening, listening, listening. Being more aware of my privilege and using it to speak up and speak out.” “I am committed to…
Read MoreTake a ‘Sneak Peek’ at Impact Week
Heroes band together to support victims of a global pandemic…. A team of experts faces a daunting mission: tackle homelessness…. Determined advocates fight racist systems to create an equitable future…. The latest books on the bestseller list? New movies coming to a cinema near you? Nope. These describe the stories and testimonials you’ll see during…
Read MoreNew Funds Available to Nonprofits for COVID-19 Relief
Our community and nation continue to experience the growing impact and devastation of COVID-19 and racial injustice. In response, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is launching a second regional activation of its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) in November 2020. In Kalamazoo, that means coming together in partnership for joint crisis relief…
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On The Eve
of the Election
A MESSAGE FROM UNITED WAY:With the challenges our community faces in 2020 and beyond, we recognize that this year’s election is more important – and more charged – than ever. United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region remains committed to building a stronger, more equitable community for every person. That task means listening…
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