Who We Are
The Village is a collaborative effort and plan led by members of Battle Creek’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities to achieve equity and challenge systemic and structural barriers to their growth and prosperity.
Developed around the theory of collective liberation, The Village intends to create systemic change driven by the belief that communities of color will achieve more through common goals and a united presence. The Village Reemergence Plan will create access and opportunity around economic development, industry, food, education, health and wellness, and personal growth and advocacy.
The Village is organized as an initiative of United Way for Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR) with support through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Catalyzing Community Giving (CCG) grant program. The CCG grant is designed to promote strong, stable communities by supporting the development of philanthropy among communities of color. UWBCKR works as a thought partner and support system for the overall effort, which will result in improved, sustainable economic outcomes through progress on three interrelated goals: 1) Promoting the healthy growth, learning and development of children; 2) Promoting strong families and neighborhood stability; and 3) Increasing access to economic development.
By developing administrative and fundraising capacity and planning sustainable, successful communities, The Village will build a better Battle Creek.
Statement: Jan. 28, 2022
The Village Network, a collaborative of Battle Creek’s communities of color, has been engaging with people across Battle Creek to determine how we can best work to strengthen and support BIPOC communities and all of Battle Creek. The recent infusion of American Rescue Plan Act funding has presented opportunities and challenges as the City of Battle Creek reviews the equitable allocation of these funds. Several member organizations of The Village Network have applied for ARPA funding for individual projects and programs that will span neighborhoods. Our commitment as we move through this process is three-fold:
- We will support each other and be accountable for our words and actions throughout the allocation process, mindful that we are doing this work together and we stand in solidarity.
- We will hold the established power structure and systems accountable to all people of Battle Creek, mindful that communities of color have been particularly devastated by more than two years of pandemic and that ARPA funds were approved to support and advance those compromised by COVID.
- The Village Network will be a model for the community, its stakeholders and each other, moving forward with transparency, integrity and with a deep sense of obligation and commitment to all citizens of Battle Creek.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for our city to shape an entirely new Battle Creek that contributes to economic and educational equity for all residents. The Village Network is prepared to support those efforts and will work tirelessly to that end.
Click on the red markers on the map at left for more information about the following BIPOC Community Centers in Battle Creek:
- Burma Center, 765 Upton Ave, Springfield
- New Level Sports Ministries, 400 Michigan Ave, Battle Creek
- RISE Corp, 153 N Wood St N, Battle Creek
- Southwest Michigan Urban League, 172 West Van Buren Street, Battle Creek
- Truth In Action Ministries, 208 Euclid St, Battle Creek
- Voces, 520 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek
oUR pARTNERS
Find The Village on social media
