Neighborhood Voices

Local creators and producers share news and information about the community.

Neighborhood Narratives – Anthony Spencer: My Journey Story

Anthony Spencer shares his inspiring life story, detailing a journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a nurturing educator. Raised by a supportive grandmother in the face of family struggles, they find strength and stability through education in Kalamazoo. The…

All Stories Matter – Cassandra Stewart, I always knew my course

In this episode of 'All Stories Matter,' Marvinetta Woodley Penn sits down with Cassandra Stewart from Milestone Senior Services. They discuss Cassandra's journey from her engineering roots in Flint, Michigan, to her impactful work in Kalamazoo, where she now helps…

Power Group Recovery Stories – Tory, Jillian, and Family

Host interviews members of Recovery Institute's Power Group and other related individuals of interest to highlight the value of people who have made the best of their mental illness and/or addiction challenges.

Neighborhood Narratives – Yeaniva Eden Seisay: My Immigration Story

"My parents coming from Sierra Leone in the 90's shaped my perspective as a first generation American". Yeaniva grew up low income, black, female and African, adding layers to the stereotypes and racism out there. She felt weird growing up…

Kalamazoo & You – Foundation for Excellence

In 'Understanding the Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence', host Mike Smith welcomes Steve Brown, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Excellence, to explore how this unique nonprofit endowment supports the City of Kalamazoo. They discuss the foundation's role in lowering…

Connecting Communities Shorts – “Kanoe the Kazoo” Fall Colors Tour

Connecting Communities joined the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council on their last Kanoe the Kazoo event of the season. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and the team spoke with some attendees and got some footage of attendees enjoying the beautiful…

Neighborhood Narratives – Will Atkinson: My Purpose Story

Will Atkinson narrates his life journey from growing up in Benton Harbor and Kalamazoo to becoming a key figure in his community. Influenced by his supportive family and inspiring coaches, Will develops a strong moral compass and a desire to…