Our Stories
Truth-telling, memory, and vision from the people of Battle Creek.

Isa shares how one unexpected act of kindness shifted an overwhelming study day and reminded her of the power of gratitude and community.

This month I’ve been learning what it really means to balance gratitude and rest. Between work, events, and photography, I’m realizing constant motion leaves little room to breathe, and even less to be thankful.

At the MASA Center’s Harvest Party, moments of sharing food, watching a movie, and laughing together reflected the simple ways belonging takes shape. These community spaces show how care, joy, and connection can bring people closer and strengthen the roots of community.

Starting college has taught me the importance of managing my time with intention. In high school, teachers reminded me of deadlines, but now it’s up to me to plan, stay accountable, and balance rest, school, and my internship. I’ve learned that time management isn’t just personal—it’s how we care for others and create belonging. When we plan with purpose, we make space to listen, support, and grow together.

In the midst of the pandemic, I found myself craving stories that could hold both beauty and struggle. Reading became more than escape—it became a practice of freedom. I began choosing books that reflected the fullness of lived experience, stories that helped me imagine something better. This blog is a reflection on how reading has shaped me, held me, and offered a path back to myself.

“Freedom Is Not Finished”: Youth Reflections on Freedom highlights the powerful reflections of youth who participated in BCTRHT’s 2025 Juneteenth Essay Contest. Their words challenge us to confront incomplete freedoms, honor untold histories, and create a community where all can thrive. This blog is a call to listen, to act, and to walk alongside the young people who are already leading us toward a more just future.