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

As my time as BCTRHT's social media and community engagement intern comes to a close, I'm reflecting on what democracy really looks like when it's practiced instead of just talked about. From sitting in a room with hundreds of leaders on the National Day of Racial Healing, to weekly meetings with Elizabeth, to a recent workshop on empathetic listening with Laura, this post traces the moments, big and small, that shaped how I show up in my community. It's reflection and a than

Introducing Nae'Ary Wilson, our 3rd place winner for the 2026 High School Essay Contest! The BCTRHT High School Essay Contest is led and coordinated by the Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation as part of the Juneteenth Planning Committee's annual celebration.

Introducing Dwayne White, one of our 2nd place winners for the 2026 High School Essay Contest! The BCTRHT High School Essay Contest is led and coordinated by the Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation as part of the Juneteenth Planning Committee's annual celebration.

Introducing Stella Benson, one of our 2nd place winners for the 2026 High School Essay Contest! The BCTRHT High School Essay Contest is led and coordinated by the Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation as part of the Juneteenth Planning Committee's annual celebration.

Introducing Esther Lian, our 1st place winner for the 2026 High School Essay Contest! The BCTRHT High School Essay Contest is led and coordinated by the Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation as part of the Juneteenth Planning Committee's annual celebration.

This summer, I am prioritizing intention over deadlines. I'm dedicating more time to engaging with my community in meaningful ways that I haven't previously been able to pursue. Through BCTRHT's Essential Skills Workshop and some quiet self-reflection, I have come to realize that growth does not end when the semester ends.

I attended the BCTRHT Youth Summit twice. The first time, I left knowing my values. The second time, I left knowing my role. What I didn't expect was that the students would be the ones to teach me.

On Tuesday, March 24th, 87 young people from across Calhoun County spent the day exploring leadership, organizing, and what it means to build change together. They learned the Social Change Ecosystem framework. They practiced proactive and responsive action. They defined freedom for themselves. At the end of the day, students gathered in a circle for one final activity. Facilitator Destiné Price invited them to create a collective poem. Each person had 15 seconds to write one

First Place Winner "Freedom is in knowing you’re afraid, and choosing to push forward because of a greater purpose." Blake Rogers Lakeview High School, Class of 2025 I was born with a gift. Now, before you start to think that I’m going to tell you about some superpower I acquired in a freak accident, or maybe that I see things nobody else can, that’s not the case. My gift is far more practical than that, you see, my gift is that I was born free. There are a myriad of angles

Witness Isa's emotional shift from the excitement of pursuing a dream to study in Spain to the disappointment of realizing the financial burden makes it unattainable for now. It reflects on anger, grief, and the difficulty of letting go, while ultimately turning toward acceptance and self‑belief. Through the lens of repeated rejection, it highlights the importance of confidence and resilience, reminding readers that closed doors can redirect rather than define their path.

January marks six months since I began my internship with BCTRHT. What started as a role focused on social media quickly became something deeper and more intentional. I have learned the importance of showing up with purpose, amplifying community voices, and using my role to support connection and healing across Battle Creek.

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.

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.

“We are walking on paths that were not paved by us but made for us,” said Tanna Biller, a local high school student, when asked about the...