Diversity & Equity

The reading material for this year is Sandra Cisneros’ book, “The House on Mango Street.” The book tells the story of a young Latina.

Big Read celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, Neighboring Week in Midland

Creative 360 will host an NEA Big Read kickoff event on Sept. 25 from 1-5 p.m. The event will feature food trucks, live music, and distribution of “The House on Mango Street,” the selected book for the 10-month-long reading initiative.

Latest in Diversity & Equity
Bay City Police Officer Brandon Murphy is active in Bridge the Gap events.
Bridge the Gap aims to link local law enforcement officers and the communities they serve

Bridge the Gap, which formed in 2015, is helping four students attend the Delta College Police Academy in preparation for a career in Bay County.

Kelly PeLong is the executive director of the Disability Network Mid-Michigan
Q&A with Kelly PeLong, Disability Network of Mid-Michigan

Thirty-one years ago this week, the Americans with Disabilities Act became law — prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the job market, transportation, schools, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. Kelly PeLong of the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan shares her thoughts on what’s been achieved and what challenges are still ahead for persons with disabilities.

LGBTQIA+ survivors are welcome at Shelterhouse. Past experiences with bullying, lack of support from helping professionals, or trauma can make it especially difficult for LGBTQIA+ survivors to reach out for help.
Catalyst Community: Shelterhouse’s Intersections

In the latest in a series of columns on different segments of our community, Catalyst Midland focuses on a new program offered by Shelterhouse to help individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.

Making the impossible possible: Camp Fish Tales in Pinconning makes dreams a reality

Campers are packing their bags for Camp Fish Tales as it kicks off its 28th adventure-filled summer.  

Last year’s successful distribution of yard signs across the Bay, Saginaw, Midland and Isabella counties led to a continuation of the program this year.
Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates “Pride at Home” with free yard sign distribution

In place of its annual festival, Great Lakes Bay Pride is offering a ‘Pride at Home’ LGBTQ celebration this year. Free pride yard signs will be distributed June 4 at Dow Diamond.

From left to right: Jenee Velasquez, Kathy Fuce-Hobohm, Lee Ann Keller, Rebecca Cox, Cathy Bott, Diane Postler-Slattery, Sue MacKellar, Sharon Miller
Catalyst Community: The Power of the Pod

In the latest in a series of columns on different segments of our community, Catalyst Midland focuses on how several women have developed a network of support to help them succeed in their leadership roles across the community.

Joyanne Huston-Swanson, community relations for the Kent District Library, works with a wi-fi hotspot that is available for checkout at the library. Patrons have used the hotspots to access telehealth appointments, among other needs.
Telehealth expansion has made health care more accessible during the pandemic – but not for everyone

Michiganders who are older, live in rural areas, or have income challenges may have trouble navigating, accessing, or affording the technology they need to keep their telehealth appointments.

Jonathan Haynes is a founding member of Anti-Racist Midland. “We’re very excited to start the reckoning and the grappling so we can move forward as a community."
ARM strives for a more inclusive and equitable Midland

Anti-Racist Midland (ARM) continues working with Midland Public Schools and the community to make Midland more equitable. ARM will soon be releasing a podcast of oral histories with the intent to amplify Black voices, in partnership with the Midland County Historical Society and the Cultural Awareness Coalition.

Minority business owners are a powerful force. According to the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, minority business owners create half the new jobs in this country.
Great Lakes Bay Region works to create an inclusive business community

Organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region are expanding outreach efforts and programs. The purpose is to attract and support diverse business owners throughout the communities.

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