Coalition’s Behind-the-Scenes tours highlight Muskegon arts and culture
Behind-the-Scenes events are geared toward business professionals to showcase how arts and culture impact the local economy and can be utilized to retain and attract employees.
Shanika P. Carter's Latest Articles
Pandemic inspires woman to open hip-hop fitness center
Cecil McCarty began by holding workout sessions at a park before opening BFFS, the only fitness studio in the Muskegon area to offer Xtreme Hip Hop and Xtreme Burn.
Muskegon-Area chef competes on Netflix’s ‘School of Chocolate’
Culinary Institute of Michigan Professor and Chef Amanda Miller — and contributor to Patricia’s Chocolates in Grand Haven — shares what’s it like to compete in the Netflix reality cooking competition “School of Chocolate.”
Success of Kuntry Cookin’ shows the power of community support
Winning a Start Garden 5x5 Night competition put Muskegon Heights resident Destinee Keener-Sargent on the road to launching Kuntry Cookin’, inspired by her family’s cookoffs. Community support continues to grow the catering business, which now has a food truck in demand across West Michigan.
Entrepreneur Corey Blackman is building a more inclusive presence in Downtown Muskegon
Seaway Tours, which offers rentals of scooters and Segways to those who want to glide through Downtown Muskegon, is just one of entrepreneur Corey Blackman’s business ventures. The Muskegon County native’s aim is to be more involved in the community and push for diversity in the city’s business community.
The “new” MLK Neighborhood Association – Developing neighborhood block champions
After reemerging in 2020, the Martin Luther King (MLK) Neighborhood Association has continued to strive and move forward through the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic with the goal to continue caring for one other and advocating for the community. Even through the challenges, the faithful few have come together virtually, working on their mission to continue enhancing the overall quality of life in the neighborhood and building on the rich history that has become a known part of the community for over 40 years.
MLK Freedom School – Empowerment through urban agriculture and food justice
Beginning in 2020 in her yard, Alita Kelly’s gardening caught the attention of some of the neighborhood youth, leading to conversations about social and racial justice, as well as the history of food. As a result, “freedom school” was born. Now, in collaboration with the city of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the MLK Freedom School has become an expansion of Kelly’s vision for the community.
Kaja Thornton Hunter ‘overcoming barriers’ in her community with full-circle moments
Kaja Thornton Hunter, head of the nonprofit Overcoming Barriers, developed a passion and love for those with disabilities. Entrepreneur Thornton Hunter also created Kaja’s Flavor Packs to bring the beloved flavor of a Southern crab boil to Muskegon.
Bates Place — making things happen using gifts, talents and energy
Developing relationships in the neighborhood — helping people to connect with one another and becoming involved in making their community stronger — is the main goal of Bates Place. The community connectors of Bates Place that take the lead in making these interactions possible are living by purpose and gaining the trust of others. In building this trust, the connectors are also helping residents realize their talents and purpose in meaningful ways that benefit their neighborhood for the long term.
