The Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) is hosting several community activities in recognition of the second annual Dorothy McClendon Day. This year’s events also coincide with the community’s Juneteenth celebrations.
McClendon, who passed away in 2020, was a tireless advocate for racial justice, equity, and healing.
“This annual recognition honors Dorothy’s life and legacy. A passionate visionary, social worker, and community leader who passed away in 2020, Dorothy was a fierce contributor to racial equity and healing work,” says a press release from
TRHT.
McClendon was a founding member of the Battle Creek Coalition for TRHT and the Sacred Conversations Book Club. She also served on the board of the
Battle Creek Community Foundation and was a faithful member of Second Missionary Baptist Church for more than three decades.
TRHT’s aim is to serve as a catalyst for a racial equity movement that transforms the way we live, work and interact as a community, says the press release announcing the organization’s partnerships with several area organizations and community members to host the following events for Dorothy McClendon Day, starting on June 8.
Events include:
● Mayoral Proclamation the June 7, 2022 City Commission meeting where the City of Battle Creek will issue its second proclamation to recognize Dorothy McClendon Day, urging residents to promote racial healing and transformation and supporting ongoing community activities to build an equitable and just Battle Creek.
● El Sueño de una Casa Propia (Dreaming of Homeownership) on June 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 145 Capital Ave NE. Those who attend this free event will hear from a new Latina homeowner, a Latino Realtor, and a representative from Voces as they explain the process for buying a home and share their experiences. This event will be conducted in Spanish and is co-sponsored by Voces, the Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors, and Southwestern Michigan Urban League.
● Dorothy McClendon Memorial Tree Planting June 17 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Leila Arboretum, 928 W. Michigan Avenue.
● Health Equity Expo at Juneteenth Family Day on June 18, from 9 am to 2 p.m. at Claude Evans Park, 300 N. Washington Ave. TRHT is partnering with the Population Health Alliance to host this event which will serve as an important step in actively addressing health disparities that predominantly impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Battle Creek. The
TRHT Health Equity Expo will provide access to health screenings, wellness practices, vaccines, resources, education, and advocacy. In the event of inclement weather, the Expo and
Juneteenth Family Day will be moved to Kellogg Arena and will take place on the same date and time
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