Kalamazoo, MI- Jackie Mitchell, resident of Kalamazoo and entrepreneur, is in the process of developing a corner of the Southside neighborhood into a hub for health through community gardening and connection. The space will have an indoor garden facility and feature education about sustainable gardening practices and food from local growers.
Jackie has been involved in multiple local efforts to address racial inequities on health, wealth and education in Kalamazoo. She has used her own money and know how and shared her knowledge and opportunities with family and community members. Jackie also has plans to provide space for local artists and makers to sell their crafts in this space.
Mitchell has completed a course in urban gardening through KVCC as well as multiple courses and consultation on small business development. She has developed a thorough business plan and has secured a business loan and multiple small grants to rehab the building and purchase necessary equipment. Extensive electrical, plumbing and construction work is still needed to get this business up and running.
Mitchell recently presented her project to Urban Democracy FEAST on March 20 and was awarded 100% of the FEAST crowd-fund which included, presenter for Fuel After the Economy, Alex Sanchez, graciously donated their awarded funds from the events presentations. To find out more about Urban Democracy FEAST and the next opportunities to present your social justice projects, visit www.urbandemocracyfeast.org
40 days. If you haven’t already, NOW is the time to prepare. Here are some tips:
Learn self defense. Arm yourself. Get a gas mask and a helmet. Cardio.
Stock up on non perishable food, water and a portable water filter, and first aid supplies.
Identify and secure alternative power sources (battery powered flashlights and lanterns, candles, camp fuel/propane, a solar powered phone charger, camp stove, a generator if you can).
Get a battery powered radio and begin collecting hand tools, paracord/rope, blankets and tarps.
Keep your gas tank full as possible at all times and fill a duffel bag with extra supplies to keep in the car.
Evaluate your home security and consider getting a door/window alarm, a porch/outside camera, and inspect the sturdiness of door frames and windows. Determine if you will need boards to cover windows or barricade doors and start collecting wood now (often found free or cheap on marketplace).
There are lots of good deals at Park St right now to stock up on food. Many of these items can be found cheaply on Amazon or some thrift stores.
Sit down and force yourself to walk through possible scenarios and formulate a plan on how you would realistically react, and plan accordingly, so you have already thought it over before it occurs.
Identify a small group of people who you have zero doubt that you can trust your life with. Discuss one another’s skills and vulnerabilities. Collaborate and strategize to keep your group safe.
Keep your eyes wide open and your ears to the ground. Pay critical attention to the news and double check sources, stories, and facts now more than ever.
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P.S.: After you’ve mentally and physically prepared yourself:
Go for long walks in the woods as the leaves are changing colors.
Find your favorite music and play it as much and as often as you want. Dance like nobody’s watching.
Cuddle with a loved one. Reconnect with old friends. Take care of unfinished business.
Read a book. Not a Marxist book, or a political book. A fun book. Like science fiction, or romance, or a graphic novel.
Look up your favorite wholesome entertainment and keep it at the top of your streaming queue.
Cook your favorite meals.
Help organize and prepare your community but don’t spend a solitary second doing something you don’t need or want to do.
Kalamazoo, MI (Majyck Radio)- Numerous folks involved with Urban Democracy FEAST are busy behind the scenes preparing for a very busy Saturday. Members are gathering food ingredients all the way to table settings and childcare in preparation for many curious community members to participating in a grass-root, crowd funded democratic process of voting for social projects.
Three projects will be presented this evening sharing gaps of social equality in Kalamazoo. The project that receives the most votes at the end of the evening will be awarded the cash prize. This money is then used to further their project goals and outcomes.
No long drawn out process for reporting. The winner only needs to attend the next FEAST and give a report on what progress was made with the monies received.
This democratic process is simple with no hidden agendas. The first FEAST will be held at the Hispanic American Council located at 930 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.
