In a recent government meeting, a passionate plea for historic preservation was made by a fourth-generation Kalamazoo resident and Kalamazoo Promise recipient. The speaker emphasized the urgency of preserving the cultural heritage of the city, particularly in light of a recent article highlighting Kalamazoo as one of the fastest shrinking cities in the U.S.

The resident shared a deeply personal story about their family's historic home at 716 Pioneer Street, which was purchased in 1915 by their great-grandmother, Commissioner Lulu Margaret Williams. This home, significant for being one of the first owned by African Americans in the Vine neighborhood, has been a cornerstone of the family’s legacy and a symbol of the African American experience in Kalamazoo. The speaker expressed a desire to reclaim the home, which had been lost due to challenges faced by Black and brown communities in maintaining home ownership.

Highlighting the historical importance of the home, the speaker noted that Commissioner Williams was featured in a statewide publication commemorating the status of African Americans in Michigan 50 years post-emancipation. The resident urged city officials to consider supporting efforts to designate the home as a historic site, thereby preserving its legacy for future generations.

Additionally, the speaker addressed the impending demolition of the Ecumenical Senior Center, a site linked to their family's history and the civil rights movement in Kalamazoo. They proposed that the city consider establishing a historic marker or plaque to commemorate the Van Avery's drugstore boycott, a significant event led by their father as a young civil rights activist.

The resident concluded with a call for collaboration and support from city officials, emphasizing the importance of preserving Kalamazoo's rich African American history and ensuring that future generations can learn from it.