Initially, it was a place for African-American soldiers stationed in Fort Custer to socialize. Then the Douglass Community Association, which turns 100 years old this year, became a hub for recreational programs and outreach services for children, adults and families living on Kalamazoo's northern end, says new Executive Director Sidney Ellis. He says commemorating reaching the century mark has been one of the immediate priorities since coming on-board in October. Other goals are increasing awareness about the outreach center, recruiting more volunteers and fundraising.
Ellis was most recently director of mission advancement for the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo. He has also been executive director of the Black Arts & Cultural Center.
He appeared today on WMUK's WestSouthwest podcast to talk about the history of the Douglass Community Association, the 100th year celebration plans, and about his nonprofit career. You can subscribe to the podcast through Apple iTunes and Google.
Hear a shorter version here.
WestSouthwest is produced by WMUK, the public radio station licensed to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. You can subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. There you can leave a rating and write a review.
