Chris Killian
Articles
Finding Peace During War
A decade ago, two enemies in Kalamazoo put down their guns. Following two straight years of record gun violence in the city, their intervention program remains especially vigilant in helping others decide to disarm – or not pick up a gun in the first place.
Entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs
Room 35 has created a consultancy for other entrepreneurs with a focus on leveraging Kalamazoo’s massive networks for undercapitalized ideas and ambitious small businesses.
What do the unhoused do in a system that doesn’t work well?
When Kalamazoo city officials broke up encampments, they told people to seek help at the Gospel Mission and Ministry With Community. From there, the search for assistance continues in a poorly organized system.
‘I want justice. That’s what I need.’
A mother whose daughter was killed by gunfire as a bystander wants answers and action. In grief, she has to be realistic not optimistic.
Learning to checkmate life’s wrong moves
Chess club returns to Urban Alliance in Kalamazoo’s Edison neighborhood for fun and outreach intended to last a lifetime.
New Robin brand gives Kalamazoo bigger wingspan
Downtown cocktail lounge Stamped Robin expands globally-inspired esthetic to next door coffee and food spot Café Robin, which officially landed last week.
Dad Café gives energy to young Kalamazoo fathers
For a society that stereotypes and criticizes fathers for not being involved enough, it doesn’t give them a lot of support. A group of Kalamazoo dads is changing that.
Pandemic pivot leads to more high-fives for One Well Brewing
The Milwood neighborhood’s fun-focused brews and food spot will swap kids’ stuff for an arcade in expanded location.
The buzz is business
Saving bees and rebuilding hives prevents workers from getting stung and keeps the global food supply from going extinct.
Self-care leads to business success for Phenomenal She
First Kiarah Steele empowered herself to save her life. Now the budding entrepreneur has made it her job to help other women.
