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Battle Creek Journalist’s First Book Chronicles African American Musicians, Ties it with Community Activities in History

Sonya Bernard-Hollins of Battle Creek had her first book published, Here I Stand: The Musical History of African Americans in Battle Creek (Battle Creek, MI: Fortitude Graphical Printing and Design, 2002). The book begins with the 1836 arrival of the first African Americans to Battle Creek. It then chronicles musicians such as Junior Walker and the All Stars and big band composer Sy Oliver, people who impacted the national music scene and called Battle Creek their home. The book concludes with highlights of present-day artists in Battle Creek who continue to follow in the footsteps of its past musicians.

Here I Stand’s book release of February, 2003 was coordinated with activities for Heritage Battle Creek and Battle Creek-area United Arts Council. The week began with a Sock Hop and ended with a free concert starring Motown and local artists who were featured in the book. Willard Library in Battle Creek sponsored some of the events along with dozens of other educational and community organizations in throughout the community.

Bernard-Hollins, who is the features editor of Battle Creek Enquirer, tied her book with community activities by presenting workshops on documenting cultural history, with assistance from local historians and scholars. Topics such as documenting family history and research were discussed. She also included other things she learned in her process of researching the Battle Creek musicians. Bernard-Hollins attained various artifacts and music from the local musicians and wishes to share these during presentations.

Sonya Bernard-Hollins can be reached at 800-333-4139 ext. 693 or by email: SBERNARD@battlecr.gannett.com.

--MLA Forum News Service

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