Edison "Education is on"
project overview
The purpose of the EDISON: EDucation IS ON 
project is to increase engagement of residents in the exploration, research, interpretation, and discussion of the history, heritage, and culture of Edison, Kalamazoo’s largest and most diverse neighborhoods. It is often defined by its challenges of high poverty, crime, health disparities, struggling academic achievement, and low literacy rates, instead of the opportunities and innovation that is taking place through the resilience and action of its people. This project envisions Edison as a learning neighborhood by interpreting its characteristics through a humanities lens that includes educational, historical, and cultural perspectives.
The Edison project is guided by the leadership of the Edison 
Resident Scholars who have been meeting monthly since January 2023. This group of passionate residents is committed to building a healthy, safe, and inviting community through participation and representation, and are dedicated to learning and leadership in the neighborhood. The goals of the Edison Resident Scholars are:
- Develop the Albert White Literacy Trail along the Portage Creek, which provides literacy, health, and history while improving walking access and safety.
- Create a support network of residents through neighboring activities and accessing community resources to remove barriers.
- Increase knowledge and awareness of the neighborhood’s history, people, and opportunities.
The Edison Resident Scholars were named as the KLC’s 2024 Literacy Advocates of the Year, for their outstanding efforts toward the enhancement of Edison. From a historic recognition of Albert White, to a Photovoice & Oral Histories exhibit, to the creation of Literacy Lane, this passionate group is proving what community-engaged work looks like at the neighborhood level.
albert white Recognition
In Fall 2023, Western Michigan University pledged to formally honor Albert J. White, 
the African American mason who erected many of Kalamazoo’s notable landmarks, including the iconic Heritage Hall on WMU’s East Campus. The event was warmly attended by President Edward Montgomery, WMU faculty and staff, community members, Edison Resident Scholars, local personalities, and descendants of Mr. White.
In Spring 2024, the university held a beautiful unveiling ceremony in Heritage Hall, for the permanent wall display spotlighting his many lifetime and architectural achievements. The audience was an enthusiastic crowd of WMU staff, community members, business leaders, and others who helped celebrate in the historic commemoration. Guest speakers featured Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Karika Parker, and Edison Resident Scholars Debora & Raymond Gant, who are also members of White’s family.
literacy lane
Along the Albert White Literacy Trail between 
Alcott St. & Reed St., sits the new Literacy Lane, at the dead end of Bryant St. in Edison. The play street, a partnership between the KLC, WMU, the City of Kalamazoo, and the Edison Resident Scholars, is a learning environment nestled within the heart of the neighborhood. Its features include a Little Free Library and a reading corner, and future plans will include a permanent Story Walk(TM) along the trail itself. This formerly neglected patch of land is being transformed into an area rich with opportunities to have fun learning about health, history, and the environment.
The beautification efforts began with the installation of a Little Free Library 
and a mural depicting the neighborhood and Albert White. The KLC has partnered with Kalamazoo artist Maya James to create a street mural to cover the ground in bright colors and energetic images to further stimulate the senses and activate the imagination. Maya works closely with the Edison Resident Scholars and other community members, and together they decided on the educational and visual elements of the mural and the surrounding components. The mural is based on a color wheel concept and features 56 different elements that promote vocabulary, pronunciation, environmental awareness, and creative expression.
The community is invited to join in the mural painting!
Please click here to see the open work days in September with Maya and her crew.
The website also contains important details and instructions for volunteer expectations.
Photovoice & oral histories
The Photovoice & Oral Histories project by the Edison Resident Scholars is a grassroots initiative aimed at empowering community members through photography and storytelling. The project aims to raise awareness about local issues, foster dialogue, and promote advocacy for community-driven solutions.
Participants are provided with cameras and trained in basic photography techniques, by Jeri Love, a certified Photovoice facilitator. They were encouraged to capture images that reflect their daily lives, challenges, and aspirations, and were asked to consider themes relevant to their experiences, such as health, housing, education, or the environment.
Histories exhibit debuted at the 2023 Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium, where the Edison Resident Scholars also presented about their personal experiences with the project. 
The traveling exhibit serves to allow wider audiences to engage with the stories and issues highlighted. In Spring 2024, the exhibit was shown at the Edison Neighborhood Association and will return on September 28, 2024, as part of the ENA’s annual meeting. The exhibit serves as a powerful visual narrative that can challenge stereotypes, inform public perceptions, and inspire action on important community issues. project partners
The EDISON “EDucation IS ON” initiative, the Albert White Literacy Trail, and Literacy Lane are graciously supported by several agencies and community partners, including the Michigan Humanities Council, Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, Western Michigan University, United Way of South Central Michigan, and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Photo credits: Jeri Love and Robin Simpson.
