Benton Harbor High School will host “Our Story. Our Voice.” – a family and community Black history roundtable and luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the Benton Harbor High School library.
“This event is about the power of partnership,” said Dr. Simone Griffin, superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools, in a news release. “We are bringing our community leaders, students and families together to have a real dialogue where we can all listen and learn from each other. It’s about creating a space where the community’s collective wisdom can help strengthen our mental health supports, safety and how to best align our resources to serve our children.”
The event is designed to bring together students, families, clergy, community leaders and staff for a solutions-focused dialogue centered on unity, wellness, safety and collaborative leadership.
The roundtable aims to elevate the community’s voice as a vehicle to shaping policy and student support systems by centering the dialogue on unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
“Community engagement must move beyond conversation into policy influence. This convening creates space for families, students and organizers to help shape decisions around wellness, safety and resource alignment,” said Elnora Gavin, YES! FRESH START Lead Organizer with We The People MI. “Sustainable change happens when policy reflects lived experience and community voice.”
The program will feature a community leadership panel and facilitated roundtable discussions, followed by a luncheon prepared and served by the BHHS CTE (Career and Technical Education) Culinary Team.
“Our families and neighbors are our greatest asset,” said Cindy Goodson, a BHHS family and community engagement specialist. “Through ‘Our Story. Our Voice.,’ we are building a true partnership where the community is always at the table. We are so grateful for the district’s partners and their continued support, which allows us to work together to build the supportive environment our community deserves.”
The event’s partners include We The People MI and YES! Fresh Start, BHHS Peace4Life Leadership Academy and BHHS Empowered Parent Coalition.
Doors will open at 11 a.m. For more information, go to the school district’s website.
By: Herald Palladium Staff