KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Urban Alliance will host two powerful events designed to educate and empower youth voices while addressing the devastating impacts of gun violence. Known as Champions Night and Life Camp, these two events create a weekend of community-backed partnership and prevention aimed at breaking cycles of violence and sowing seeds of hope across Kalamazoo.
On Friday, June 20, Urban Alliance will host Champions Night, a vibrant, evening celebration welcoming families, community partners, and youth for a night of food, fun, and inspiration. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Urban Alliance, 1009 E. Stockbridge Ave., in Kalamazoo.
The Champions Night invites middle school students to raise their voices and advocate for life through creative expression and fun activities. Participants may compete by drafting their own “I Have a Dream” speech, Dear Shooter letters, poster design, and poetry or spoken word, as well as a basketball skills competition.
Each entry challenges youth to confront violence with courage and compassion, using their talent to inspire real change. Participants will have the opportunity to earn $100 VISA gift cards for their creativity, leadership, and messages of peace. Participants must register by June 12 to be eligible for prizes.
“Young people in our city have powerful stories, dreams, and potential,” said Urban Alliance Executive Director Terra Bautista. “We need to keep opening the doors for them to be seen and heard. Champions Night and Life Camp aren’t just events; they’re safe spaces where our youth learn they matter and can lead the way toward peace.”
The Champions Night event sets the stage for Life Camp, an immersive, one-day experience for youth ages 11-14, held the following day, Saturday, June 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center in Augusta. This year is Urban Alliance’s second two-day offering of Life Camp and the organization’s fourth annual offering of the event.
Life Camp attendees will participate in team-building challenges that promote cooperation and trust, an ultimate treasure hunt for shared problem-solving, and S.U.M. Fun Empowerment sessions designed to equip participants with the mindset and tools to make positive, nonviolent life choices.
Transportation to and from the camp, along with all meals, will be provided.
Parents and guardians are asked to register participants for Champions Night contests as well as Life Camp online at www.urbanalliancekalamazoo.org/lifecamp or in person at Urban Alliance. All registrations are required by Thursday, June 12.
“Ending violence requires more than just awareness; it demands community action. We invite everyone in Kalamazoo to show up to Champions Night, stand alongside our youth, and invest in their future,” said James Harris, Life Camp Leader and Pastor of Trenches Community Church.
”Our team will carry that community support and spirit of collaboration into Saturday’s Life Camp, where we will work closely with youth to empower violence-free futures and educated voices for change,” he added.
Last year’s Champions Night welcomed over 200 attendees from the community. To date, more than 300 young people have participated in Life Camp events.
Urban Alliance, Inc. was founded in 1999 with the mission of helping to break the cycle of generational poverty within Kalamazoo. Operating out of its 1009 E. Stockbridge Avenue location, Urban Alliance’s purpose is to “Communicate through our actions that we value every individual.”
