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The Harbor Current, 2055 W John Beers Rd, Stevensville, MI (2026)

06/06/2026

Morton House Museum Kicks Off New History Series in Benton Harbor
By Cameron Williams

The Morton House Museum continued its new community history series on Wednesday, May 27, with Legendary Benton Harbor Teachers, the second event in a growing lineup of programs that will explore Benton Harbor’s history through community stories and shared experiences.

Held at the Morton House Museum in partnership with Story Salon, the event focused on the lasting impact of Benton Harbor Area Schools educators, bringing together former teachers, alumni, and community members to reflect on memories spanning generations.

The evening featured retired educator Edwina McCree, who taught in Benton Harbor schools from 1968 to 2005, alongside a community discussion that invited attendees to share stories about the teachers, traditions, and experiences that shaped their lives.

McCree recalled arriving in Benton Harbor in 1968 as one of few of black teachers in the district.

“There were only about four black teachers when I started,” McCree said, describing a period when schools across the country were experiencing significant social and cultural changes. Her arrival came during a time when schools were working to bring in more diverse teachers and create more welcoming and fair learning environments for students.

Remembering her in the classroom, McCree reflected on a time when Benton Harbor Area Schools served a much larger student population than it does today. Former students and educators described Benton Harbor High School as a busy center of activity, with enrollment so high that classes were held in shifts throughout the day. School schedules stretched from 6:00 a.m. in the morning session to 5:30 p.m. in the evening, as explained the district used split shifts to manage overcrowding and accommodate the growing number of students.

Attendees shared memories of favorite teachers, extracurricular activities, and long-standing school traditions that left a lasting impact on generations of students. Many also reflected on the close-knit relationships between families and educators, describing the school as an important key to the city.
The discussion highlighted influential teachers, classroom experiences, and championship athletic teams, underscoring the important role Benton Harbor schools played in preparing students for life beyond graduation.

Chuck Jager, executive director of the Morton House Museum, said events like Legendary Benton Harbor Teachers align with the museum's mission to preserve and share Benton Harbor's history while strengthening connections within the community.

"Like we really saw tonight, where the community can come together and share stories and learn about the history of their community as a way to guide themselves on the way forward," Jager said
According to Jager, preserving these stories helps residents better understand the city's past while fostering a shared sense of identity and pride for the future.

Events like these help uncover perspectives that are often missing from traditional historical records, allowing residents to contribute their own experiences to the broader story of Benton Harbor.

Ronnika Williams, founder of Story Salon, said the partnership created opportunities for meaningful conversations across generations.

"We were also able to get stories from other educators from Benton Harbor Area Schools," Williams said. "But more importantly, we were even able to get stories from the children of those educators and also alumni of Benton Harbor Area Schools."

The event is part of a broader series designed to highlight significant chapters of Benton Harbor's history through personal storytelling and community dialogue. Organizers hope the programs will encourage residents of all ages to engage with the city's past and help preserve local stories for future generations.

The Morton House Museum & Story Salon’s next event in the series is scheduled for June 11 and will focus on the history of Benton Harbor basketball with many more events to come, continuing its effort to document and celebrate the people and institutions that have shaped the community.

For more information about upcoming programs and community events, visit the museum’s website at mortonhousemuseum.org
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Morton House Museum
The Story Salon
Benton Harbor Area Schools

06/06/2026

Today, Benton Harbor High School graduated 111 students during its 151st Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026. Families, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate this milestone as graduates were honored for their achievements, hard work, and perseverance.

Speeches from Class President Keaira Lewis and Valedictorian Carlton Burrel highlighted resilience, determination, and community pride. The graduation also featured a heartfelt tribute to classmate Rickey Dumas, who passed away before the ceremony. His parents stood in his place to receive his diploma, and the crowd responded with a standing ovation and celebration in his honor.

The ceremony closed with joy and excitement as the Class of 2026 celebrated the end of one chapter and the start of another.

06/05/2026

Highlights from the 2026 Benton Harbor Peace Walk and Peace Day Reunion. Students, families, educators, and community members gathered to walk from the Peace Garden to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument, promoting unity, respect, and peace. The event featured inspiring messages from youth leaders Samyah Crenshaw and Seven Green, continuing a tradition that encourages positive change throughout the community.

06/04/2026

Community Gathers for Annual Peace Walk Across Benton Harbor

By Cameron Williams

The streets of Benton Harbor filled early this morning as families, students and educators gathered for the annual Peace Walk and Peace Day Reunion. The event marked the last day of the school year and bringing the community together for a shared focus on unity reflection, and peace.

At 8 a.m., the event started as participants gathered at Benton Harbor High School campus in front of the Peace Garden, here groups formed and prepared for the walk. Soon after, the crowd was introduced to a number of speakers who gave remarks before the march began.

Samyah Crenshaw, a graduating senior at benton harbor high school, spoke during the first gathering, she talked about leadership, changing narratives and mental health awareness. She emphasized how sharing experiences can help reshape how Benton Harbor students and residents are seen.

“Fresh Start is doing stories to get things that we need, and I know everybody here has something that we would like to change,” she said. “Creating a story changes the narrative that people place on Benton Harbor.” She also encouraged community involvement, adding, “You being here right now, doing the Peace Walk, means so much.”She encouraged participants to value their own experiences and recognize how even small actions can help the community.

The walk then continued through downtown Benton Harbor, with the high school marching band leading the way as the crowd gathered at City Hall, where the next set of speakers addressed participants, one being Seven Green a 7th grader at Fair Plain Middle School and avocate for the Peace for Life Youth Ambassadors group. Seven Green spoke about racial history, education, mental health, and peace. He focused on questioning school rules, asking why the Star-Spangled Banner is required while Black history and cultural education remains optional.

“My journey started with a simple question.Why is the Star Spangled Banner mandatory, but my history is optional? I remember standing in my classroom while the band was taught the anthem.I later learned the lyrics glorify slavery and violence.”

Green addressed historical injustice and the importance of mental health, adding, “War is expensive, but peace is free.” He also urged support for a yes to the Start 2026 budget priorities plan, calling for investment in teachers, arts, mental health, driver’s education, public schools, and cultural education.

Seven Green also noted that the benton harbor high school will add a new song to its regular lineup, due to his requested the benton harbor high school band will play “Lift Every Voice and Sing” a song about hope. “I want to thank the high school band instructor, Mr. Cook, for listening when we asked him to play this song. So that when I go to Benton Harbor High School, I would play an anthem that respects my humanity.”

The crowd later marched to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument, where community members shared remarks and participated in a collective peace pledge, closing the walk with a call for shared responsibility.

Afterward, participants returned to Benton Harbor High School, where the event concluded. Students, staff, and community members gathered before students were served lunch and the day ended.

The Peace Walk, first introduced in 2013 under school board member Elnora Gavin, the event has grown from a school-centered initiative into a community tradition built around a 90-day pledge promoting respectful behavior in schools, homes, and neighborhoods.

The event remains closely connected to Benton Harbor Area Schools, where students and staff continue to play a central role every year. Many students view the walk as a meaningful way to end the school year and others, as a way to uplift their peers and their community.
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The Harbor Current
Benton Harbor Area Schools

06/03/2026

Today Benton Harbor hosted its annual Peace Walk and Peace Day Reunion, starting in the morning at the Peace Garden outside Benton Harbor High School. Students, families and educators gathered before walking together through downtown to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument, where the event concluded with remarks, a peace pledge.

The event featured guest speakers Samyah Crenshaw, a graduating senior who spoke about storytelling, leadership, and shifting narratives for mental health awareness, and Seven Green, a Peace for Life Youth Ambassador and 7th grader at Fair Plain Middle School, who spoke about racial history, education, mental health, and peace. The Peace Walk takes place each year at the end of the school year to encourage unity and respect across the community, and it continues a 90-day pledge focused on positive behavior in schools, homes, and neighborhoods.

06/03/2026

Work is already underway ahead of Whirlpool Corporation’s 5th Annual Day of Impact on June 18!

These photos show early improvements taking shape at the basketball courts behind Benton Harbor High School as preparations continue for this year’s community revitalization project.

06/03/2026

Marc Hopkins Appointed Chief of Police for Berrien Springs–Oronoko Township

By Cameron Williams

Marc Hopkins has been appointed Chief of Police for the Berrien Springs–Oronoko Township Police Department following the retirement of longtime Chief Paul Toliver. Hopkins brings 25 years of law enforcement experience with the Berrien County Sheriff's Office and now takes the new role as head of the department as it enters a new chapter.

During a recent interview, Hopkins outlined his vision for the department, emphasizing stronger connections with residents, local businesses, schools, and the university.

“So my plan moving forward is to strengthen our department’s relationships with local businesses, the schools, the community, and the university,” Hopkins said. “We have a large diverse group here in Berrien Springs–Oronoko Township, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.”

Building community trust and maintaining a visible presence throughout the township will be key priorities under Hopkins’ leadership. He said fostering strong relationships with residents and community organizations is essential to effective policing and public safety.

Hopkins also plans to place a strong emphasis on officer development, including training, equipment, and professional support. He said ensuring officers are well prepared and equipped will help the department continue providing high-quality service to the community.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to go through this process and be selected as the chief of police here in this community,” Hopkins said, describing the appointment as a significant milestone in his law enforcement career.

Hopkins also praised outgoing Chief Paul Toliver for his years of service and leadership.
“He’s laid a great foundation for this department,” Hopkins said. “I plan to build on that and ensure officers are better trained and better equipped to serve the public.”

Community members recently gathered during a department open house to celebrate Toliver’s retirement and welcoming of Hopkins into his new role. The event marked a transition in leadership while highlighting the department’s continued commitment to public safety.

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The Harbor Current Berrien Springs Police Department

06/03/2026

Students and Community Members Come Together Tomorrow for Peace

By Harbor Current Staff

The Benton Harbor community will come together on June 3 for the annual Peace Walk and Peace Day Reunion, an event that brings students, educators, families, and residents together to promote peace as the school year comes to a close.

The event will take place from 8:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the final day of classes. Participants are asked to gather at 8 a.m. at the Peace Garden in front of Benton Harbor High School before beginning a walk to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument in downtown Benton Harbor. Once there, attendees will hear remarks from community leaders and join together in reciting the community peace pledge.

The Peace Walk was established in 2013 under the leadership of Benton Harbor school board member Elnora Gavin. Since then, it has grown into an annual tradition centered on a 90-day pledge encouraging peace in schools, homes, and neighborhoods throughout the community.

Community Engagement Specialist Cindy Goodson said the event gives students an opportunity to end the school year on a positive note while strengthening connections with one another and the broader community.

“They really look forward to it,” Goodson said. “They want to be part of something positive. Benton Harbor High School students thrive on connection real, meaningful connection.”

Students from Benton Harbor Area Schools participate in the event each year, joining in on a time of reflection and a stand for peace, the event includes a community-focused experience and group activities involving Benton Harbor High School students and others.

Participation has continued to grow over the years. More than 300 individuals signed the peace pledge in 2025, and organizers are now aiming for 1,000 participants this year. Community members are encouraged to invite others to join and commit to the 90-day challenge.

The event stands to serves as a reminder that peace is built through everyday actions and strengthened when entire communities work together toward a common goal, making it a meaningful end-of-school-year tradition in Benton Harbor.

The Peace Walk and Peace Day Reunion are open to the public, and anyone interested in participating can sign the pledge online at PeaceDay247.com.

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The Harbor Current

05/29/2026

Much of this past Wednesdays conversation at the Morton House surrounded the rich history of Benton Harbor Area Schools.

Did you know during the 1970s there was less than 6 black teachers at Benton Harbor High School? That’s according to Edwina McCree, a guest speaker at Morton house Museum this past wednesday

The Morton House Museum held an open house in partnership with the Story Salon highlighting the history of Benton Harbor area schools. The event brought community members together to reflect on the district’s history and the educators who helped shape it.

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