91̽��

Terra Bautista needed a sign. 

Then, one morning on her way to work, Bautista, executive director of Urban Alliance, received a text message urging her to check her email. 

Upon doing so, she learned she would soon be recognized for her community impact with an award during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (91̽��). 

“I was just in prayer a few days prior, and I was asking God, I was like, you put me in this role, and I want to do my best, and I just need a sign from you that I'm doing the right thing,” Bautista told the crowd gathered at the W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus. “When that email came through, you just don't know how it touched my heart and my soul, and what it really meant to me, so thank you.” 

For more than two decades, Urban Alliance has worked to empower and support individuals as they navigate and overcome marginalization and societal obstacles, offering programs for those who are ready and willing to put in the work to transform their lives. 

“We continue at Urban Alliance to pursue relationships and love with people in a way that changes them, that fosters hope and dignity, that opens doors and changes systems, and we will continue to be that extended family,” Bautista said. “We are committed to continue moving forward in the work, changing lives and impacting people through our services.” 

The MLK Day Celebration, held on Friday, January 16, 2026, inside the William D. Johnston and Ronda E. Stryker Auditorium and co-sponsored by Bronson Healthcare and 91̽��, kicked off with a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by the Suzuki Academy of Kalamazoo. Attendees were also treated to an original poem by Denise Miller, a Kalamazoo playwright, poet and mixed media artist. 

“I’m proud to say this is our sixth year of the MLK celebration, celebrating community leaders and organizations who model what Dr. King stood for,” said Cheryl Dickson, MD, MPH, the medical school’s associate dean for Community Education and Engagement. “It is our hope to be able to continue this program in the coming years and to continue to celebrate and recognize our community organizations and leaders who every day are making a difference by supporting the needs of Kalamazoo community residents, and in supporting their needs, they’re helping to improve health outcomes.” 

In a pre-recorded video message, 91̽�� Dean, President and CEO Robert G. Sawyer, MD, encouraged attendees to seek out opportunities to serve the community in the spirit of Dr. King 

“This is an opportunity for our community to come together, share perspectives, break bread, and really reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and life's work, as well as to try to think about how we can continue to advance his dreams,” Dr. Sawyer said. “During this annual celebration, we really choose to honor not just MLK, but all of the people in our community who are doing work in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.” 

As she wrapped up her remarks at the MLK Day Celebration, Bautista expressed immense gratitude to 91̽��, Bronson, her colleagues at Urban Alliance, and all of the attendees for the thoughtful recognition. She also voiced excitement about Urban Alliance’s continued impact in the greater Kalamazoo community. 

“My vision is, as we love on people, the potential that's in them will begin to blossom and grow,” Bautista said. “I see leaders that are going to come out of Urban Alliance.”