“Building” a bridge between generations – that’s the hope for Michigan’s twin cities. The only difference? The physical bridge is already in place but that doesn’t rule out two construction projects that broke ground in late June to do the job.
St. Joseph and Benton Harbor have long been coined Michigan’s “twin cities,” with just the St. Joseph River dividing the two lake towns. Once very similar in nature, the two locations have experienced their differences in the last several years, drifting them from their sibling-like connection. But that is about to change.
Aligning with the Juneteenth holiday, community members gathered to celebrate a pair of groundbreaking ceremonies. Coordinated by the Unified Civic Monuments Project, the first location broke ground for a monument in Benton Harbor’s Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park. Community members in attendance were then able to take a bus, drive over the bridge connecting the two towns and see the other groundbreaking in St. Joseph’s Margaret Upton Arboretum, which will feature a complimenting monument of that in Benton Harbor.
Both monuments will focus on the history and culture connected to the two towns. Each will also highlight the importance of involving the next generation into these projects and more, opening the door for their contributions into the future. With the AEP Foundation contributing a grant to this project, I&M’s External Affairs manager, Mona Livingston, was able to attend both groundbreakings with a very special community guest.
“The addition of these monuments will help promote not only vitality in these communities but will touch on the importance of acknowledging diversity throughout the year,” Livingston said. “The next generation in each of these cities are so important for the future work that has yet to be done – and that starts today.”
A member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan, Xavier was named a 2024 Junior Youth of the Year for Greater Southwest Michigan. His compelling and genuine speech at the event touched many about overcoming struggles and adversity, as well as helping and caring for those around you. Xavier was the perfect candidate to receive the passing of the shovel, helping to connect the next generation in each of these cities.
Construction on the monuments will continue through completion later this fall. Read more about how we are partnering and supporting the communities we serve by visiting the community section on our website.