Cassopolis – The Minority Coalition of Cass County will sponsor a Black History Breakfast on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 at the Cassopolis VFW, 131 S. Broadway, Cassopolis. The featured speaker is Sonya Hollins, whose topic is “Who?: Our Duty to Local, Forgotten Trailblazers.”

Sonya Bernard-Hollins is a native of Kalamazoo. She has had a passion for writing and history since her first introduction to Ebony Magazine at her grandmother's house. The introduction to the inspiring news of African Americans led her on a mission to work as a journalist who not only reports news,
but helps document the achievements of others; particularly African Americans in the past and present.

She graduated from Western Michigan University in 1993 with a degree in English with an emphasis in journalism. Her professional writing experience has led her to work for various newspapers and magazines in the midwest as reporter, columnist and editor.

Sonya has earned awards and recognitions from such organizations as Gannett News, Michigan Press Association, Associated Press of Michigan, Business Women Association-Unity Chapter; A. Philip Randolph Institute-Battle Creek Chapter; and Newspaper Association of America. Her research in black history has led to various projects including the self published work in conjunction with her husband, Sean entitled, "Here I Stand: One City's History." Sonya and Sean have four children and reside in Kalamazoo.

The doors will open at 7:30 am, and the program begins at 8:15. Following Ms. Hollins’ presentation, Dr. Veta Tucker will discuss Sanctuary and Deliverance, a mural project underwritten by the Michigan Humanities Council. And Dr. Alisea McLeod will present National Writing Day.
The breakfast menu includes bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, grits, biscuits, fruit, milk, juice, coffee and tea. Donations are welcome. The breakfast is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Minority Coalition at 269-476-2