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Southwestern Michigan Urban League Black History Month Salutes 2026
The Southwestern Michigan Urban League proudly salutes Gloria Jean Vaughns Robertson, a Black leader whose dedication and service were instrumental in bringing positive change to Battle Creek and Calhoun County. We applaud her distinguished career in education and the many sacrifices she made to ensure that children received a well-rounded education—one that nurtured growth, expanded minds, and opened doors to opportunity. Gloria is widely recognized for her state and national excellence in educational leadership, as well as her innovative approach to student engagement and achievement.
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Among her most notable contributions are the development of the Principal’s Tea for Student Excellence and the Language Arts Science Enrichment Resource (LASER) Program at Ann J. Kellogg School. Through LASER, elementary students were introduced to the arts by local artists and presenters in areas such as ballet dance, drum corps, African dance, guitar, choir, cheerleading, foreign language, sewing, painting, and band—just to name a few. Students eagerly looked forward to coming to school each day, striving for behavioral and academic excellence in order to participate in these transformative programs.
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As we celebrate Black History Month, the Southwestern Michigan Urban League honors Gloria Jean Vaughns Robertson as a true history maker—one whose leadership empowered young minds, enriched our community, and changed lives.
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Gloria Jean Vaughns Robertson is a lifelong educator and nationally recognized leader whose career in education and administration spans more than three decades. Beginning in 1972 with Battle Creek Public Schools, she served as a classroom teacher, special education instructor, and later as principal of Wilson Elementary School and Ann J. Kellogg Elementary School—one of the nation’s leading center-based special education programs.
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Gloria is widely celebrated for her visionary leadership and for creating innovative programs that elevated student excellence. At Ann J. Kellogg School, she launched the Principal’s Tea for Student Excellence and the Language Arts Science Enrichment Resource (LASER) Program, introducing students to the arts, culture, and enrichment opportunities that inspired academic achievement and positive behavior. Her work demonstrated the power of exposure, creativity, and high expectations in shaping young lives.
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After retiring from public education in 2004, Gloria continued her impact as Chair, Dean, and Vice President at Robert B. Miller College, where she helped design the Teacher Preparation Program and led accreditation efforts. A Fellow of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, she also traveled internationally, including a transformative experience in China that further shaped her commitment to arts-based learning and educational equity.
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Throughout her career, Gloria has received numerous local, state, and national honors for leadership and service, while remaining deeply engaged in community, civic, and faith-based organizations. Above all, she credits her greatest joy to her family and her unwavering belief that education is a powerful tool to uplift individuals, families, and communities.
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We salute you, Gloria!
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Michael A. Patton, MNA
President and CEO
Staff and Board of Directors
Southwestern Michigan Urban League
The Southwestern Michigan Urban League proudly salutes Dr. LaTisha Glass for her dedication, commitment, and outstanding service to the people of Battle Creek and Calhoun County. As a respected dental professional, entrepreneur, and community leader, Dr. Glass has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for improving the health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals and families throughout our community.
Through her work in dentistry, mentorship, and ministry, Dr. Glass has made meaningful sacrifices to ensure access to compassionate, high-quality care while uplifting and inspiring others. Her leadership alongside her husband at Glass Family Dental reflects a commitment to service rooted in integrity, excellence, and respect. Beyond her professional practice, she continues to empower communities by mentoring aspiring dentists and investing her time and resources into the next generation of leaders.
We thank Dr. LaTisha Glass for her service, leadership, and the lasting impact she has made in changing lives and strengthening communities. During this Black History Month, we honor her contributions and celebrate her legacy of compassion, faith, and empowerment.
Dr. LaTisha Glass, a native of Detroit, Michigan, is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and accomplished dental professional with more than twenty years of experience. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, she relocated to Battle Creek, Michigan in 2004, where she established both her family and professional roots. Her career reflects a broad range of expertise gained through public health, academic instruction, and private practice dentistry, allowing her to serve patients with depth, knowledge, and excellence.
A highly trained and compassionate clinician, Dr. Glass is proficient across all dental specialties and remains committed to staying current with the latest procedures and advancements in dentistry. She partners alongside her husband, Dr. Michael Glass, as co-owner of Glass Family Dental, where they work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care grounded in integrity, respect, and compassion. Together, they view their work as both a profession and a ministry—serving patients with clinical excellence while addressing their physical and emotional needs.
Dr. Glass’s faith and commitment to service extend beyond the dental office into her home and community. She believes family is her first ministry and is deeply devoted to cultivating a Christ-centered household and marriage. Passionate about mentorship, she invests in aspiring dentists by offering job shadowing, test preparation, and hands-on learning opportunities. She is also the author of P.R.A.I.S.E., an inspirational Christian work that encourages readers to grow in faith and purpose. Anchored by Philippians 4:13, Dr. Glass lives each day striving to reflect God’s glory and inspire others to walk boldly in the path God has prepared for them.
We salute you, Dr. LaTisha Glass.
Michael A. Patton, MNA
President and CEO, Staff and Board of Directors
Southwestern Michigan Urban League
The Southwestern Michigan Urban League proudly salutes Dr. Michael Glass for his unwavering service, dedication, and leadership in Battle Creek and Calhoun County. Through his work as a dental professional, mentor, and community leader, Dr. Glass has made a lasting impact by empowering others and transforming lives throughout our community.
Dr. Glass serves as a role model to many, especially young Black males, demonstrating the importance of integrity, faith, and service. His commitment to professional excellence, volunteer work, and community initiatives reflects a life dedicated to uplifting others and creating opportunities for growth and success.
We thank Dr. Michael Glass for his outstanding contributions, leadership, and example of service to our community. During this Black History Month, we honor and celebrate his remarkable impact and proudly salute him for inspiring and empowering generations to come.
Dr. Michael Glass is a highly trained dental clinician and dedicated community servant with over twenty years of experience practicing dentistry in Battle Creek, Michigan. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, he is known for building personal connections with each patient, providing care with gentleness, compassion, and clinical excellence. Dr. Glass emphasizes the importance of oral health and its connection to overall wellness, creating a comforting environment where patients feel informed, supported, and valued.
Dr. Glass partners with his wife, Dr. LaTisha Glass, in both business and ministry as co-owner of Glass Family Dental. Together, they provide instruction, guidance, and care to those who entrust them with their dental needs. Alongside their professional partnership, they are raising three bright, like-minded young men, instilling in them the values of service, faith, and integrity. Dr. Glass’s ability to balance family, faith, and professional responsibilities exemplifies his strong, humble, and consistent leadership.
A man of faith, Dr. Glass expresses his love for Christ through his devotion to serving others. He is the founder of the Battle Creek Diaper Network, serves on the Lakeview School District Board, and actively participates in New Harvest Christian Center. His life and work are guided by a service-minded outlook and his belief that God empowers him to help others reach their fullest potential. Anchored by Matthew 6:3-4, Dr. Glass continues to live a life of quiet generosity, inspiring those around him to pursue greatness while serving others with humility and purpose.
We salute you, Dr. Michael Glass.
Michael A. Patton, MNA
President and CEO, Staff and Board of Directors
Southwestern Michigan Urban League
The Southwestern Michigan Urban League proudly salutes James "Quice" Williams, a Black leader who has been instrumental in bringing positive change to Battle Creek and Calhoun County.
Your sacrifice and unwavering commitment to serving young people have made a profound difference in the lives of those you have reached. Through your involvement with Cereal City Hoopsters, leadership of the Annual Kids Day Program, and the founding of the Black Male Excellence Group, you have provided our youth with hope, guidance, and a clear pathway toward a brighter future.
Your dedication to empowering the next generation exemplifies true leadership and service. As we celebrate Black History Month, the Southwestern Michigan Urban League applauds your efforts and proudly honors you as a history maker—one who has strengthened communities, inspired excellence, and changed lives.
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James Williams, better known as “Quice” throughout Battle Creek—a childhood nickname derived from his middle name—has remained deeply committed to giving back to the city that raised him. A respected community activist and leader, Williams continues to invest his time and energy into uplifting young people and strengthening the community.
Williams was a multi-sport standout at Battle Creek Central High School before going on to star on the football field at Olivet College, where he earned a degree in communications with a minor in criminal justice. Following graduation, he pursued a professional football career in Europe, gaining national attention after a dazzling punt return in the Polish American Football League, which was featured on ESPN and other national platforms.
In 2019, Williams launched his first major community initiative, City Kids Day, at the Battle Creek Central Fieldhouse, serving more than 300 local youth. After a brief pause during the pandemic, the event returned in 2021 at Kellogg Arena, reaching more than 1,200 children and families. Now in its seventh year, the Williams Organization has positively impacted over 1,500 youth and families across the City of Battle Creek. In recognition of this work, Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke signed a proclamation in February 2022 officially declaring June 25 as “City Kids Day” in Battle Creek.
Today, Williams continues his leadership and service as a Supervisor/Site Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale, Arizona, where he oversees basketball and flag football leagues and tournaments. He is also a personal fitness trainer, an entrepreneur who owns an online fitness apparel company, and a co-founder of the Black Male Excellence Group. In 2025, he was inducted into the Battle Creek Central High School Hall of Fame, receiving high honors from community leaders, alumni, and residents across the city.
We salute you, James "Quice" Williams.
Michael A. Patton, MNA
President & CEO
Staff and Board of Directors
Southwestern Michigan Urban League
The Southwestern Michigan Urban League proudly salutes Timothy Elliott for his lifelong leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to empowering others throughout Battle Creek and Calhoun County. As a retired educator, arts advocate, and community leader, Mr. Elliott dedicated his career to uplifting young people, strengthening institutions, and ensuring access to education, culture, and opportunity for all.
Through his work as an educator, mentor, and arts leader, Timothy Elliott made countless personal sacrifices to help others reach their full potential. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, shaping lives through theater, music, scholarship development, and civic engagement. His leadership with community organizations, boards, and youth programs reflects a deep belief in service, excellence, and collective responsibility.
We appreciate and honor Timothy Elliott for his enduring contributions to our community and for the lives he has changed through education, advocacy, and the arts. His legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and purpose—one that continues to inspire future generations. During this Black History Month, we proudly celebrate his impact and salute him for helping to build stronger communities and brighter futures.
Timothy Elliott is a retired educator whose distinguished career began with Battle Creek Public Schools after graduating from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. He pursued graduate studies at Western Michigan University and New York University in Musical Theatre, and later at Michigan State University, where he participated in the Overseas Study Program in Theatre and Drama, studying throughout England, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, and Italy. His academic and global experiences deeply informed his approach to arts education and student development.
Throughout his career, Elliott served as Assistant Director and Choreographer with the Theatre Department and Band Follies Director at Battle Creek Central High School, in addition to teaching theatre at Kellogg Community College and serving as a Drama Instructor with the Upward Bound Program. His leadership and service extended well beyond the classroom through extensive community involvement, including roles with the NAACP (ACT-SO Chairman), Art Center of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Symphony Executive Board, United Way of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Community Foundation, and multiple scholarship committees. His achievements include the Excellence in Education Award from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Community Service Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs.
Elliott takes the greatest pride in the accomplishments of his former students, many of whom have gone on to college, advanced degrees, and successful professional careers, becoming thriving contributors to their communities. Guided by mentors and professors who shaped his own journey, he dedicated his life to inspiring students to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose. His story reflects resilience, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to education—one rooted in overcoming barriers and empowering future generations to succeed.
We salute you, Timothy Elliott.
Michael A. Patton, MNA
President and CEO
Staff and the Board of Directors
Southwestern Michigan Urban League
The Southwestern Michigan Urban League proudly salutes Dr. L.E. Johnson for his unwavering commitment, leadership, and dedication to the people of Battle Creek and Calhoun County. Through his work as a scholar, community advocate, and innovator, Dr. Johnson has consistently demonstrated a passion for uplifting and empowering communities, advancing education, and creating opportunities for lasting impact.
We honor Dr. Johnson for the sacrifices he has made to improve the lives of others, his leadership in culturally relevant education, and his dedication to fostering Afrocentric approaches that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. His efforts have inspired countless change agents and have provided a framework for holistic growth, equity, and empowerment throughout our region.
We thank Dr. L.E. Johnson for his visionary work, his commitment to giving back, and his dedication to advancing the people of Battle Creek and Calhoun County. During this Black History Month, we proudly celebrate his contributions and salute him for his enduring impact on our community.
Dr. L.E. Johnson II, Ed.D., serves as Chief Research Officer for the Center for Afrocentric Thought and President/CEO of the Education and Economic Justice Coalition. His work focuses on social innovation in mind, brain, health, and education, guided by a four-pillar framework emphasizing critical and analytical liberation, mental and emotional well-being, social conditioning, and physical wellness. Dr. Johnson is deeply committed to operationalizing culturally relevant and responsive approaches that support the holistic development of individuals and communities through Afrocentric pedagogy, mental health strategies, and culturally sustaining practices.
Dr. Johnson emphasizes that the impact of Western dominance has influenced all aspects of society and individual humanity, and therefore any effort to repair harm or advance social progress must address mind, body, and soul. To achieve this, he developed the Affective Evaluation Method, which enables change agents to measure impact holistically. He has also created an effective community engagement model, an effective learning framework, and a series of treatises providing an effective lens for understanding mental health and promoting leadership and empowerment in TRAMAD communities and their allies.
A recognized leader in educational equity, Dr. Johnson founded and facilitated the African American Collaborative in Battle Creek, Michigan, and co-chairs the African American Committee of the Michigan Education Justice Coalition. He played a pivotal role in securing a $4 million appropriation to close the academic gap for Black students in Michigan through culturally relevant education. In 2026, he will release the Michigan Culturally Relevant Education Toolkit to guide policymakers, academic leaders, and the Michigan Department of Education in advancing culturally responsive practices across the state.
We salute you, Dr. L. E. Johnson.
Michael A. Patton, MNA
President and CEO, Staff and Board of Directors
Southwestern Michigan Urban League