We are happy to be continuing our celebration of 30 years of working toward a more inclusive community! We’re marking the milestone by sharing stories, memories, and moments from the people who make this work meaningful.
Today, we want you to meet our friend, Barbara, sharing her memories of the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition over the years:
Barbara Jacques carries a deep belief that communication, kindness, and culture bring people together, and much of her work in Midland reflected that philosophy.
One of Barbara’s fondest memories from her time with the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition was the talking globe during the Midland Area River Days Festival. Children could press different locations on the globe to hear greetings in other languages, cultural insights, and geographical facts from around the world. It was a meaningful way to spark curiosity and expose young people to cultures beyond their own experiences.
Mrs. Jacques taught music in Midland Public Schools for 26 years. She was a beloved teacher of elementary music classes, as well as fifth-grade and middle school choirs. Ken Jolly invited her to join the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition, where she became part of an exciting period of collaboration and community engagement. Barbara remembered diversity training sessions held at the Midland Area Community Foundation alongside other early coalition members. As an educator Barbara had direct access to children and families throughout Midland, which strengthened the coalition’s ability to connect cultural awareness efforts directly with students.
She described the experience as a time when ideas constantly built upon one another, with different points of view, enthusiasm, and creativity all working together. Along with the benefit of the members’ varied backgrounds and perspectives, Barbara believed the common thread among coalition members was the heart each person brought to the work.
The diversity training she received through the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition often reminded Barbara of the way she taught music. She explained diversity to students through the family of musical instruments: wind, brass, strings, and percussion. The distinct voice of each instrument blends to create a rich and beautiful performance. Communities work in much the same way.
One of Barbara’s most vivid memories involved the Gemini Concerts sponsored by the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition. Sandor and Laszlo Slomovits, the twin brothers known for their acoustic music and storytelling performances, visited Midland numerous times. They performed for children and families at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, Creative 360, and local schools. Barbara especially remembered her fifth-grade choirs singing along with them. Through story and song, the brothers created meaningful connections with audiences of all ages.
During Cultural Awareness Month each October, Barbara especially appreciated the themed writing opportunities offered to students through our Creativity Contest. Student compositions were displayed throughout the community, including at the Midland Area Community Foundation and the public library.
Barbara also brought her Drum Circle students to the Midland Area River Days Festival. The performances featured a leader in the center with drummers gathered around the circle. Students participated in call-and-response exercises such as drumming their names and improvising rhythm patterns.
Throughout her teaching career, Barbara emphasized that communication can take many forms. Learning another language was one form of communication. Drumming, rhythm, and sign language also allow people to connect. She taught her students to sign and led “Singing with Sign” concerts. She used mirror signing so the students could easily follow her movements.
Barbara was known as the quintessential teacher who worked tirelessly for her students, often far beyond regular school hours or the traditional school year. She constantly searched for opportunities where students could participate. Even during the summer months, she provided enrichment opportunities so students could remain involved and connected.
Her work through music and the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition reflects a lifelong commitment to inclusion, understanding, and belonging.
