The Battle Creek organization Bridges to Cultural Understanding has hosted many events this year celebrating black, Hispanic and Native American history and examining current perspectives. At 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 24^th, it will present a hip hop lecture by former music critic and Billboard magazine editor J. R. Reynolds. He says most adults tend to take a negative view of rap music and the hip-hop culture. Reynolds says he hopes his presentation in First Congregational Church on Capitol Avenue NW will help change that. RSVP is requested; call (269) 788-5260.

This week, Kalamazoo-based musician David Teske stopped by the WMUK studios, guitar in hand. He's been a member of the local trio the Brothers Kalamazov and now fronts the Teske Trio. Teske has also played with countless other area bands as both a drummer and a string instrumentalist. He also sings and writes songs. Teske says his music has been shaped by many influences. The Teske Tro, with percussionist Carolyn Keobel and bass and guitarist Jay Gavan, plays July 15^th at the Arcadia Brewing Company in downtown Battle Creek.

In other events:

The 15^th Annual Kalamazoo Island festival takes place through Saturday, June 19^th, at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo. The celebration of Caribbean culture goes until 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Greater Galesburg Days are on this weekend with an arts and crafts show, parade, petting zoo and live music. The free community event takes place in downtown Galesburg. Events start at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 18^th, and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 19^th.

The Fourth Annual Juneteenth celebration will be held Sunday, June 20^th, at 3 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall at Western Michigan University. This event commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

The Vine Neighborhood Association has an art exhibit through June from the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center. Twelve artists have work on display at the 509 Gallery, 509 West Vine Street in Kalamazoo.

The main branch of Kalamazoo Public Library has art by homeless adults on display through June 24^th.  Titled "Your Story and Mine," it includes oral history highlights, a documentary video, poetry, photography and more.

Ministry With Community will hold an open house on Wednesday, June 23^rd, from 4-6 p.m. at their drop-in shelter at 440 North Church Street in Kalamazoo.

The Post Band Concert Series at Mill Race Park in Battle Creek continues with a concert June 24^th at 7 p.m. The Post Band, with musicians from throughout the region, has performed for more than 80 years.