THE Annual GIANT Awards And Banquet Returns After A Two-Year Hiatus Imposed Due To Covid Restrictions

  • The Grand Rapids Times
  • October 7th, 2022
GIANT Awards

The Black community honored 12 individuals at the J. W. Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids, in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

Honorees for 2022 are: Floyd Skinner Justice Award: Adam C. Sturdivant, partner, Drew Cooper & Anding.

Walter Coe Public Service Award: Shellie Cole-Mickens, founder and executive director, Our House of Blessings.

W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award: Nikeidra BattleDeBarge, CEO and co-founder, New Destiny Pathways, Inc.

Ethel Coe Humanities Award: Henry Sapp, CEO, Better, Wiser, Stronger Inc. n Milo Brown Business Award: Daryl D. Reece, owner, Stock Da Bar & Stock Da Bar Vodka.

Phyllis Scott Activist Award: Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports, Inc., Chris Sain, Jr., co-founder and CEO, and Preston Sain, cofounder and executive director.

Raymond Tardy Community Service Award: Raynard Ross, president, Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education, and associate dean of student success at GRCC.

H.C. Toliver Religious Life Awar, CEO and founder, The FutureCast Foundation.

Hattie Beverly Education Award: Lorenzo Bradshaw, principal, Brookwood Elementary Martha Reynolds Labor Award: Kevin L. Clemens, president, Kent County Court's union, an affiliate of the Technical, Professional, and Office Workers Association of Michigan.

William Glenn Trailblazer Award: Jermale Eddie, coowner and CEO, Malamiah Juice Bar & Malamazing Juice Since1983, the Black community has presented GIANTS In partnership with Grand Rapids Community College with support from area businesses and agencies.

Each year, a selection committee of former awardees and other volunteers identify recipients from among nominees submitted from the community.

"The Giants is the most revered and respected event for African Americans in the city of Grand Rapids, said Tempy Mann. "It has been my honor to serve on the selection committee for the past 19 years. I wait in anticipation for the 40th Giant Awards in 2023." She added, "Everyone should keep their eyes and ears open for forthcoming announcements about the next of this much awaited event,"

Junior Giants

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