Commentary
Patrick Lyoya Case Still Going To Trial
Since the shooting of Patrick Lyoya in 2022, there has not been a lot in the news about the progression of the case. In this interview with the Grand Rapids Times, NAACP President Cle Jackson and Attorney Carlton made the following comments.
Lady Day and The Lights!
That need to entertain herself while entertaining others made Billie Holiday worth the price of admission at any cost. She was a legend. Sadly, though, her addiction to the drugs that eventually quieted her voice was too much for her. In fact, by the time she had had enough, the effects had silenced one of the most extraordinary vocal talents in our history. "Southern trees bear a strange fruit," Billie Holiday sang. Lights Up!
Happy Easter!!!
When I was younger, Easter held a special place in my heart, especially growing up in the South. It wasn't just another holiday; it was a time when the world seemed to come alive again after the cold, long winter. The days grew longer, flowers bloomed, and there was a sense of excitement in the air. In the days leading up to Easter, there was always a buzz of activity around our house. My mom would start planning our outfits weeks in advance, making sure we had the perfect attire for Easter Sunday church service. Despite our financial struggles, she managed to find a way to get us new clothes, and she took great pride in dressing us up and showing us off.
Honoring the Labor and Environmental Advocate, Martha Reynolds
Martha Reynolds was one of the giants I knew very little about before I began my research, but I have come to know that she was a force for change and progress in the realms of labor rights, environmental advocacy, and community empowerment. Martha Reynolds, born Martha Orzhell Harris on March 24th, 1921, in North Carolina, she married Hollis Eugene Reynolds at the age of 17 and they had two children: Royce Reynolds and Holly Jo Reynolds. She was a devoted member of the Community AME Church, where she served as a music director playing a pivotal role in forming the Celestial AME Junior Choir. Furthermore, her involvement as one of the 300 founding members of Grand Valley State University in 1960 underscored her deep-rooted commitment to education and community development. Even in her unexpected passing in May 1977, Martha Reynolds left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those she touched, there were several dedications in her honor after she passed. Martha Reynolds was a very strong leader in the labor movement in Michigan, working hard to make jobs better for people and to protect nature, especially as part of the United Auto Workers, where she helped make workplaces better and also worked to keep the environment safe.
Honoring the "Good Trouble" of Trailblazer William Glenn
While researching the life of William "Bill" Glenn, I couldn't help but think of John Lewis's motto "good trouble". Glenn's life and activism offer many examples of what Congressman John Lewis famously referred to as "good trouble" — the idea that challenging unjust systems and advocating for civil rights, even when it leads to personal or legal trouble, is a noble and necessary pursuit. Born on June 22, 1903, and passing away on May 16, 1986, Glenn's legacy endures, highlighting a lifetime dedicated to fighting for equality and justice. His story is not just a historical moment but a beacon of inspiration for those continuing to fight for civil rights.
Honoring Ethel B Coe's Passion and Service
Born during the Great Depression and coming of age amidst the Black Power Movement, Phyllis Scott was a GIANT activist and advocate for the underprivileged. Growing up amidst the hardships of the Great Depression, Scott undoubtedly witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of economic inequality and social injustice in her community. Furthermore, being a young adult during the 1960s and 1970s likely amplified her voice. These experiences fueled her passion for social change and fostered a deep sense of empathy for marginalized and oppressed people.
Honoring Ethel B Coe's Passion and Service
Ethel B. Coe remains a beloved and revered figure, celebrated for her remarkable contributions as an entertainer, educator, and unwavering champion of civil and human rights. Her influence went beyond the boundaries of Grand Rapids as she also worked in communities across the United States. From an early age, Ethel defied societal norms, courageously breaking down barriers and fostering connections that bridged racial divides. Today, her enduring legacy is honored through the prestigious Ethel Coe Humanities Giant Award, bestowed upon individuals who, like Ethel, demonstrate a profound dedication to the visual and performing arts. As a vocalist and actor, Ethel's undeniable talent captivated audiences, leaving them yearning for more with each performance. Beyond her artistic passions, Ethel was a community servant, tirelessly advocating for social justice and civil rights, leaving a permanent imprint in our community.
Honoring Dr. Eugene S. Browning
Eugene Shelley Browning was born on October 9, 1885, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to Kate Edwards and Andrew Browning. He was born just 20 years after the end of the Civil War. He grew up in Jim Crow America, a time when Black people were treated as second-class citizens. He attended college at Lincoln University, which was established in 1854 as the Ashmun Institute, in Pennsylvania. There, he received both a bachelor's and a master's degree. He then made his way to Michigan to attend Detroit Medical College and subsequently settled in Grand Rapids. He met and eventually married Gertrude Alberta Corbin, and together they raised a family of four children. His life and career as a doctor and an activist transcended him to be a well-deserving GIANT, just like the award given in his honor every year.