Local News
2021: Grand Rapids Times Local & National News In Review
2021: Grand Rapids Times Local & National News In Review
Grand Rapids Pastors Supporting Our Home Too Documentary Film Project
The Our Home Too documentary film and community outreach project is proud to receive the support of Rev. Dr. Howard C. Earle Jr., Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church and Rev. C.A. Pace, Jr. Senior Pastor of the True Light Baptist Church––and their respective congregations. Both churches and many of their members have been, and continue to be, essential to the Black freedom struggle in Grand Rapids.
Dr. Gerald and Gwen Dawkins First Chance Scholarship
Back in the 60s when I was in the seventh grade I remember when I owed my teacher ten cents on a baseball bet that I lost. Yes, this was the beginning of my vice, betting on sports. When I went to pay him and yes it took a day or two because I didn't have the money to cover the bet, he told me to keep it and give it to someone who needed it more and remember the lesson to always help others when you get the chance. Well, the first person I helped was myself as I bought me some cake at lunch. We were poor but we were not eligible for the free lunch program.
8th Annual Got Faith 5k Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
The 8th Annual Faith I wear Pink for my community Breast Cancer Awareness walk Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Martin Luther King Park in Grand Rapids, MI
Black Bold & Beautiful
During the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown, our nation and world looked upon issues of race and inequity with renewed resolve. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre used the time and space provided by the pandemic to do some "soul searching" as an organization, and asked our community partners what we could do with our platform to raise the voices of those who aren't historically represented in our space. One piece of feedback we received is that the most important thing we can do is to use the stage and our platform to help tell the stories of marginalized groups. Black, Bold, and Beautiful was born from this intention.
Our Home Too Documentary Film Project Team Announces New Developments
According to Dante James, "The stories of Black men and women freedom fighters in Grand Rapids deserve to be elevated beyond interpretations whitewashed to protect white privilege. Everyone suffers when history is measured by a narrative that limits the truth. Together, we will tell the untold story of Grand Rapids' Black community. Together, we strive to honor the lives and legacies of the men and women who paved the way for me and other natives of the place we call home."
Artist E'lla Aimee Webber: Mural Focuses On Black and Brown Families
When you hear of Southeast and Southwest Grand Rapids, some immediate words that come to mind are shootings, asthma, and lead paint, to name a few.
Spotlight On Artist Octavia Thorn
In September, seven new murals on Black and Brown owned buildings painted by Black and Brown artists were unveiled. The murals were revealed as part of non-profit The Diatrib's 49507 Project, a collaborative effort focused on shifting the perception of the 49507 zip code towards positivity. In this interview with the Grand Rapids Times, artist Octavia Thorn of Diatribe discusses her love for art as a child, changing her major in college to graphic design, the challenge of during her first mural and more.
Artist Esan Sommersell Mural Emphasizes The Importance of Generational Wealth and Mental Health
If you walk through Southeast and Southwest Grand Rapids, you will see seven new murals on Black and Brown owned buildings that have been painted by Black and Brown artists. The murals were are part of nonprofit The Dia tribes 49507 Project, a collaborative effort focused on shifting the perception of the 49507 zip code towards positivity. Diatribe uses performing arts to empower young people to share their stories to raise awareness of social issues and to be active members of their community. The murals were painted over the last several week, after a summer of community listening sessions.
The Diatribe Unveils Murals In Grand Rapids Anti-Racist Art Project
On Monday, September 13, 2021, seven new murals on Black and Brown owned buildings painted by Black and Brown artists were unveiled. The murals were revealed as part of non-profit The Diatrib's 49507 Project, a collaborative effort focused on shifting the perception of the 49507 zip code towards positivity. In this interview with the Executive Director of Diatribe Marcel Price, he discusses the origins of the organization, how the murals came about and more.
Le Dîner en Blanc Comes To Grand Rapids
With international travel on hold for most of 2021, Le Dîner en Blanc sent participants on an uplifting holiday in our own city, thus making them feel like they were on vacation in the south of France! The festive and community feel of this long-standing French picnic tradition will not change even though, the number of guests attending was limited. And as always, the location remained secret until the last minute.
Associate Deans Mcdaniel And Brame Speak During September 11 Ceremonies
Grand Rapids, MI - The annual West Michigan Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, honored those who died during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. During the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the attacks, WMU-Cooley Law School Constitutional Law Professor and retired Brigadier General, Michael C.H. McDaniel spoke. McDaniel, who served in the Pentagon as deputy assistant secretary for homeland defense, was joined by Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, who also gave remarks.
Urban League Selects Native Son To Lead Historic Organization As New CEO
The Urban League of West Michigan's Board of Directors has selected Eric D. Brown as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 14.
Dante James Brings Fresh View On The Black Freedom Struggle In Grand Rapids, Michigan
Too often, Black experiences in some Black communities are compiled by historians with limited social, political, spiritual, or family connections to the city. Too often, the voices of the people severely impacted by racial inequity are ignored or marginalized, or their stories are documented using mainstream sources, which are external to their lived experiences and sense of community. And too often, these narratives are accepted by the majority as authentic definitions of the community.
Meet Up At The Park
Free Food, Games, Dance Competition and DJ at MLK Park on Thursday, August 12, 2021
Michigan Families Urged To Catch Back Up On Routine Vaccines During Immunization Awareness Month
Lansing, MI. – Vaccines are proven to protect people from serious diseases at every age. During Immunization Awareness Month Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are urging Michigan families to talk to their healthcare provider to ensure family members are up to date on all recommended vaccines.
Stewart/Carter Family Honor Elders
The Stewart/Carter families usually hold family reunions with hundreds of relatives in attendance but their recently family get together was much smaller and was for the purpose of honoring the elders living and deceased on both sides of the family. The event took place on Saturday, June 24, 2021 at Garfield Park. Family members enjoyed fellowshipping, eating and reminiscing about the past with one another. Special plagues were given out to represent the many family trees that represent the Stewart/Carter families.
Lynwood Rachford Stewart Sr. Passes
Lynwood Rachford Stewart Sr. aged 93, entered his heavenly home after a short battle with Covid-19 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids on December 28, 2020.
Community Legends Luncheon & Annual Meeting Honors Local Legends
The Kent County Black Caucus held a Community Legends Lunceon on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at The Candied Yam Restaurant, located at 2305 44th Street SE in Grand Rapids. In this interview, organizer Michael Booker talks about the evolution of the awards, the honorees and more.
Sandy Smith Retires
Sandy Smith recently retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield after many years of service. In this interview with the GR Times she talks about living overseas, living in the Upper Peninsular of Michigan and more.
Wesley A. Jones Passes
Friends and family remember Wesley Jones for his kindness, loyalty and sense of humor. In West Michigan, he is recognized for his expertise in construction and engineering. He is known for his construction projects at Spectrum Health, GVSU and EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World just to name a few.
GRCC Honors Life, Legacy Of Journalist Sekou Smith With 2021 Distinguished Alumnus Award
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College alumnus Sekou Smith's life was cut short by COVID-19, but family members say they want graduates to be inspired by his passion for helping others succeed.
Javonta Walton Introduces Smoke House BBQ
Javonte Davis pays homage to his Uncle Al Brown from Behind The Scenes Catering. Al is a professional Cook and Caterer who has traveled on tour and cooked for some of the world's biggest artist. Javonta says that his uncle not necessarily took him out of a bad situation but showed him something different in life because he came from the south east part of town off of the Lafayette area where most of the guys are either deceased or in prison. Javonta was blessed and fortunate to have someone like his Uncle Al in his life to show him a different path to choose.
Promise Zone Has First Grad
GRAND RAPIDS – This month, Mykel Johnson became the first student to graduate from Grand Rapids Community College supported by the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship. He now plans to use the skills he gained for an in-demand career as an automotive technician.
MLK Media Center Dedication Honors Ruth Jones
Grand Rapids Public Schools officials held a special dedication ceremony for the Ruth Jones Media Center at Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Academy, Monday, March 9, 2021.
Eric Foster Helps Black Entreprenuers Overcome Economic Barriers
Every now and then you meet a young man who stands out from the crowd because of his obvious drive to accomplish goals that he has set for himself. One such young man is Grand Rapidian Eric Foster. In this interview with the GR Times, he discusses his self - started business, the mission of the company, racial barriers he has faced and more.
The House of Detroit Celebrates Grand Opening in Grand Rapids
The House of Detroit of Grand Rapids, located at 2234 28th Street, (near Breton Road), will be celebrating their Grand Opening on Saturday, February 27,2021. The furniture store will be proudly unveiling its highly anticipated luxury furniture showroom.
Michigan Launches Tuition-Free Program For Adults 25 And Up
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan on Tuesday began accepting applications for tuition-free assistance from adults 25 and older to earn an associate's degree or postsecondary certificate at a community college or private training school.