race
Community discussion targeting police practices misses mark
by (hodele91)
Submitted 10-29-2015 under OPINION
As I settled into my narrow seat, popcorn in hand, pencil poised and at the ready, I couldn’t help but notice the disconcerting feeling nestled in the pit of my stomach. All around me, community members both prestigious and not conversed and...
Long-time residents to lead panel discussion on economic growth
by (jleff)
Submitted 08-11-2015 under OPINION
Racial justice advocates and neighborhood leaders are hosting an event that is meant to spark a hard conversation about whether economic growth in Grand Rapids benefits everyone. The event, titled How We Grow, is being hosted by Equity Drinks,...
Local Black Lives Matter chapter brings learning home from international retreat
by (Kyd Kane)
Submitted 07-07-2015 under PLACE-MATTERS
Black Lives Matter hosted its first international retreat on the Wayne State University campus in Detroit, Mich on June 18, during the Allied Media Conference. Twenty-six chapters, including Black Lives Matter Grand Rapids (BLM GR), were in...
Auburn Hills: Anatomy of shielding
by (kylenlim)
Submitted 05-19-2015 under LOCAL LIFE
The story of Auburn Hills is a story of triumph - where in the face of fear and unfamiliarity, our community saw the creation of a new space, an integrated space. This series documents this important piece of our city’s history, and includes...
Inclusion: Moving our community from diversity to being "upstanders"
by (Grand Rapids Co...)
Submitted 03-31-2015 under PLACE-MATTERS
Not quite since our founding, but for the last few decades, Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) has been working on helping our community be more diverse and racially equitable. Our grantmaking has long been focused on helping underserved and/...
My health journey: Motivating myself for family, community around me
by (mrsarmstrong03)
Submitted 03-06-2015 under VOICES
I lost both of my parents to health related illness before the age of 35. This was devastating and unbelievable. I took so much for granted. I never imagined a world where my children would never know their grandparents. I graduated from high school...
First neighborhood summit to encourage residents to voice priorities for their communities
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 02-24-2015 under NEWS
The city of Grand Rapids will be introducing Strong Neighborhoods, Strong City, a neighborhood summit, on March 13. The first of its kind, the summit invites citizens from all over the city to come gather to discuss how to make their particular...
Auburn Hills: Creating new spaces
by (kylenlim)
Submitted 02-19-2015 under LOCAL LIFE
Not many people in Grand Rapids know the story of Auburn Hills: the story of how four African American families envisioned a neighborhood where any person, regardless of their race, could live. This is a story of triumph- where in the face of fear...
City Commission holds public hearing on police, community relations
by (Elizabeth Roger...)
Submitted 12-17-2014 under NEWS
Last night’s City Commissioners Meeting included a public hearing on police and community relations. In light of the national events surrounding the deaths of Mike Brown in Ferguson, MO, Eric Garner in Staten Island, Tamir Rice in Cleveland...
Walking a tightrope between race, art in Grand Rapids
by (DwellingPlace)
Submitted 12-16-2014 under PLACE-MATTERS
Derrick Hollowell drops a stack of large paper bags onto the floor. He turns toward me and says “We’re going to curate this show together.” The bags are full of paintings and sketches composed by Hollowell during his 10 years of...