African-Americans in Grand Rapids

African-Americans represent 20% of the city’s population—but their influence extends far beyond their numbers. From politics to religion to business to entertainment, African-Americans have made their voices heard. Their contributions have created a richer experience for residents and visitors alike.

• An estimated 1,227 African-Americans own their own business in West Michigan.
• African-Americans in Kent County are very generous – more than 70% reported contributing to charities in the past year, mainly to faith-based organizations.
• The Grand Rapids African-American Health Institute occupies space in the city’s “Medical Mile,” symbolizing the prominence of its mission to promote health-care parity.
• The city boasts two local African-American newspapers and several radio stations targeted to the community.
• The city’s downtown ice skating park, designed by famed architect Maya Lin, is named after civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks.
• Past/current residents of note included soul singer Al Green, gospel singer Dr. Marvin Sapp, recording artists the DeBarge family, boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., painter Paul Collins, and Helen Claytor, the first African-American President of the national YWCA.
• The first African-American mayor of Grand Rapids, Lyman S. Parks, served from 1971-1976.
• Michigan Black Expo, Inc. (MBEI) was founded here in 1994 to help ensure that West Michigan enjoys the same vibrant multicultural quality of life as other world-class cities.
• The Woodrick Institute for the Study of Racism & Diversity, founded here in 1999, has earned national recognition for helping area residents discover and confront the reality of racism in the United States.
• Community-wide celebrations include an African-American Cultural Festival and African-American Film Festival.

Find out more about...

• Restaurants
• Places of Worship
• Media
• Night Life
• Services

Special Events

• The Social Exchange

  Experience business-to-business relationship building events
  monthly
  For more information contact Latricia Lomax at (616) 893-3113 or thesocialexchange@yahoo.com
  

Other sources of information

• Michigan Black Expo, Inc.
• Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Diversity Initiatives and Programs