African Americans

The African-American community is a vibrant part of Grand Rapids - in fact, one in five city residents is African American. Their influence is evident in every aspect of life here:

• More than 1,200 African Americans own businesses in the area.
• The Grand Rapids Times, a weekly newspaper targeting African Americans, has published since 1957.
• 39% of students in Grand Rapids Public Schools are African American.
• African Americans contribute greatly to the city's strong reputation for faith and philanthropy.
• Grand Rapids elected its first African-American mayor way back in 1971.
• Rosa Parks Circle, a popular downtown ice skating rink, honors the civil rights pioneer.

Find out more about...

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

Special Events

• Taste of Soul
• 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 resources

• Grand Rapids African American Health Institute
• Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Diversity Initiatives and Programs
• The Grand Rapids Times