Oct. 27, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – You can play a part in adding to Grand Rapids Community College’s 40-year celebration of the achievements of West Michigan African Americans.
Nominations for the GIANT Awards are being accepted until 5 p.m. Oct. 31. A new nomination form is available online, so consider re-nominating a candidate that may have previously been considered but not selected.
Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward created the GIANT Awards in 1983 to recognize African American leaders and organizations for their exceptional contributions in shaping the history and quality of life in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
“This is an important event that celebrates the best in the African American community,” said Tempy Mann, chair of the awards committee.
The awards, named for local “giants,” recognize people and organizations in 12 categories:
- Floyd Skinner Justice Award.
- Walter Coe Public Service Award.
- Eugene Browning Medical Service Award.
- W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award.
- Ethel Coe Humanities Award.
- Milo Brown Business Award.
- Phyllis Scott Activist Award
- William Glenn Trailblazer Award.
- Raymond Tardy Community Service Award.
- H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award.
- Hattie Beverly Education Award.
- Martha Reynolds Labor Award.
An overall GIANT Among Giants recipient is announced during the awards ceremony.
The 41st GIANT Awards banquet is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 3 at the DeVos Place exhibit hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. Sponsorship and ticket information can be found online. Event proceeds go to the Junior GIANT and Milo M. Brown scholarships.
