The 42nd GIANT Awards will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 at DeVos Place.
Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward in 1983 created this event to recognize African Americans who are exceptional leaders who have shaped the history, quality of life, and the culture of our West Michigan communities. We stand on the shoulders of these giants and salute their accomplishments. We honor them, and look to inspire others to follow in their steps and be the leaders of tomorrow.
Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Junior GIANT Scholarship. The Junior GIANT Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship and the Junior GIANT Dr. Patricia Pulliam Leadership Scholarship was established in 2017.
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Please note: Nominations for the 2025 GIANT Awards will be accepted until Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.
Press Releases:
Nominations and Scholarships
41st Annual GIANT Awards
A video presentation of the 41st GIANT Awards, held on Feb. 3, 2024.
2024 Award Recipients
Rev. Jerry Bishop | Founder of LifeQuest Urban Outreach
GIANT Among Giants Award
Valissa Armstead | Senior director of diversity and inclusion at Corewell Health
The Raymond Tardy Community Service Award
Debra Bates | Owner and administrator for Choice Business Systems Inc. and owner of MeMe’s Foundation Boutique
The Milo Brown Business Award
George Bayard III | Artist, owner of Bayard Gallery of Fine African American Art & Books, and executive director of the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives
Ethel Coe Humanities Award
Tasha Blackmon | President and CEO of Cherry Health
The Eugene Browning Medical Service Award
Jimmy Carter | Former head coach for East Kentwood High School’s girls basketball team
Walter Coe Public Service Award
Jamie Gordon | Executive director of human resources for Kentwood Public Schools
The Phyllis Scott Activist Award
Kristian Grant | The first African American woman to represent Grand Rapids in the state House
William Glenn Trailblazer Award
Bobby Springer | Associate director of Veterans Upward Bound at Grand Valley State University and director of MI GEAR UP
The W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award
Latesha Lipscomb | Director of engagement and relationships at Amplify GR
Floyd Skinner Justice Award
Inez Smith | Retired teacher
Hattie Beverly Education Award
The Rev. Charles Hudson III | President and CEO of C.H. Hudson Outreach Ministries
The H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award
Caebre Baty | Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship
Nas Brooks | Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship
Rallah Cobbins | Dr. Patricia Pulliam College Leadership Scholarship
Kyle Greer | Milo M. Brown Memorial Scholarship
McKenzye Sterk | Milo M. Brown Memorial Scholarship