GIANT Awards and Banquet | Grand Rapids Community College

The 42nd GIANT Awards will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 at DeVos Place.

GIANT Awards

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.

Meet this year's winners

42nd GIANT Awards

Date: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025

Location: DeVos Place

Time:
- Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
- Welcome reception begins at 6 p.m.
- Programming and dinner begins at 6:45 p.m.
Parking options:
- DeVos Place has a ramp underneath the building, the entrance to this ramp is on Michigan St. NW. Rates vary.
- Public Ramps: City-County Building on Monroe Avenue (across from DeVos Place) or several other parking structures within walking distance. Rates vary.
Dress code: No enforced dress code for this event, most guests tend to dress in cocktail to semi-formal attire.

Purchase Sponsorships or Tickets

Submit a nomination (closed Nov. 1)

Frequently asked questions

I purchased tickets separate from someone else, but we want to be sat together, how do we make sure that happens?

Please reach out to giant@grcc.edu with the names of all guests in your party. We will do our best to accommodate your group and make sure you are all sat together. Please keep in mind that tables are in groupings of 8.

If I purchase a table online, is there anything else I need to do after purchase?

If you purchase a table online, we will reach out to you closer to the event to gather the names of your (8) guests, their dietary restrictions, and a logo or group title for the table tent. Should you have this information right away, please feel free to reach out to giant@grcc.edu to get that over to us.

I can no longer attend the GIANTS Award Celebration, can I transfer my ticket or receive a refund?

You are welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else, if you have someone in mind to receive your ticket please let us know and we’ll be sure to transfer the name and registration to them. If you do not have someone to take your ticket, you are welcome to donate it; we do not allow refunds at this time.

Who do I tell about my dietary restriction?

Please reach to giant@grcc.edu and we will make note of your restriction and make sure we accommodate you.

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