Living History 2008 Giants

The Grand Rapids Times
2-1-2008


Grand Rapids – Each year, for 26 years, in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College, the planning committee for the Giants Banquet and Awards Program have selected individuals or groups to receive Giant awards.

This year’s selection committee named Don Williams, Sr. as the 2008 Giant among Giants. This is the highest award presented at the annual event that recognizes local African Americans for their achievements and contributions.

On the evening of January 26, Mr. Williams, along with 10 individuals and 2 groups, received their accolades in the presence of more than 800 banquet guests at the Gerald R. Ford Field House on the college’s campus.

[click here to read more about this Giants of Giants]

Leontyne "Tina" Partee
Floyd Skinner Justice Award (Posthumously)

The nomination of Leontyne "Tina" Partee describes her life as "an example for others to follow. Her school mates remember her quest for excellence, her friends remember her compassion and faithfulness and her legal colleagues remember her talent, energy and discipline, your students remember your insistence that they do their best". Ms. Partee's legal career began as a Grand Rapids Public Defender, following graduation from the University of Miami. She then spent ten years in Detroit before opening her own law firm, prior to joining Plunkett and Cooney. Ms. Partee community involvement since childhood included many theater productions and a member of the Ken Tepper Dancers. As her nomination conclude, "At 41 years Ms. Partee made her mark quietly and respectfully but forever lasting."

Dareather Greer
Walter Coe Public Service Award

Education and its value to the community and to the individual has been the hallmark of Dareather Greer's life. For 33 years she was a Business and Technology instructor with the Kent Intermediate School District. All of the resources at her disposal Ms. Greer offered back to the community, whether it was time or knowledge or encouragement, she sought opportunities to benefit others. Her record of service beyond her teaching profession includes membership in the Investment Council of United Way's Seniors Living with Dignity and the Alma James Perry Memorial Scholarship fund. She also served as chapter president of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with dedication and commitment. As a trained facilitator with the Kent County health Department Infant mortality Implementation Team, Ms. Greer recruits young mothers and caretakers to provide training and education concerning infant health.

West Michigan Medical Society
Eugene Browning Medical Service Award

The objectives of the West Michigan Medical Society includes the promotion of the science and art of medicine, the betterment of the public health and the stimulation of favorable relationships among all physicians. The Society carries out these objectives in many community outreach activities. Collaboration with other community organizations resulted in medical assessments and services provided to seniors, psychiatric services donated to the Browning and Claytor Health Center ongoing heath and fitness programs. In addition, the Society mentors youth regarding physical and mental health issues through the Grand Rapids Public Schools, volunteering their time since 2004. Their goal continues be service through a collective voice of physicians and health related providers, striving toward parity in medicine to for the well being of the full community.

Yvonne Mathis
W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award

Mrs. Yvonne Mathis is described as a leader who leads by example. She leads through tone of voice, empathy and words of encouragement. She has an unusual ability to innovate. Her projects are thoughtful expressions of her understanding of the needs of others. As a professional librarian, and one of the first and few African American professional working in the Grand Rapids schools, Mrs. Mathis not only assisted student with reading and library skills but also impacted the self esteem of the African American students in attendance. She holds Leadership Academies for students of the community with no charge for participation, helping young people learn about education la techniques for success and suggestion on how plan for college. Often these young college students return to the community to act as mentors and role models.

Cassonya Carter Pugh
Ethel Coe Humanities Award

Mrs. Cassonya Carter Pugh, says, "I knew what my calling was in life, now I know what my purpose is. My calling was to touch people's lives and make a difference. My purpose now is to be that difference, by acting on what I say and how I say it." Mrs. Pugh made these comments following a life changing medical emergency that caused her to undergo multiple rehabilitation therapies for months. She worked diligently to resume her work both as a professional and her avocation as a choir director. Mrs. Pugh directs the Voices of GVSU Gospel Choir, a choir she started as a GVSU student in 1987. She is also a program adviser at GVSU's Educational Connections. Her choir members know that they have become part of a large family, now 135 strong, that can count on her to help them and most importantly to listen to them.

Mr. Jimmie L. Taylor
Milo Brown Business Award

Mr. Jimmie L. Taylor is a man of many firsts. He has taken many risks to become a successful businessman in West Michigan. After discovering his interest in electrical work, he chose to become a Master Licensed Electrician, working 21 years with Windemuller Electric as a foreman with commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. He then started his own company, J. Taylor Electric, in 1995, becoming one of the first solely owned minority residential and commercial electrical firms in west Michigan. The company has expanded to include Kalamazoo and Detroit within its territory. Mr. Taylor also takes an active role in the health of the neighborhoods that surround his office. He collaborates with the Grand Rapids Police Department Field office with an annual open house. He is involved in the Family Night Out program and also serves on many Boards such as Camp Tall Turf and as a member of the NAACP, Rotary Club, and the Urban League.

Vanessa Greene
Phyllis Scott Activist Award

Vanessa Greene truly believes that racism and diversity issues need to be challenged and addressed. She works diligently both in her professional and private life. As Director of Multicultural Education for Hope College, Ms. Green has led new initiatives creating a multicultural leadership program and hosting a related conference, "Reclaiming Our Virtues" with 150 students in attendance. She is a mentor to the Black Student Union, the Latino Student Organization and members of Student Congress. "LEAP into the Future" is another innovative program developed by Ms. Green. This grassroots program for middle and high school students has grown to become its own non-profit organization. As her nominator writes, Ms. Greene doesn't stop at recognizing problems; she eagerly lends herself to being part of the solution, and is one numerous committees advocating for change. She has developed a reputation in her community as a social justice warrior.

Wesley Jones
William Glenn Trailblazer Award

The nomination for Mr. Wesley Jones reads, "Mr. Wesley Jones's reputation, respect, and wisdom have served this community in an extraordinary manner for those who have been fortunate to have the privilege of making his acquaintance." As the first black construction engineer hired by a major architectural engineering firm, Design Plus, Mr. Jones went on to found his own general contracting company. His professional reputation continues in his retirement with the Grand Rapids Public Schools asking for his assistance in managing various multi - million dollar new school construction projects. Mr. Jones involves himself in the community through work with the Urban League and the Minority Committee of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. His nominator concludes, "He believes in people and their ability to achieve beyond what they themselves could ever imagine. He aspires to have individuals of all ages strive to reach their highest human potential.

Reverend Chico Daniels
Raymond Tardy Community Service Award

Reverend Chico Daniels' commitment to humanitarian work has taken him to overseas missionary work and service to various populations in need. He served as Director of Inner City Services at the Bay Area Rescue Mission, as the Executive Director of Visalia Rescue Mission and currently as the Executive Director for the Guiding Light Mission here in Grand Rapids. When he first arrived at the Mission, he was referred to as the "General" because he was the only security in the mission. Under his leadership, the Mission has doubled its budget, added a GED lab for clients seeking an educational goal and increased staff to include full time case management. Reverend Daniels’ vision is to see the lives of the homeless and disadvantaged changed and in recovery. He recognizes the need for integration of clients into transitional housing with a family center and a community to help program graduates maintain their accountability and stay in recovery.

Rev. Zannie M. Mitchell
And Grand Rapids Urban Young Life
H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award (2 recipients)

Reverend Zannie Mitchell is described as an ambassador for Christ. She provides assistance to those in hospitals, nursing homes and jails. She is a member of the Methodist Connection that helped build a habitat for humanity house and is a member of a group assessing racial relationships through the United Methodist, First Community AME and St. Luke Zion Churches. Reverend Mitchell raised seven children in a blended family setting. Reverend Mitchell was ordained in 1987, as an itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Currently, she serves as a pastoral care minister under the leadership of Reverend David Jarrett. Reverend Mitchell also extends her self beyond her church related duties to offer inmates opportunity and comfort in a corrections ministry.

Grand Rapids Young Life is a relational based ministry that works with in high schools and middle schools around the world. In Grand Rapids there are over 16 college and post- college age leaders who volunteer their time and energy developing relationships with adolescents in three different schools. The group operates through a voluntary board structure to raise funds for the club and to send 60 - 100 young people to camp each year for two weeks of fun and spiritual learning. Their goal is to nurture students to grow in their love of Christ and their knowledge of God's word.

Reverend Dr. Randal Maurice Jelks
Hattie Beverly Education Award

The nomination narrative for this awardee reads, "Reverend Dr. Randal Jelks has consistently demonstrated by his words and actions an unwavering love, and an unapologetic understanding and optimistic vision that their lives and conditions of African American and oppressed groups must change for the better in our lifetime." Dr, Jelks intentionally takes on the responsibility of a change agent. Currently, Dr. Jelks is an Associate Professor in History and Director of African and African Diaspora Studies. His professional accomplishments are numerous and varied from academic publications to establishing a pre-college program department to provide a variety of institutional support. Dr. Jelks brings not only an historical reference on racism and negative images but global perspectives. He is available to mentor others and strives to find solutions to aid in community healing.

Bennette Gay
Martha Reynolds Labor Award

Since 1989, Mr. Bennette Gay has served as a high school basketball coach at three Grand Rapids area high schools. For almost 30 years his professional life has been as a UAW member working at General Motors. His nominators emphasized his commitment to youth and his application of his personal time and resources to benefit the community's youth. Mr. Gay did not limit his dedication to his players to organizing schedules and running practices. He wanted the students to be scholars as well. He contacted colleges on his student's behalf and worked with high school counselors to help secure grants and scholarships for these young people. He actively offered himself as a mentor, advisor and as a father figure when there was no one with that role in the young person's life.
 

Ricco’s Cleaning Up His Act
Invites Comedy Lovers To Live DVD Taping, ‘Look What God Done Did’

Ricco, AKA: Rick Pulliam, is to perform his clean comedy act at The Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church, February 17, 2008.

Whether you know him by his given name Richard “Rick” Pulliam or by his stage name Ricco, what you may not know is that he is one of the funniest rising comedians on the scene today.

On Sunday February 17, 2008, he will be taping a live DVD of his own stand up comedy show, “Look What God Done Did.”

The taping starts at 6:00 p.m. at The Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 715 Evergreen Street SE in Grand Rapids.

Admission is open to all who want to attend. No reservations are required, but early arrival is suggested since seating is limited.

Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, he and his brother Ernest were adopted at the ages of 5 and 6 by Dr. Patricia and the late Mr. Yergan Pulliam.

“The first time that I ever thought about being a comedian was in the middle of a spanking. My mother gave me one good swat, and I fell out and acted as though she was killing me. She ended up laughing so hard. I might have gotten more licks, but because she was laughing so hard, I only got about ten. I thought to myself, hey, this making people laugh thing might be a good investment.”

With seven years of learning the craft of comedy and traveling the country, Ricco says that he also gained a lot of worldly experience as well as comedic skills.

He has tried out for BET’s Coming To The Stage, Def Jam, and other competitions all over the country. He has performed at shows at churches and at comedy clubs.

“I was convinced that in order to get ahead in comedy, I had to be a cursing comedian; but I no longer feel that is necessary. My mother –in- law told me that she had gone to a comedy show and had to leave because she was so offended by all of the cursing. That woke me up to the fact that it is possible to make people laugh without foul language and that is the vibe that I am on currently.”

When asked why he has made the transition from secular comedy to clean comedy, Ricco answered, “ One day, I sat back and really began to reflect on my life and how God had brought me from one point to another. I really began to feel grateful for all of the blessings and just for continuing to still be in existence on this earth.”

The upcoming live taping, he says, is a way of showing his appreciation.

“This show is a tribute to God and to my late father Yergan Pulliam, who really introduced me to God and gave me the living example of how a godly man looks and behaves,” he said. “It is basically comedy with a message that can be shared by youth and adults – look where God has brought me from.

What’s in store for Ricco after the shooting of his live DVD? “On February 27, 2008, I will compete in The Funniest Person In Grand Rapids Competition at Dr. Grinn’s Comedy Club, on the third floor of the B.O.B., in downtown Grand Rapids. The show starts at 8:00 PM. The audience decides the winner; I would love for the community to come out and support me.”

[click here to read full article]

Farris For Chief: Why Not?

The Grand Rapids Times Editorial
2-1-2008

Opinions are bouncing around in local communities about who should or should not be the next Grand Rapids Police Chief.

Two of the three finalists – Acting Chief Kelvin Belk and Captain James Farris – are current members of the Grand Rapids Police Department. The third, Don Green, is a deputy chief from Knoxville, Tennessee.

Grand Rapids City Manager Kurt Kimball is to make the selection and had announced earlier that the decision will be made in February.

He would serve the city well to strongly consider elevating Captain James Farris to the position of the Chief of Police.

Captain Farris is qualified, he has earned an admirable reputation as a fair, consistent and reliable enforcer of the law.

Even with the most qualified African American candidates, the issue of race tends to surface with doubters wondering whether the person is capable of successfully carrying out the responsibilities if appointed to a position.

If Captain Farris’s race enters the conversation, it should be that the city would be getting a very capable and qualified Chief who is also African American.

If he lacks experience in some areas, then accommodations can be made as they for others when they are the favorites.

There has been some talk about whether Captain Farris has had enough administrative experience. If, he missed some of the administrative details that a chief should possess, this could be offset if Kimball will reinstate the deputy chief position.

Moreover, there is no proof that prior experience for any of the three candidates will mean that there will not be instances when one’s ability to lead will not come into question even after the appointment has been made.

Captain Farris’s being an African American adds to the equation.

Furthermore, a priority for the City Manager should be to select the candidate that can be effective in helping to deal with critical issues in this community.

Captain Farris demonstrated during the community interviews that he would have the whole community at heart. A plus is that he is not only articulate but that he also has the ability to communicate with diverse groups of people.

If diversity is a priority for this city as proposed by the Mayor and by the recent regional emphasis announced for the Metropolitan area, good symbolism coupled along with the proper person can go a long way in demonstrating that the city is sincere in its intent.

In the meantime, should the City Manager select a different candidate, citizens in the black community must commit to working with him and the police department instead at being at odds.

More importantly, the candidate selected must have the willingness and ability to establish and maintain positive relations with the city’s diverse communities.

Let's Talk About It

February is the time we traditionally celebrate Black History Month. As exciting as this opportunity is to add value to the contributions of black Americans to society here and abroad (I say abroad because the United Kingdom UK celebrates Black History Month in the month of October).

In spite of its intention, I think there is a kind of drudgery associated with Black History Month that makes it feel more like a labor intensive task rather than a time of celebratory triumph.

Among all of the various agenda during this month of racial consciousness, black people are asked to speak to white and black audiences about being black in America.

Young people are assigned reading, quotes, poems and African centered dance routines, and in some cases special attention is paid to African focused cuisine.

In the school system teachers drag out their old books about Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks, while Black Churches have their special black history musicals, “Black History Your Way” vignettes, dramas, special cultural meals and white churches often have pulpit exchanges, a speaker may come to share their story to their “Adult Sunday School Class” or the children’s church may plan a special trip, do an “artsy/crafty” project or have a group reading of a book depicting black leaders.

Businesses and organizations get involved putting up seasonal posters, banners and special billboards showing to the world that they support communities of color.

February is our time to shine and show the world what has failed to infuse into the historical record.

February is a time when many efforts are made across cultures to honor a commitment to cultural diversity, and resist the tendency to have all of the black history of the ages, both triumphs and tragedies slip away into the awaiting abyss of non-entity, and ultimately out of memory.

If what you hear in my voice is pessimism, then you are probably paying attention.

I am certainly appreciative of any opportunity to lift up the genius of great African Americans thinkers and inventers in the context of their place in history.

I am not sure however, that we, or our country, are really genuine in our efforts.

[click here to read full article]

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