Local News
Where Are They Now: Lucius Hoskins
Lucius Hoskins, music producer, has worked with most of the top R&B and Gospel vocal artist in the industry. The Grand Rapids native and 1997 graduate of Ottawa Hills High School resides in Houston, Texas.
GR HQ Kicks Off Health Initiative
Grand Rapids HQ, located at 320 State Street SE, held a press conference Thursday, December 12, 2019, to announce its pilot program and how community members can help in supporting the work of shifting health outcomes for area youth who are in crisis.
Hattie's Dream
Hattie Beverly graduated from Wealthy Avenue Training School for Teachers in Grand Rapids in 1899. At the time, she was close to the same age as the Grand Rapids School District.
A Special Thanksgiving For Elias Lumpkins
A former Grand Rapids Third Ward City Commissioner, Elias Lumpkins is especially grateful to see Thanksgiving this year. He recently suffered a stroke, which could have impaired him for life or could have ended his life.
WMBA Hall of Famer Keynoter For Tall Turf Annual Building Bridges Banquet
Every year, Camp Tall Turf has its annual banquet event to update stake holders on what has happened over the past year and to give them the camp plans for the up - coming year.
Muskegon Local Elections
MUSKEGON, Mich. – Eric Hood, Commissioner for Ward One, and by appointment, the current sitting vice mayor of the state's largest western shoreline city, is seeking another four-year term as a city commissioner when local voters go to the polls this Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in Muskegon County.
New Hope Baptist Church 85 And Still Going Strong
Grand Rapids, Mich. — This weekend, New Hope Baptist Church is winding down a month of events commemorating and celebrating its 85th anniversary celebration.
IOTA PI Chapter Of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Holds It's Annual Purple Carpet Scholarship Ball
Iota Pi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., will be hosting its annual Purple Carpet Scholarship Ball on Saturday, 16 November 2019, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The dinner meeting will start promptly at 6:00 and end at 12:00 p.m. This event will conclude with a dance immediately after the Fraternity's program.
GRAAMA Movie Premiere In GR
Abolitionist. Activist. Spy. Visionary. The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA) will host film director Kasi Lemmons's portrayal of Araminta Ross, better known as Harriet Tubman, on Saturday, November 2nd, 7 pm at Celebration South.
NAACP Branch Marks 100th Year In GR
Grand Rapids, MI — Members of The Grand Rapids Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) kicked - off the commemoration and celebration of the organization's 100 years of activism in this city.
Sophisticated Gentlemen's Club Celebrates 17th Year Anniversary
Jeff Kimbrel is the founding owner of Sophisticated Gentlemen's Club, located on Eastern Avenue in Southeast Grand Rapids. The name of the club spawned from the men that he saw as a teenager and the impression they made on him.
Remembering Sherman Gillespie
Sherman Gillespie recently passed away on September 11, 2019. Funeral services were held on Thursday September 19, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, located at 227 Fulton in Grand Rapids.
BHM's Community Night Out Forum Points To Ways To Stop Violence
The Giant Steps, ministry program at Brown-Hutcherson Ministries works with teens and adults, ages 15 to 24, some of whom are at - risk. Giant Steps convened a Community Night Out, Thursday at the church located at 618 Jefferson in Southeast Grand Rapids. The purpose of the forum was for the community to give their input and for them to listen to speakers address stopping the violence that continues to plague the city of Grand Rapids.
Armand Robinson Fulfills His Bucket List
Armand Robinson came to Grand Rapids in the 1960's after being transferred to the city while working for Lear Siegler Jet Division. Six years later, he decided to do some consulting work, which gave him a chance to travel and then later retire from Hayworth Furniture Company.
Groups Rally Against Violence In Muskegon, Michigan
Giant Steps and Moms On A Mission recently joined forces at a Stop The Violence Rally held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 in Muskegon, Michigan. Special guest was Keata Cooper, the mother of Zamarian Cooper who was shot while walking with his sister.
Fireprooftv Holds Casting Event For Upcoming Film About Overcoming Bullying
Filmmaker Moe McCoy announced on July 26, 2019 his newest production and film Spring Break The Kids Movie written by Andrea Tyler. Spring Break the movie addresses the very serious and hot button topic of Bullying. She also stars in the movie as a six-foot bear who watches over the camp and protects it against bullies.
Metallica Scholars Graduate
Grand Rapids Community College was one of just 10 community colleges in the nation to earn the $100,000 grant from the rock group Metallica, a Rock Band.
Sharon Reid Williams Advises Clients On Legal Issues Related To The Rapidly Growing Cannabis and Hemp Industry
Originally from Ohio, Shoran Reid Williams, Senior Counsel at Miller Johnson has tenure in litigation practice that spans more than 25 years. It ranges from in - house counsel for a Fortune 500 insurance company to law firm practices in both Georgia and Michigan. In addition, she has spent several years as an adjunct law professor, author and small business owner.
2019 Blessing of The Students
Blessing of The Students (BOTS) is a one of a kind gathering held before the start of the school year. This even brings the community together in prayer to inspire students.
City Manager Creates Office Of Oversight And Public Accountability, Appoints Interim Director
Grand Rapids, MI — City Manager Mark Washington has appointed Brandon Davis as interim director of the newly created Office of Oversight and Public Accountability.
The 2019 Campau Throwback Reunion
When it opened on July 11, 1968, Campau Commons was Grand Rapids' first low - income housing project. The project was intended to be centered around the Campau Park School and recreation area, including the large above - ground circular public swimming pool.
Project GREEN Calls For Local Day of Action Against CFPB Move to Gut Landmark Reform To Protect Borrowers
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. – Project GREEN will launch a local day of action on Monday, August 19, 2019, marking the date that important payday lending protections would have gone into effect.
JUMP Days at John Ball Zoo Honor Ruth Jones - Hairston, Celebrate Donors
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Ruth Jones - Hairston imagined a program that would make the John Ball Park Zoo accessible to families regardless of income.
Realism Is Loyalty Program
When JD Chapman found himself going down a path that led him from the juvenile courts, to jail, and to a ten year prison sentence, he never thought that years later he would be a facilitator in a program designed to help young men who are on the same path to prison that he was once on. In this interview with the GR Times, JD talks about the program that he is involved in, its funding, the demographic it serves and more.
Chief of Police Eric Payne Wants To Be Known For Building Relationships
Grand Rapids Chief of Police Eric Payne was recently installed in his new position at a ceremony held on July 22, 2019. In this interview with the GR Times, he discusses his biggest challenges, diversity within the police department, police and community relations and more.
NFBPA Board Installs Local Chapter During Its Meeting In GR
The Board of Directors of National Forum for Black Public Administrator's (NFBA) recently met from July 18 - 20th in Grand Rapids for a quarterly meeting.
Promotional Ceremony And Community Gathering To Congratulate Police Chief Eric Payne
The community is invited to attend the Promotional Ceremony for Police Chief Eric Payne.
Stephanie Pierce Of Legacy Homes GR Gives Personal Touch
Realtor Stephanie Pierce has been working for Keller Williams Realty Legacy Homes GR since June. She brings more than a month's experience to the position.
City Invites Residents To Parks
Grand Rapids, MI – After a recent shooting incident at Joe Taylor Park, the City of Grand Rapids developed and is putting more recreational offerings, park ambassadors program and a park event in each of the city's three wards.
Dr. Paul Hubbard, Jr. Celebrates 92nd Birthday
Dr. Paul Hubbard recently celebrated his 92nd birthday. The Pastor of Southeast Church of Christ at 1915 Nelson SE, he is believed to be the oldest active pastor in Grand Rapids.
Press Conference Called To Address Recent Shootings
Ten shootings took place in the City of Grand Rapids, recently within five days, resulting in six injuries. It is unusual for this number of shootings to occur within this period of time in Grand Rapids.
Makenzee Powell Aims To Continue Setting Records In Track
Makenzee Powell is a junior at Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills High School who has a promising career in track and field. In this interview with the GR Times, she discusses the school records that she has broken, what she would like to major in and what college she may attend after graduating from high school.
Brame Twins Now Eagle Scouts
Do you know what it takes to become an Eagle Scout? Well, this much I can tell you, it is far too much to list. Boy Scout Troop number 258 is housed at Brown Hutcherson Ministries.
Marijuana Dispensary Big Topic For Community Meeting
Grand Rapids, MI — Quarterly Community Partners Meetings at Madison Church provide a neutral space for anyone living, serving or leading in Southtown to network, share information, and learn together about issues directly impacting the community.
Gov. Whitmer Taps Brame For Indigent Defense Commission
The Cooley Law School Dean To Represent State Supreme Court Chief Justice On Michigan
Denali Mayweather Headed To Concordia U
Jordan Denali Mayweather has accepted a Track and Field scholarship to Concordia University in Ann Arbor.
Michigan Department of Civil Rights Holds Press Conference
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) announced earlier this week the Department's next steps in response to two listening sessions that were held in March to hear from residents relative to actions of the Grand Rapids Police Department.
GRPS Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal GRCC's 2019 Distinguished Alumna
Grand Rapids Community College surprised Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal by naming her its 2019 Distinguished Alumna during the 102nd commencement on Friday, where Neal was the event's keynote speaker.
Malamiah Juice Bar Moving To A New, Bigger Space
Grand Rapids, Mich. – After nearly six years in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, the multi - award winning Malamiah Juice Bar is ready to expand.
Fannie Mae Wilson-Jones Celebrates 100th Birthday
Mrs. Fannie Mae Wilson-Jones was recognized as the oldest member of First Community A.M.E. church this year.
Stephan Bracey Ready To Play Big Ten Football
East Kentwood High School wide receiver Stephan Bracey is headed to the Big Ten to play football on a collegiate level. This will be one of his toughest challenges of his life so far, but he is more than ready for the challenge. After being sought after by several schools, he has made his choice.
City Commission Adopts Four-Year Strategic Plan
Grand Rapids, MI. – At its regular meeting, Tuesday, The City Commission voted unanimously to adopt a four - year strategic plan for the City of Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids Danger Plays B-Ball With A Heart
At a young age, Grand Rapids native Allen Durham fell in love with the game of basketball. He says he hasn't looked back since.
New Westbound I-196 On-Ramp To Be Added Downtown
Grand Rapids, Mich — A new westbound I-196 on-ramp is coming to Division Avenue downtown. Construction on the on-ramp begins Monday and is expected to end in July.
Next Step Explored For Last Week Public Hearings
A variety of issues surfaced at special listening sessions last week as a number of Grand Rapids residents voiced their concerns about encounters with the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Unity Rally At Martin Luther King Park Begins And Ends In Peace
In the wake of two recent incidents community members raised their voices of at a special rally at Martin Luther King Park on Wednesday March 27, 2019.
Public Hearings Hosted by State Department of Civil Rights
Nearly one - hundred people showed up yesterday when the Michigan Department of Civil Rights hosted two listening sessions with the community — both over community concerns about two of the latest incidents during police stops and other concerns, ranging from parking tickets, to unlawful arrests, to disrespect.
All Voters Are Now Eligible To Vote Absentee
Grand Rapids, MI – City Clerk Joel Hondorp is reminding residents that all voters are eligible for absentee voting under a recently approved state ballot initiative. Before the passage of Proposal 3 in November, voters had to qualify to vote absentee.
Michigan Department Of Civil Rights Plans Local Hearing, Listening Session On Community Policing And Recent Incidents In GR
Interim Police Chief David Kiddle recently held a special press conference at the Grand Rapids Police Department, 1 Monroe Center NW, to discuss two recent incidents involving officers which have raised concern with some members of our community.
Mrs. Dorothy Williams Celebrates Her 90th Birthday
Mrs. Dorothy Williams recently celebrated her 90th birthday at a celebration party, Sunday, March 10, 2019, hosted by family and friends.
No 'Community Hugs' For Eastern Avenue Lofts
A group of residents, stakeholders, and reps from two churches from a Baxter neighborhood, gathered Tuesday, March 12, at Noon or 5:00 p.m. at the Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church at Eastern and Logan SE.
Grand Rapids School Board Selects Candidates To Interview For Superintendent
The Grand Rapids School Board met on March 11 to review applicants for the superintendent position. The Board felt the candidate pool was excellent with 30 applicants and determined to interview five candidates for the position. The Board is being assisted in the search process by MASB, Michigan Association of School Boards.
Boston Square Cafe Gets Name Change And More
After being closed a few weeks for remodeling, Boston Square Café will re - open Friday, March 8, with a new look and a new name and other changes.
Mrs. Linda Scott Celebrates 75th Birthday
Mrs. Linda Scott recently celebrated her birthday with friends and family at True Light Baptist Church. The celebration included food, entertainment from Comedian Ricco, Vocalist Mother Gaddis and dinner music by Pastor George Davis and band.
Michael B. Johnson, Sr. Stands Tall Among Giants
As the Giants 37th Banquet and Annual Awards Program came to a close this year, on Saturday, February 23, 2019, Michael B. Johnson gained the distinguished honor of being a Giant Among Giants.
Community Weighs In On What To Look For In Next Police Chief
City Manager Mark Washington asked for residents and other community stakeholders to share their thoughts on what he needs to look for in the next police chief.
New Dental Center Expands Care In Western Kent County
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) recently announced the opening of a third Kent County MCDC dental center, located in Walker.
William Polk Wright Passes
William Polk Wright is being remembered as a humanitarian who gave freely of himself to others and as a man who would not settle for second best.
William Melbourne Glenn (1903-1986)
William Melbourne Glenn was a local political activist. Glenn began his activism in 1941, becoming the first African American hired at Hayes Manufacturing Company in Grand Rapids.
Black Violin Classical Boom Tour Comes To Grand Rapids
Boom Tour staring Wilner Baptiste and Kevin Sylvester will be performing along with the Grand Rapids Symphony at this year's Symphony with Soul on Saturday, February 16, at the DeVos Performance Hall. Additional performances will also include the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and the Grand Rapids Symphony Mosaic Scholars. In this Grand Rapids Times interview, Wilner Baptiste, talks about how he and Kevin began playing the violin, the origins of the duo, what people can expect at their show and more.
A Community Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Was Held At New Hope Baptist Church
On Sunday, January 20, 2019 Pastor Ray Jones Pastor Jay Jones from Pentecostals of Kentwood delivered the message and Pastor Carl Ray, Senior Pastor of Kenwood Community Church served as Worship Conductor.
GR City Manager, Mayor Bliss To Hold Digital Town Hall
Grand Rapids residents have another way to stay up - to - date on what's happening in the City Manager's and Mayor's offices.
Grand Rapids Resident Celebrates 94th Birthday
Friends and family recently gathered at Cracker Barrel to celebrate the 94th birthday of Blanche Babers.
'Spirit And Essence' Of President Ford Embedded In Renovated Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse
After the $8 million renovations started in May, The Gerald R. Ford Field House, stands as state - of - the - art on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).
Tracey Brame Appointed Associate Dean At WMU-Cooley
Grand Rapids, MI – Tracey Brame was recently appointed Associate Dean of WMU-Cooley Law School's Grand Rapids campus. Interim President Jeffrey Martlew recently promoted Brame, who had served as assistant dean at the Grand Rapids campus since 2008.
City Hires Search Firm To Recruit Police Chief
Grand Rapids, MI – The City Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a contract with Public Sector Search & Consulting Inc. (PSSC) to lead a national search for Grand Rapids' next police chief. PSSC will work closely with the City's Human Resources Department and City Manager Mark Washington during the process.
GGRBA Celebrates 15th Anniversary Of Holiday Scholarship Ball
One thing the hit film Spiderman: into the Spiderverse emphatically reminds us in this Trump weary America is that transforming our great nation lies in the hands of the young, gifted and black.
LaTarro Traylor Wins Over Challenges Of Becoming A Lawyer
LaTarro Traylor, an alumna of the former Grand Rapids Creston High School, recently graduated from Cooley Law School. For her, it is a major victory and something she was destined to become.
Brown's Funeral Home Under New Management
Grand Rapids – Pastor Nathaniel Moody made an official announcement, Thursday, that he is now the Manager and CEO of the Brown's Funeral in Grand Rapids and Toomes Funeral Homes in Muskegon, Michigan.