>> Good evening, everyone,
I'm Angela Cunningham.
>> And I'm Leon Hendrix
from WOOD TV.
>> And welcome to the 37th
annual Giants Banquet Awards.
(applause)
>> 37 years, pretty
remarkable achievement
for such an awesome night,
where we are recognizing
some of the brightest
in our community.
I work for WOOD TV,
Angela works for WZZM,
and normally when we
stand next to each other,
during this time of the year,
there's a snowbank involved.
(both chuckling)
We are happy to be
in the warm today.
>> And I think being
with you tonight
represents what this
evening is all about...
competitors uniting.
>> Right!
Working together.
>> Fierce-- I mean
friendly competitors.
>> "Friendly competitors."
(both laughing)
You know what, I am looking
forward to an evening
of celebrating
African-American excellence,
and also change-makers
right here in the city
of Grand Rapids.
So I just want to
applaud all of you
that are going to be
receiving honor tonight.
But then, everyone who
took time to come out
and share and
celebrate.
So let's give everyone, all
of us a round of applause.
(applause)
>> You know, and
speaking of change,
I'm gonna go off-script a
little bit, is that okay?
>> I love it...
ad lib!
>> Y'all should see
the fear in her eyes!
(audience chuckling)
There has been some change
in the leadership
in our area
that I think we'd be remiss
in not acknowledging.
For his first Giants
Awards ceremony today,
Grand Rapids' first ever
African-American city manager,
Mark Washington
is here.
Will y'all welcome him,
please, to our community?
(applause)
I can't see where he is--
can you wave?
(applause)
And also within
the past year,
we've had our very first
black county administrator,
Wayman Britt.
(applause)
So, we're not just having
a seat at the table,
we are helping to
lead the discussion
in this community.
>> We're doing things, yeah.
>> Absolutely.
>> All right.
Now, we would like
you all to stand
as we have Miss
Ashlie Johnson
perform the African-American
National Anthem.
(uplifting piano music)
>> (all singing)
♪ Lift every voice and sing ♪
♪ Till earth and
heaven ring ♪
♪ Ring with
the harmonies ♪
♪ Of liberty ♪
♪ Let our
rejoicing rise ♪
♪ High as the
listening skies ♪
♪ Let it resound loud
as the rolling sea ♪
(music)
♪ Sing a song full
of the faith ♪
♪ That the dark past
has taught us ♪
♪ Sing a song
full of the hope ♪
♪ That the present
has brought us ♪
♪ Facing the rising sun
of our new day begun ♪
♪ Let us march on
till victory is won ♪
(applause)
>> Thank you, you
may be seated.
>> We'd now like to
invite to the stage,
the leader of Grand Rapids
Community College.
>> Woo-hoo!
>> A long time educator,
and also a change-maker
right here in Grand Rapids,
Dr. Bill Pink, President of
Grand Rapids School and College.
(applause)
>> Good evening.
>> (audience) Good evening.
>> Good evening!
>> (audience) Good evening!
>> Don't get quiet
on us now.
This is not a
quiet evening.
This is one of those
evenings we're celebrating.
Are we?
We're celebrating
tonight.
I want to give you
a special welcome
from the faculty,
staff, students,
administration, and
board of trustees
of Grand Rapids
Community College,
the oldest community college
in the state of Michigan
and one of the oldest
in the country.
We want to say
welcome to you,
to this 37th annual
Giants Awards and Banquet.
We're so happy that we're able
to celebrate this occasion
and celebrate our people,
who we are honoring tonight.
I want to take some
time to introduce
and ask several
people to stand
as I have a couple
of minutes.
I want to ask that
the board of trustees
for Grand Rapids
Community College,
those who are
present tonight,
would you please stand and let
us recognize you this evening.
(applause)
Now, stay standing,
stay standing, please,
stay standing.
Because I want another
group to stand with you.
If you are some or one
of our past board members
of Grand Rapids
Community College,
would you please stand
and let us acknowledge you
at the same
time, please.
(applause)
You have to make sure you
acknowledge leadership
and leaders who do
things in this community
for such a great
institution as GRCC.
I also want to
introduce to you
one of the newest members
of the GRCC family.
This past semester,
we hired our Chief Equity
and Inclusion Officer
for the institution.
The first time we've
had such a position
that not only
carries that title
but is actually of
a direct report
to the President's
Office.
It means a lot to me to
be able to have hired
such a quality person
that I need to introduce
to you at this time,
Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham.
Please stand,
Dr. McNeely Cobham.
(applause)
Well, it's a great time to
be here tonight, isn't it?
I remembered there's a
song-- 'cause I love music
and I'm always probably
bringing a song up
every once
in a while.
There's a song
that I have heard
at some point
in my life,
and I just remembered some
of the lyrics were as such...
"Evolution,
revolution,
"gun control,
sound of soul,
"shooting rockets
to the moon..."
don't you know
the rest?
(audience chuckling)
"Kids growing
up too soon,
"politicians say more taxes
will solve everything,"
but what's the
next line?
>> "The band will..."
>> "And the band played on."
That day that Melvin Franklin
first sang that
for The Temptations-- you knew
it was The Temptations, right?
(audience chuckling)
Now, some of you young--
well, never mind.
(audience laughing)
But that day that
The Temptations
first sang
that song--
the name of the song is
called "Ball of Confusion"
and one thing
about that song
is that they describe
many other things
about what was going on at
that time in this country.
And there were many things
that they sang about,
aside from what I
just recited to you.
But what's interesting
is that Melvin Franklin,
he was that deep bass
for The Temptations,
his line was "And
the band played on."
What did he
mean by that?
Well, that line is one
that's really synonymous
with the fact that no matter
what all is happening,
it's just life just continues
to go on, doesn't it?
And in spite of all the
things that he talked about,
and news here, in case
you didn't realize it,
many of the things he
talked about in that song
are very much still
happening today.
That we can see some
of those same things
happening in 2019
that were happening
back there
in the '70s.
But yet and still,
Melvin Franklin said,
"And the band
played on."
Meaning that, sometimes,
people just don't
really pay attention and
sometimes don't even care
about some of these things
because life just continues.
Well, tonight, friends,
we're gonna stop that band.
That band is gonna
stop playing tonight.
Because tonight, we
are gonna celebrate
people who have made a
difference in this community.
People who have
really transcended
exactly what the song "Ball
of Confusion" was talking about
because they were not
gonna be happy to know
that the band is just
gonna keep playing on.
That they said, "Stop,
we gotta do something."
If we're lucky, Lisa Knight
may sing that for us tonight.
(audience laughing,
scattered applause)
But I want you to think
about that tonight,
that tonight is a
night to celebrate.
Tonight is the
night that we say,
"No more of that band
that just keeps playing
"and allows these
things to happen.
"Tonight is the
night that we say,
"the band stops because
we celebrate people
"who have made a difference in
this community for many people,
"that may not have had someone
standing in the way for them."
Because that act of doing
something for someone
who can't do it
for themselves,
that's what these
people are all about.
Let's celebrate
tonight.
Thank you so much,
from the family of Grand Rapids
Community College
for being here--
God bless you.
(applause)
>> Thank you, Dr. Pink,
for those words of wisdom.
>> We'd now
like to welcome
one of our most
well-known clergy
in the audience
with us,
Reverend Nathaniel Moody,
up to bring the invocation.
And I think we have a new title
we need to address him by,
Commissioner Moody,
come on up!
(applause)
>> You can make those applause
a little bit more louder.
(audience laughing)
(applause)
(applause, cheering)
Let us bow
our heads.
Father, we humbly
beseech thee today,
thanking you
for all things.
Thanking you for this
wonderful occasion tonight
and all those honorees of
great, prestigious awards
that will be receiving
Giants tonight.
Father, we thank you for food--
may it be a nourishment
to our bodies and may
it enlighten our spirits.
In Christ Jesus's
name we pray, amen.
>> (audience)
Amen.
>> All right, well,
y'all ready to eat?
(all laughing)
Let's do that.
During dinner, we
will enjoy some music
by the Kenny Matthews Band.
Enjoy your meal.
>> Enjoy your meal.
(general chatter)
Wanna take a moment
to acknowledge
our generous
sponsors.
>> These are folks
who put in their--
primarily their money,
their time, their effort
into making this
event possible.
>> We owe them a huge thanks and
first we want to acknowledge
the Champion sponsor, which is
the Grand Rapids-Kent County
Convention/Arena
Authority, SMG.
So please, give them
a round of applause.
(applause)
And the Advocate sponsors
are as follows...
Doug & Maria DeVos
Foundation,
Fifth Third Bank,
Mercy Health,
Spectrum Health,
and Steelcase.
(applause)
Thank you.
(applause)
>> Sponsoring at
that same level,
the "Women's Lifestyle
Magazine"....
(audience cheering)
>> All right!
>> Some energy over there!
(both laughing)
>> The Partner sponsors of
Blue Cross Blue Shield,
Grand Valley
State University,
and the Wege
Foundation.
(applause)
And we wanna also acknowledge
some individual supporters,
Bill and India Manns,
as well as...
(applause, cheering)
indeed-- as well as
Milinda Ysasi.
(applause)
>> Before we get into
the part of the evening
that we really
came out for,
we do wanna take a
moment to acknowledge
some very important
people here this evening.
>> Yeah, if you are a part of
the clergy in our community,
please stand up to
be acknowledged
by those of us
in attendance.
If you are part
of the clergy.
(applause)
>> And if you are
an elected official
in West Michigan,
please stand.
(applause)
You may be seated-- thank
you all for what you do
for West Michigan.
>> All right, we wanna get into
handing out some awards now.
>> Okay, so I'm going to
introduce Ms. Laura Moody,
GRCC faculty,
Nursing department,
to the stage.
And also,
Mr. Kendrick William Moody,
Brown's Funeral Home.
They will be presenting
the Milo Brown Scholarship,
and then Ms. Moody
will also invite
Mr. Michael Couch
a short time later
for the Junior Giants
scholarship presentation.
(applause)
>> Good evening.
>> (audience) Good evening.
>> It is indeed an honor
once again to be before you.
On behalf of Milo Brown
scholarship,
I would like to
introduce to you
the recipients
for this year.
We first have
Ms. Emma Manders.
She is currently in the
Dental Hygiene program.
Her ultimate goal is to
become a dental hygienist.
A few things the nomination
shared about her success
is that she is directly related
to meticulous organization,
glowing enthusiasm,
and her determination
to do her very best
at all times.
If you ask her, because
of her home skills,
she has no doubt she is going
to do remarkable things
in the world
of hygiene.
A favorite quote of hers
is Matthew 21:22,
"If you believe
you will receive
"whatever you ask for,
in prayer."
Please join me in welcoming
Ms. Emma Manders.
(applause)
>> (whispering)
Thank you.
>> Once again, let's give it
up for Ms. Emma Manders.
(applause)
I know I need
my glasses.
Our next recipient is
Ms. Victoria Williams.
She is currently at work
on her Associate degree
from Grand Rapids
Community College.
After graduating from GRCC, she
will be applying to transfer
to Florida A&M
University,
to major in
Physical Therapy.
In addition, she plans on
going to graduate school
to get her Doctorate
in Physical Therapy.
A few things the nominators
shared about her--
"Victoria is a hard
worker with great ideas.
"She is smart,
creative,
"and she is capable of doing
and being highly competitive
"in everything
that she does.
"She will drive herself
onto greatness
"and she will push
others to do the same."
A favorite
quote of hers--
"Education is the
passport to the future,
"for tomorrow belongs to those
who prepare for it today,"
by Malcolm X.
Please join me, in welcoming
Ms. Victoria Williams.
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
Let's give it up
one more time
for our Milo Brown
scholarship recipients.
(applause)
Next, we have
our 2019
Junior Giant Leadership
Scholarship Award.
Our first recipient
is Ms. Jmyrea White.
She's receiving a
Cedric Ward High School
Leadership
Scholarship award.
Jmyrea, is a senior at
Grand Rapids City High School.
Upon graduating
from high school,
she plans to pursue a Bachelor's
degree in psychology,
and ultimately a Doctor
degree in Individual
and Organizational
Psychology.
Jmyrea's contributions
to her family, school,
and community are all
evidence on her leadership.
During her junior
senior year,
Jmyrea's mother was diagnosed
with a catastrophic illness.
She stepped up to care for
her mom in their home,
while also organizing
a service project
for refugees, children,
and volunteers.
She also did this for
the Humane Society
and at the
John Ball Park Zoo.
She managed all of this
and still maintained an A
in all City High
School's activities.
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
One of her
favorite quotes--
"I learned that people
will forget what you say,
"people will forget
what you did,
"and people will never forget
how you make them feel,"
Maya Angelou.
Please join me--
Jmyrea White.
(applause)
One more time
for Jmyrea.
(applause)
Our next
Junior Giant
receiving
the Dr. Patricia Pulliam
College Leadership award
is Ms. Maya Smith.
She's a senior in Chemistry,
majoring at Hope College.
Upon graduating, Maya plans
to attend medical school
in hope of becoming
a pediatrician.
Maya has an internship
at Cooper Health
and will be learning
under the leadership
of the chair of the
Pediatric department,
who is also a
pediatric neurologist.
Maya cannot be
here tonight,
as she is away studying
in the Philadelphia Center
Off-Campus
Study Program.
Maya's leadership is
demonstrated in her many roles
and educational
accomplishments.
Some of these
include leadership
in the Black
Student Union,
tutoring, mentoring, serving
on the Womens in Science
and Engineering
Diversity Board.
In the first semester
of her senior year,
Maya had already
completed her application
for medical school
and has been accepted
by two of the
top choices.
Her nominator explains
that this is unusual,
that most students
take a gap to complete
the application
process.
It is really rare to
have an acceptance letter
from two
medical schools
before the end of
the second semester.
Her favorite quote is,
"Be gentle with yourself
"and you are doing
the best you can."
Accepting this award
on Maya's behalf
is Hope College Black
Student Union President,
Ms. Kendall Collins-Riley.
Please join me
in welcoming her.
(applause)
Thank you.
Let's give all
of our recipients
another round
of applause.
(applause)
>> So I know Leon and I,
we were chatting over there,
we've had the occasion
throughout our careers
to interview some
movers and shakers,
and I am as in awe
of these young people
as I have been
for anyone.
So I really want you
to give a very fervent
round of applause
for them again.
Show them some love.
(applause)
>> Absolutely... our future.
(applause)
>> That's right.
(applause)
(applause)
>> All right, it is...
>> Time for the evening.
>> Drum roll, please!
>> (rumbling the podium).
(both laughing)
>> We do wanna first acknowledge
that this is the 37th year
of the Giants Awards.
(applause)
>> And Grand Rapids
Community College
has been dedicated to honoring
and celebrating, again,
black excellence
in this community.
So we really wanna thank
them for this evening
and for what they've been
doing for three decades, plus.
>> And we wanna acknowledge
the two kind of founders
of this presentation,
Dr. Pat Pulliam
and the late
Mr. Cedric Ward.
(applause)
>> At this time, if
there are any previous
GIANT recipients
in the room,
please stand so we can
show you some love!
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
>> All right,
let's get into it.
We wanna start with the
Walter Coe Public Service Award.
This year, it goes to
Mari Beth Johnson-Jelks.
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
Ms. Johnson-Jelks is a
decorated public servant
with a legacy of service to
the city of Grand Rapids.
Over the course of her 30 years
as a public administrator,
she was promoted throughout
the ranks of leadership
and recently retired from
her role as Managing Director
of Administrative
Services.
Mari Beth is one
the architects
of the Grow Your Own Workforce
development initiative,
implemented by
city leadership.
She is committed to creating
career mobility pathways
for emerging leaders,
leaders of color,
and community residents
to employment
in local
government.
We honor Mari Beth
Johnson-Jelks's commitment
to civic and
community service
with the 2019 Walter Coe
Public Service Award.
Let's hear now from
Ms. Johnson-Jelks.
>> I would like to thank God,
from whom all blessings flow,
for receiving this award--
this prestigious award.
I am very humbled by it
and I do consider it
a blessing
in my life.
The Walter Coe--
Mr. Walter Coe
is an important local historical
figure in our community,
not only because
he was a pioneer
as the first African-American
police officer
and Captain with the
Grand Rapids Police Department
from the 1920s,
but because he spent a
great deal of his time
dedicated to helping
improving the community
in his personal time, working
specifically with the youth,
which aligns
with my value.
I would like to thank
the person or persons
who nominated me
for this award
and for the
Giants Committee
selecting me to
receive the award.
Again, I certainly
don't provide
or do public service
for getting awards,
but I'm humbled by the
acknowledgment of my work.
I definitely am grateful for
the city of Grand Rapids,
who's been an
incredible employer
for me for the
past 30 years,
most of my
professional life.
And for the dedicated
city employees
who I've worked with
at every rank
from the snow plowers
to the mayor.
Over the years, I
have worked with
so many talented city employees
who are dedicated
to improve
the community.
So I'm thankful and
grateful to them
in their support of me,
along with the city managers
and city commissioners and other
public officials in the area.
I would be remiss if I
didn't give a shout-out
to the administrative staff,
my own staff--
uh, extremely talented
individuals who have helped me
launch several important
public service initiatives
that were successful
for our community.
I would like to
thank my own family,
my parents Alexander
and Gene Johnson,
who had a legacy
of their own
in overcoming many challenges
in the Jim Crow era,
achievements
of their own.
But they raised myself
and my siblings
to really care
about our community,
care about excellence
and doing well,
and helping others to improve
the quality of life for all,
so I thank them.
And then, lastly, I'd like
to thank my own family.
Randall, my husband
for many years,
and my two children,
Jonathan Alexander
and Johanna Jelks.
You know, I believe
in the biblical,
the indelible biblical truth
that to whom much is given,
much is expected.
And that's how
I live my life.
Thank you
so much.
(applause)
(applause)
>> And next, Mr. Eugene Browning
Medical Service Award
will go to
Jason Slaikeu.
Dr. Jason Slaikeu.
His commitment to
community public health
extends far beyond his role
as a vascular surgeon.
Chief of his Vascular
Surgery Division
and Chair of the Spectrum
Health Medical Group
Board of Directors,
like Dr. Eugene Browning,
Dr. Slaikeu leverages his wisdom
and influence to champion equity
and inclusion by
reducing the barriers
that can hold back
emerging leaders of color
in healthcare
careers.
As a senior
leader
in one of West Michigan's
largest health systems,
Dr. Slaikeu uses his voice,
expertise, and access
to educate, empower,
and to heal.
It is an honor to
bestow to Dr. Slaikeu
the 2019 Eugene Browning
Medical Service Award.
(applause)
>> I feel so very
honored to be recognized
with the other past and
current award recipients
who have done such incredible
work within our community.
My thanks to GRCC,
the Giants Committee,
and my colleagues who
nominated me for this award
that bears
Dr. Browning's name.
Dr. Browning recognized the
need to support families,
create social support,
and provide care
right there in the communities
where need existed.
He thought beyond the
simple treating of disease
and worked on early prevention
through his wellness clinics.
He recognized the importance
of assisting those
who were less
fortunate
and directly addressing
disparate health outcomes.
I am so encouraged
by the many people
recognized
here tonight
who are engaged in
various levels of work
that Dr. Browning
promoted.
Every award category
represents work
that can improve health
outcomes within our community
and is needed to
eliminate health
and healthcare
disparities
that still exist
in our community.
Growing up, I was fortunate
to live in a home
with a mother
and father
who, despite having
very limited resources,
were careful and unwilling
to ever limit my potential.
They spoke encouragement and
life to me on a daily basis
and demonstrated how a
life of joy and purpose
can come through
relationship with Christ.
I recognize and thank them
for their impact on my life.
I also wish to thank my
colleagues and friends,
many here with me
tonight,
who share my love
for this community,
have supported me, and
continue to inspire me
with their tireless
determination
to give the best of themselves
to this community.
You have chosen the action
of love over indifference.
I feel so blessed to work
with the leadership team
at Spectrum Health
with a renewed focus on
community collaboration
and the elimination
of health disparities.
Thank you for
investing in me
and providing me
with an encouraging,
supportive, and
innovative environment
to live my
calling.
To my six year old daughter,
Reagan, here with me tonight--
sweetie, I'm so proud
of who you are,
yes, I love you to
the moon and back,
and more than a
thousand butterflies.
I see nothing but
greatness within you.
Again, I wanna thank
you for this honor.
My heart is full
of gratitude.
(applause)
>> The next award is the
W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award.
It goes to
LaSandra Gaddy.
LaSandra Gaddy's humanitarian
and civic engagement
stems from her inherent
belief in the value
and strength
of all people,
with a focus
on uplifting historically
marginalized communities.
LaSandra is a true
example of blooming
wherever you
are planted,
whether as vice president
raising $5 million
to disrupt the cycle of
homelessness in our community,
or as the CEO of
Women's Resource Center,
where she inspires women
from all walks of life
to redeem
their lives.
LaSandra's ability
to tackle problems,
lead for
public good,
and champion justice
mirrors the life
and legacy of
W.W. Plummer.
It is an honor to bestow
to LaSandra A. Gaddy
the 2019 W.W. Plummer
Humanitarian Award.
>> Thank you, it is
a great privilege
and honor to
be a recipient
of the W.W. Plummer
Humanitarian Award.
This is truly
a blessing.
First, I would to
thank my nominator,
and the Giant
Selection Committee,
for considering me for
this prestigious honor.
The commitment to love
and care for our neighbors
were instilled in me by my
parents at a very early age.
Ndukwe Kalu said,
"The things that you do
"for yourself are gone
when you're gone.
"But the things you do for
others remain as your legacy."
Thank you to my employer,
Women's Resource Center,
where I am proud
to serve alongside
our dedicated
team and board.
I would like to
thank my parents,
Reverend Willy F. Abrams
and Hazel Abrams...
you have always
been my Giant,
and you have lived
out the example
of servant
leadership.
To my siblings, nieces and
nephews, who I love dearly,
and my pastors and
my church family.
Finally I would like
to thank my children,
Marissa, Garrison,
and Angelique,
and my two awesome grandchildren,
Marki and Maya.
You all
inspire me.
And to my covenant partner,
Arlandeen Gaddy,
I love you more than
words can express.
Thank you for your
continued support.
Congratulations to all
the honorees tonight.
I would like to close with
one of my favorite quotes
by the late Maya Angelou,
that simply says,
"No one has ever become
poor from giving."
Again, thank you so
much for this honor.
Enjoy your
evening.
(applause)
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
>> And the next award
tonight will be
the Ethel Coe
Humanities Award.
Using her gifts and talents
to improve the quality of life
of others is a
thread that unites
the many forms
Lisa Knight's artistry
takes across her
service in community.
Whether in community
as the Director
of Health,
Wellness, and Youth
at the Grand Rapids
Urban League,
or on stage starring in
an Ebony Road Player's
Theater production,
she uses her artistry
as a human connector
to heal disconnects,
empower and restore.
Like her award
namesake, Ethel Coe,
Lisa fearlessly carries the
mantle of responsibility
to use her artistry to speak
out against disparities,
and to encourage solutions
rooted in shared destiny
and collective
humanity.
For her service to many
and for her life's work
as a community
healer,
it is an honor to bestow
to Lisa M. Knight
the 2019 Ethel Coe
Humanitarian Award.
>> Good evening, everyone,
and thank you so much
for joining me here to
celebrate this amazing event.
I am so honored to
have you all with me,
and I wanted to write
out an acceptance speech
because I didn't wanna
miss anybody's names.
So here it is.
But then, they told me I
only had three minutes.
So I do wanna thank
you all once again
for being here-- this is
an awesome opportunity
to be here
with you all,
and I had to change a
few things, so here it is.
My first time onstage was
when I was 4 years old.
As I tied the cape onto
my Prince Charming
I knew I would
never be the same.
From that point on, I always
wanted to be onstage,
singing, dancing,
acting,
whatever it was, I
was enthralled by it.
And I never
looked back.
Music and theater has
shaped my life so much
that I'm not sure what
I would do without it.
Having the opportunity
to express myself
and become lost in a
character intrigues me
and causes me to be
the best that I can be.
This has also helped me
complete the work that I do
every day, as I work in
our wonderful community,
to help others see
where their stage is.
I'm so thankful for
all the music teachers,
art directors,
stage directors,
friends and family who have
encouraged me, pushed me,
helped me when I didn't
think I could accomplish it.
And they caused me to
think outside of the box
and supported me on this
journey through life,
and I thank God
for the gift,
the ability to reach people
through the uniqueness
of the arts is a
reward like no other.
It has the ability to
change hearts and minds.
We need people to think with the
creative sides of their brains,
and people who have
played in a band
or have painted
and it enhances the symbiotic
thinking capabilities,
not always thinking
in the same paradigm
but learning how to
kick-start a new idea,
or how to get a job done
better, less expensively.
Just imagine what
our youth could do
if they were allowed
to explore the depths
of what they can do
through the arts.
I imagine they could
change the world.
Thank you again for
such a great honor.
I love you all.
(applause)
(applause)
>> The next award is the
Milo Brown Business Award.
It's being presented
today to Troy Yarbrough.
Like Milo Brown, Troy Yarbrough
is a business owner
with a social
enterprise approach
to entrepreneurial
life.
Troy's ability to
build both relationships
and buildings with
honesty and integrity
has made his construction firm,
Preferred Construction Group,
an industry leader in
renovation to health
and educational
facilities.
Troy also invests in his
employee's careers advancement
and leadership
potential.
Today, we honor him
for his commitment
to being an innovative
entrepreneur,
and for his passion
for helping others
find their
footing in life.
It is an honor to bestow
to Troy Yarbrough
the 2019 Milo Brown
Business Award.
>> I am humbled
to be a recipient
of the Milo Brown
Business Award,
with the other
Giants before me.
Individuals that
exemplify strong,
successful business
knowledge and ownership.
I would like to thank the
Giants Award Committee
for the recognition and
this great privilege
to be named among
such influential
and involved leaders
of the community.
I would also like
to thank my family,
for understanding the
time and energy it takes
to own and operate
a business,
recognizing their
sacrifices as well.
Finally, I would like
to thank my team
at the Preferred
Construction Group.
You all have helped
make my vision
for this company
become a reality.
It has been a privilege to
watch PCG mold and shape
so many individuals, providing
a positive impact in lives.
It has been my commitment
to serve the community
by providing quality
construction management
and general contracting
services to the healthcare
and educational
systems in this area.
PCG is more than just the guys
behind the containment walls
during a construction
project.
We are constantly ensuring
the health and safety
of the staff,
patients, and visitors.
We are mentoring, training,
and employing those
who want to perform
in this field,
but need an open
door to do so.
Encouraging careers
in the trades,
growing the economy,
building relationships
based on honesty
and integrity.
PCG is not trying to be
everything to everyone,
just to be the best
at what we do
and who we
do it for.
I will continue to
work toward my vision
for the Preferred
Construction Group
to have a presence in
all the major medical
and educational facilities
in Western Michigan.
I will continue to invest in
my team, encourage innovation,
and serve the community
I grew up in.
(applause)
(applause)
>> Next, we'd
like to present
the Phyllis Scott Activist
Award to Cole Williams.
(applause, cheering)
Cole Williams
is a dreamer
who unleashes "the least
of those" to dream.
He debunks toxic
masculinity
and invites men to be
vulnerable, authentic,
transparent,
and whole.
Cole models
what he preaches,
sharing his own
experiences
to inspire men to unleash
their own greatness.
He works to heal
generational divides
and redefine the face and
voice of the black man,
black fathers,
and black children.
He helps men navigate
all of the unspoken
and informal truths
of being fathers,
whether incarcerated, blended,
divorced, single, or widowed.
For his work as a restorer
and community leader,
we are honored to
salute Cole Williams
with the Phyllis Scott
Activist Award.
>> A giant is defined as a
"legendary human-like being
"of great stature
and strength."
I am honored to be among
the nine recipients
recognized for their
extraordinary contributions
to our community.
Receiving the Phyllis Scott
Activist Award
represents something
much bigger than me.
In my personal journey,
I've been privileged
to work with state and
county organizations,
like the Delta Residential
Treatment Program,
and the Urban League
Sons Program,
where I'm surrounded
by young Giants
like Maurice Johnson
and Diamonte Coldbreath,
young men of color who
have beaten the odds.
And like so many young
men in our community,
they possess legendary
human-like strength
and extraordinary stories
that often go untold.
Consider this
African proverb--
"The child who is not
embraced by the village
"will burn it down
to feel its warmth."
Boys of color in our community
report feeling disconnected
and disenfranchised from their
families and communities.
Our boys are asking a
very important question,
"How do I become
something I don't see?"
So I ask you
to join us
by visiting the newly
launched Delta Project
at www.DeltaProject.co
where you can discover the
stories of these young men
and help them become something
they were always meant to be.
(applause, cheering)
>> (from audience)
Yeah, Cole!
(audience laughing)
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
>> Okay, the
next award
will be the William Glenn
Trailblazer Award.
And the recipient is a
personal hero of mine
who is now
in heaven,
and I know she's a personal
hero to many of you.
Ms. Victoria Ann Upton.
She will receive
this posthumously.
Victoria Upton was a
quintessential trailblazer,
her legacy of breaking
molds, creating trends,
and being fearless in the
face of insurmountable odds
continues to ripple
in the community.
She began
"Women's Lifestyle,"
a multi-faceted media
platform 21 years ago,
to give women a place to
engage, connect, and to learn.
She also worked to
expand opportunities
for women and people of
color in West Michigan
through her
tireless efforts,
with organizations
such as Local First,
ArtPrize,
Gilda's Club,
and the American
Heart Association,
LaughFest, and Grand Rapids
Opportunities for Women.
We lost Victoria
in September,
but we honor her tonight,
the bright light she was
and continues
to be.
It is with great
honor that we bestow,
posthumously
to her,
the William Glenn
Trailblazer Award.
Greetings, my name is
Charice Upton Brown.
It is an honor and
pleasure to accept
the 2019 William Glenn
Trailblazer Award
on behalf of my mother,
Victoria Ann Upton.
My mother was
a trailblazer.
She had the biggest heart
and love for everyone.
Her vibe was
infectious.
She as adventurous
and well-rounded
in all facets
of life.
Nothing was
black and white.
She looked between the lines and
lived her life to the fullest
to the very end.
She saw a challenge as an
opportunity, not an obstacle.
She knew the needs of
women in Grand Rapids
and people in general
weren't being heard.
So she created a
women's magazine
to bring awareness and
solutions to our community.
I would like
to thank God
for placing her on this
earth for 63 years,
Patricia Pulliam
and Cedric Ward
for creating a way to honor
the Giants of Grand Rapids,
Beverly Austin for nominating
my mother for this award,
all of her family
and friends,
and everyone at
"Women's Lifestyle"
for the continuation
of her legacy.
Thank you.
(applause)
(applause)
>> The next award,
the Raymond Tardy
Community Service Award,
goes to someone I respect
quite a bit, India Manns.
(audience cheering)
India Manns-- yeah, give it up.
(chuckling)
India Manns is a
modern revolutionary
who uses broad and commit--
um, excuse me--
board and committee
service to advocate,
inspire, and make
a difference.
She has worked
steadfastly
for the past
five years,
on community and
non-profit governing boards
to ensure that women
and people of color
are considered for
leadership roles.
She has been the catalyst
behind several campaigns
that have raised tens
of thousands of dollars
to support movements
like the establishment
of the YWCA Helen Claytor
Recognition Society,
scholarship to provide
low-income students
with the opportunity to tour
historically black colleges
and universities,
and more.
We salute India Manns
for her commitment
and activism with the
2019 Raymond Tardy
Community
Service Award.
>> Oh, this is
so exciting!
I would like to thank
God for lighting my path
and guiding
my feet.
Thank my husband,
Bill Manns,
who I am certain,
if he had his way,
would much prefer
I earn an income,
rather than stomping around
town causing havoc.
I thank him for affording
me the time and space
and opportunity
to do what I love.
I would like to
thank Sinale Allen,
Solari White,
and Brandy Arnold
for nominating me,
the Selection Committee
for choosing me.
I would like to
thank my family
for teaching me, as it's
stated in Matthew 7:12,
"In everything then,
do unto others
"as you would have
them do unto you."
And in Luke 12:48,
"For whom much is given,
"much shall
be required
"and from whom has been
entrusted with much,
"even much more
will be expected."
I would like to
thank those of you--
and you know
who you are--
for always answering my calls
and requests to show up,
show out, and,
most importantly,
drop money on
the table-- bam!--
all in support of me
and my work.
It truly means
so much to me.
Last but not least,
I would like to thank
my sorority,
the lovely ladies
of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority Incorporated
for setting the example of
what it is to live supreme
in service to
all mankind.
I would like to congratulate
all Giant Award recipients
for their time and dedication
to improving the lives
of others in
this community.
All that aside, please know
that I am completely humbled,
awestruck, and
speechless
by the honor being
bestowed upon me.
There truly are no words to
express the gratitude I feel.
If not for the requirement of
a written speech and video,
I would stand before
you tonight speechless.
If you know anything about
me, you know "speechless"
is not a word often
associated with me.
It is such a great
honor to be honored
for doing work
that you love.
I am sincere
when I tell you,
I would much prefer to do this
rather than earn a paycheck,
for the work is
so fulfilling.
I truly believe my work to
be a God-given opportunity.
Many people in this community
are unable to speak out openly
without
repercussion.
Therefore, I find it my
duty to speak truth to power
when and
where I can.
I may not open
the entire door,
however if I can
create a crack
for others to follow,
then my work is done.
There is no greater
pleasure than to give voice
and create opportunity in
spaces where there are none
for the underserved women,
children, and people of color
in this community.
I would be remiss
if I did not mention
the best part of
this experience
is the compliment given
to me by Melvene Tardy,
daughter of
Raymond Tardy.
She told me her
father would be proud.
Simply stated but
very impactful.
Who would know
better than her
that I truly exemplify
his commitment
for promoting, creating, and
improving the lives of others?
I did not have the
opportunity to meet Mr. Tardy.
However, being bestowed
this prestigious honor
in his name is such
a great tribute
to my community
involvement.
Thank you.
(applause)
(applause)
>> We'll now give
the H.C. Toliver
Religious Life Award
to Bishop
Dennis J. McMurray
and Dr. E. Jean
Lackey-McMurray.
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
The McMurrays have
served as change agents
in the community for
more than 25 years.
Responding to the call
of God upon their life,
the McMurrays founded
the Renaissance Church
of God in Christ
in 1992 with only themselves
and their three small children,
all under the age
of 5 at the time.
Several wide-scale movements
and outreach initiatives
have come from their
commitment to walk in purpose.
In 1996, they
established AWAKE,
a fiduciary and
mobilizing agency
for a host of national,
regional, and local initiatives.
The McMurrays are more
than religious leaders,
they are catalysts
of social change
and community action to
advance the well-being
of children
and families.
With great joy, we bestow to
Bishop Dennis J. McMurray
and Dr. E. Jean McMurray
the 2019 H.C. Toliver
Religious Life Award.
>> To the Giant
Selection Committee,
thank you and
God bless you
for honoring
Bishop McMurray and myself
with the H.C. Toliver
Religious Life Giants Award.
Bishop McMurray and I
have done our best
to please God, by doing
his will and be a blessing
to the people of
this great community
while on this
kingdom assignment.
Grand Rapids, you have
accepted us as one of your own.
You respect us and you
have supported our ministry
with so much love
and admiration.
But most important,
you've helped us love
and nurture
our children.
For that, Bishop and I
are eternally grateful.
Honey, our 32-year marriage
has been full of God's love,
God's favor, and adventures
of Dennis and Jean.
Baby, it's been a pleasure
carrying out God's calling
on our lives,
side by side.
Parris, ChaVon,
and Auston,
you have embraced this journey
from the very beginning.
You are dynamic children
and you fell in love with God
for yourselves.
Our beautiful daughter-in-laws,
Fallon and Dominique
and our wonderfully
cute grandsons,
Bryce and Braylen, you believe
in this assignment as well.
Thank you, and we
love you all to life.
Renaissance, you know
you're the best.
>> I, too, express
my gratitude
to the Giants
Selection Committee
for honoring my wife,
Dr. E. Jean McMurray,
and myself to
be recipients
of this prestigious
award this evening.
This year, we will
celebrate 27 years
as the founders
and pastors
of the Renaissance Church
of God in Christ,
and 25 as the founders
of AWAKE, Incorporated,
our federally
registered 501(c)(3).
We give all praise,
honor, and glory to God
for these two
miracles of ministry.
We sincerely thank our entire
Renaissance Church family,
our many friends and
community partners,
all who have had
confidence in us,
and those who continue
to pray for us.
I acknowledge the
many African-American
trailblazing pastors
and organizations
of this community,
who have provided a landscape
of ecumenical presence,
action, and responsibility
to build ministry upon.
In particular, I
give special honor
to the late
Bishop William C. Abney
Reverend
Dr. Charlie Jones,
Reverend
Dr. Clifton Rhodes, Jr.,
and Reverend
Tony Campbell
for the way that they
encouraged and challenged us.
network180, the DeVos
Foundation, and United Way,
thank you for
engaging our calling
to community
development.
Lastly, to our
magnificent children,
Parris, ChaVon,
Auston, Fallon, Dominique,
and Pa Pa's
handsome grandsons,
Mr. Bryce and
Mr. Braylen,
I love each one
of you profoundly.
And to my lovely
wife and soul mate,
who I met exactly
35 years ago this month
on the campus of Grand
Valley State University,
thank you for
loving me deeply,
granting me the privilege
of caressing your heart,
loving your
loveliness,
and being your Prince
Charming for eternity!
>> (chuckling).
>> That was smooth,
wasn't it, y'all?
>> Yes, it was very smooth.
>> Again, Grand Rapids,
thank you for
honoring us.
Renaissance, thank
you for loving us.
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
>> All right, the
next award tonight
will be the Martha Reynolds
Labor Award.
The recipient,
Carrie L. Jackson.
(applause, cheering)
As a career labor
union leader,
Carrie L. Jackson has spent
her professional career
protecting the interests
of automotive workers
on the job and
in society.
She has over 25 years
of experience
interpreting the contracts
to ensure that union workers
receive the benefits
they are promised.
That commitment to service
extends into community.
She enjoys
neighborhood canvassing
and grassroots
efforts.
She serves as the
Secretary and Co-Chair
for the Voter
Registration Committee.
And for the Grand Rapids
chapter of the NAACP.
She has also served on similar
voter registration initiatives
with her sorority,
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
and with APRI
and Proactive.
Today, we honor
Carrie L. Jackson
with the 2019
Martha Reynolds Labor Award.
>> Good evening.
First, I give thanks
to God my creator,
Jesus Christ
my savior,
and the Holy Spirit
my sustainer.
I would like to thank my
parents for instilling in me
the value
of family.
I want to thank
my son Corey,
my daughter Courtney,
and son-in-law Cupruno,
for your support, as
well as my siblings,
you are my
best friends.
I am grateful to
Aurelia Crawford,
my friend and mentor,
for my nomination
to receive the Martha Reynolds
Labor Award,
as well as the Selection
Committee for deeming my service
worthy of this
prestigious award.
I acknowledge my sorority,
Dr. Patricia Pulliam,
and Cedric Ward for
conceiving and giving birth
to this
wonderful event,
and watching to see
it grow for 37 years.
Let me say, it would
be extremely foolish
and vain of me to
think what I have done
and accomplished is
solely of my own doing.
I know that my God
has directed my step
and placed others in my life
to aid me along the way.
I take this opportunity
to say thank you
to my extended families
and friends
for your unconditional
love and support.
The members of Messiah
Missionary Baptist Church,
led by pastor
Daniel Smith,
you give me
strength.
The beautiful ladies of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Incorporated,
your sisterhood and service to
the community is unsurpassed.
The Greater Grand Rapids
branch of the NAACP,
your voice is making
a difference.
Last, but certainly not
least, my GM UAW family.
GM retirees, thank you for
paving the way yesterday
to make today a better
day for everyone.
Your shoulders are truly the
shoulders we stand on today.
You retired from the workforce,
but never from the labor force.
The vision of the UAW always
has been to reach beyond
the bargaining table
and workplace,
going into the community to
improve the quality of life
through political, economic,
education, and social action.
When help is needed,
the union is there.
It doesn't matter who
you are or where you are,
UAW is family.
In closing, the
Declaration of Independence
states that everyone
has the right to life,
liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness.
Until this is achieved,
we must march on,
until victory
is won.
Thank you--
enjoy your evening.
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
(applause)
>> All right, now
for the other moment
we've all been
waiting for,
the presentation of the
Giant of Giants Award.
Muhammad Ali said it
well when he stated,
"Service to others
is the rent you pay
"for your room
here on earth."
This year's Giant of
Giants is known to many
in his local
community and beyond,
and he embodies
servant leadership.
He was born and raised
in Grand Rapids, Michigan,
he attended the Grand
Rapids Public Schools,
and went to college with
goals of using his education
and experience to help others
with their varying needs.
Humble beginnings
for this honoree
include working in the 1960s
at Rydell's Drug Store,
Neighborhood
Youth Corps,
and at Consumer's
Power Company.
He is a member of
St. Luke AME's Zion Church,
and sang as a youth with
the Children's Bible Hour,
and is one of the
founders of Background.
This year's Giant of
Giants holds the following
as his personal
belief, quote,
"If you haven't
got what you want,
"take what you have and
make what you want of it."
When he is not working
or volunteering his time
he enjoys interior
design and decorating
and watching
his aquariums.
He has always cared
about being instrumental
in faith-based and
civic relations.
Today, he is still an active
member in several organizations
to name a few-- the
North Star Lodge #5
Prince Hall,
Life and Golden,
Heritage,
NAACP membership,
the South East
Community Association,
American Legion
Post Number 59,
Kent County Children's
and Family Council,
the Michigan Black
Chamber of Commerce,
and the Historically
Black Colleges
and Universities
Tour Experience.
This honoree's life is comprised
of many accomplishments,
including the
past recipient
of the Raymond K. Tardy
Community Service
Giants Award
in 1990.
He says that his personal
endeavor in life
is to assist as many
people as possible
from the day-to-day by aiding
them with funeral services
and comfort during their
period of bereavement.
(scattered applause)
In the 1970s, he acted
as a licensed apprentice
at James H. Cole's
Home for Funerals.
And although he started off
as a part-time employee
running errands,
doing removals,
and filing death
certificates,
he grew to coordinating
arrangements and embalming.
It was his Wayne
State University
Mortuary Science education
and compassion for people
that led him
to work at,
and eventually direct
and acquire ownership
of the oldest Black-owned
funeral parlor
in Grand Rapids,
Brown's Funeral Home.
(applause)
As a result,
he is a member
of the Funeral
Director's Association
on both state and
national levels.
In addition to the
other accomplishments,
this year's Giant of Giants
has always valued education
and a commitment to
life-long learning.
This is evident in the
way he was instrumental
in the installation of the
Grand Rapids Junior College
Milo M. Brown
scholarship,
which helps to offset
tuition costs for students.
He is known by his acts of
dedicated service and support,
and he has garnered the
respect of several generations
of individuals and families
through his business,
his generosity, and
his reliability.
Yeah, anybody know how
I'm talking about, yeah?
(audience laughing)
(scattered applause)
Ladies and gentlemen,
please help us recognize
and congratulate this
year's Giant of Giants,
Mr. Michael B. Johnson, Sr.
(applause, cheering)
(applause)
(cheering, applause)
>> Would like, to
everyone here,
thank you for being
there for us.
Thank God, who
gave for us,
and God was
born for all.
Amen.
>> On behalf of my
brother Michael,
he just wanna thank
the Committee,
thank the Giants
Selection.
And to all of you,
the community,
who have
been there.
He's been quiet in
everything that he does.
He doesn't do it for
fashion or show,
but because of the
love he has for God,
and the love he has for each
and every one in the community.
So again, on behalf
of Michael B. Johnson,
and the family,
we thank you.
(applause)
(applause)
>> What a well-deserved honor.
>> Absolutely.
>> All right, we want
to now, first of all,
acknowledge the
people who really
were so instrumental
in leading
and putting together
this event tonight,
Ms. Jennifer Smith
and Mr. Michael Couch.
(applause, cheering)
They'll now do some
program acknowledgements.
(applause)
(applause)
>> I'll take the
shorter mic.
(chuckling)
Good evening!
>> (audience) Good evening.
>> The Giants wouldn't have
been the same without you.
Thank you again to
all our sponsors.
And let's give it
up for our MCs,
Angela Cunningham
and Leon Hendrix.
(applause)
We also wanted
to let you know
that there will be an afterglow,
if you're interested.
Through the doors and
down to the right.
We have parting gifts,
cookies, popcorn,
hot chocolate,
whatever you'd like.
I just wanna thank
you for coming.
God bless,
good night.
(applause)
