Featured Stories

No more 'West Michigan nice': It's time to talk about race, gender & leadership in the workplace

By Anna Gustafson, Managing Editor Thursday, February 23, 2017

A new research project tells the stories of female leaders of color in West Michigan, and the women's words make it clear: we must be better when it comes to fighting, and acknowledging, racism and sexism in the workplace.

Building Communities, Business Development, Community Engagement, Michigan Nightlight

Rockford, Ada, Holland, East Grand Rapids, North Muskegon, Grand Haven, Muskegon Lakeshore

Peleando por una vida después de la cárcel: defensores exigen reformas penitenciarias

Michelle Jokisch Polo, Editora de On The Ground Thursday, February 23, 2017

En el estado de Michigan 41,000 personas están en la cárcel. Sharae Anderson, residente del vecindario de Madison Square, comparte como su historia del abuso que sufrió mientras estaba en la cárcel la ha inspirado a ayudar a los demás.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Community Organizing, Non Profit, On the Ground Español

Southeast Community - Español, Madison Square

A day without immigrants: Marching for justice in Grand Rapids

By Ken Miguel-Cipriano Thursday, February 23, 2017

Hundreds of people took to the streets in Grand Rapids and Wyoming for the "Day Without Immigrants" march, joining individuals across the country who protested President Donald Trump's immigration policies. In our city, the peaceful procession emphasized the crucial role that immigrants play in the U.S. economy and called for the Trump administration to respect and protect our country's immigrants.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Community Organizing, Education, Restaurants, Small Business

Racism in Grand Rapids: The cyclical fight against systemic oppression

By Michelle Jokisch Polo, On The Ground Editor Thursday, February 16, 2017

Racist policies and biases continue to impede neighbors in the Madison Square community who are trying to gain equitable access to economic opportunities and health care. In spite of this, residents are empowering one another to fight the systemic oppression they are faced with every day.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Community Organizing, Non Profit, On The Ground

Southeast Community, Madison Square

El racismo en Grand Rapids: Una pugna constante en contra de la opresión sistemática

Michelle Jokisch Polo, Editora de On The Ground Thursday, February 16, 2017

Políticas de racismo y prejuicio, continúan siendo el impedimento de acceso económico y de salud para la comunidad de Madison Square. A pesar de esto, los mismos se estan fortaleciendo unos a otros para vencer el racismo.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Community Organizing, Non Profit, On the Ground Español

Southeast Community - Español, Madison Square

RapidChat: Ted Velie on Michigan House at SXSW, supporting our state's growing art scene & more

By Jenna Morton Thursday, February 16, 2017

As Grand Rapids continues to grow and mature, conversations surrounding the arts community within our city are becoming increasingly relevant -- most notably when it comes to talent retention. Creator of Middle West Creative Ted Velie and a handful of his partners around town saw an opportunity to take Michigan and its culture on the road. From that, Michigan House emerged.

Choosing Michigan, Festivals, RapidChat

How Michigan is meeting the increasing demand for locally grown food

By Anne Hamming Thursday, February 16, 2017

Demand for food grown locally continues to rise. At the upcoming Pure Michigan Agribusiness Summit, buyers and sellers come together to meet that demand.

Agricultural Economy, Food

Tetusa Ndalamba works on reading with his daycare kids.

A place to call home: How refugees are rebuilding lives in West Michigan

By Anna Gustafson, Managing Editor Thursday, February 16, 2017

As the Trump administration fights to keep refugees from entering the United States, a different story is playing out in West Michigan: one of love and inclusion. In our community, residents are banding together to support refugees who are doing everything from starting their own businesses to working with children from countries torn apart by war.

Building Communities, Business Development, Government, Immigration, Multi-Cultural, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit

UIX: What's the future of education? In Grand Rapids, it's all about being unconventional

By Matthew Russell Thursday, February 09, 2017

Whether you're looking to learn coding or would like to explore a career in art or design, there's a host of creative ways you can do that in Grand Rapids. From boot camps to building confidence, organizations like Grand Circus, The Factory and UICA are thinking outside the box when it comes to education.

Education, IT, Job Creation, Online Learning , Public Education, Urban Innovation Exchange, Web Design, Website Design

Dreams of equity: Southtown Sustainable Women’s Group lifts up community

By Michelle Jokisch Polo, On The Ground Editor Thursday, February 09, 2017

Paula Collier, a resident of the Madison Square neighborhood and host of the Southtown Sustainable Women's Group at Seeds of Promise, is addressing racism by empowering women in her community.

Community Engagement, Community Organizing, On The Ground

Southeast Community, Madison Square

Sueños de igualdad: El Grupo de Mujeres del Southtown es una ganancia para la comunidad

Michelle Jokisch Polo, Editora de On The Ground Thursday, February 09, 2017

Paula Collier, residente del vecindario de Madison Square y anfitriona del Grupo de Mujeres del Southtown en Seeds of Promise, está empoderando a las mujeres de su comunidad a terminar con el racismo.

Community Engagement, Community Organizing, On the Ground Español

Southeast Community - Español, Madison Square

Boys can dance, too: Grand Rapids ballet companies encourage all children to take to the stage

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, February 09, 2017

Ballet companies throughout Grand Rapids are breaking down negative stereotypes of boys in ballet and are making sure all children have the chance to explore a passion for dance.

Arts & Culture, Community Engagement, Entertainment, Music, Performing Arts

Saving the lives of the future: Grand Rapids plays starring role in national health care

By Matthew Russell Thursday, February 09, 2017

To say the healthcare industry is in flux is an understatement. As the field evolves, however, one thing is certain: by continuing to implement new and improve existing technologies, Grand Rapids is at the forefront of innovation in health care.

Education, healthcare, High Tech, High Tech GR, Inspiring Innovation, Talent & Tech, Technology

Facing racism: The lasting effects of discrimination in GR's southeast community

By Michelle Jokisch Polo, On The Ground Editor Thursday, February 02, 2017

Marked by a history of racism and segregation, members of Grand Rapids' southeast communities share the ways this has blocked access to fostering sustainable neighborhoods -- and how they are working to overcome these barriers.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Community Organizing, On The Ground, Sustainability

Southeast Community, Madison Square

Como el racismo y la segregación deja su huella marcada en la comunidad de sureste de GR

Por Michelle Jokisch Polo, Editora de On The Ground Thursday, February 02, 2017

Estigmatizados por una historia de racismo y exclusión, las comunidades del sureste debieron compartir la inaccesibilidad a programas de apoyo como comunidades con recursos propios -- y como ellos están trabajando para conquistar estos limitantes.

On the Ground Español

Southeast Community - Español, Madison Square