In this edition of Rapid Blog, local pastor Kate Kooyman explores the issue of solidarity in light of the three U.S. citizens arrested in Grand Rapids who were protesting recent deportation policies. Kooyman writes "there is an important place for non-immigrants in the struggle to ensure that Grand Rapids a place where immigrants can survive, thrive, and belong." 

At a time in our history when there was state-sanctioned genocide against Native Americans, when thousands of Native Americans had died on the Trail of Tears, when Native communities had been decimated by disease brought by settlers, when white Americans were forcing Native American children into military-style boarding schools, the photographer Edward S. Curtis began a 30-year effort to document Native American cultures. Beginning May 11, the public can get an extensive look at Curtis’ work at the Muskegon Museum of Art’s biggest exhibition ever.

It takes more than just a celebrity chef and a few honeymoon suites to make truly memorable hotel. Behind the scenes, there's a world of integrated data, targeted messaging, and technologies that allow guests to customize their experience and actually make it more like home.

"The officers pointed guns at the kids while one cried hysterically and another begged, “Don’t shoot me.” After five unarmed African American boys were stopped at gunpoint by police, Well House Executive Director and community leader Tami VandenBerg takes a look at what the community can do, and what other cities have done, to address police procedure and community engagement with the local police force.

Adam Schuitema's newest book, The Things We Do That Make No Sense, delves into familiar territory: many of its stories are set in Michigan, including in Grand Rapids. Opening with a tale set in Creston and ending with another that partially takes place in Heritage Hill, this book by the Alger Heights author draws inspiration from our city to create unforgettable characters who remind us of the power of the written word.

Rapid Growth's Publisher Tommy Allen pays tribute to our former Editor Anna Gustafson as he introduces our new Editor Lauren Carlson. Please join us in celebrating these two innovative women of Rapid Growth.