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Feature Story FaizShakir

ACLU West Michigan hosts National Political Director Faiz Shakir

Lauren Fay CarlsonThursday, May 4, 2017
Faiz Shakir, the new national political director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is the special guest speaker at the ACLU of Michigan Standing Together for Justice Annual Luncheon on Thursday, May 11 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Starting his new position in January of this year, Shakir has already made great strides as one the youngest senior staff members of the 97-year old organization. With the goal of implementing grass-roots organizing on a national scale, Shakir aims to reimagine the mission of the ACLU to empower everyone to be an agent for change. 
Development News DNblandford056

Blandford Nature Center celebrates Earth Day with grand opening of new visitor venue

By Anya Zentmeyer, Development News EditorThursday, April 27, 2017
Development News DNspa062

Wellness spa takes home $20,000 in free rent, business resources as Muskegon's 321 Go! pitch winner

By Anya Zentmeyer, Development News EditorThursday, April 27, 2017
Feature Story Diane Devereaux

UIX: Canning Diva Diane Devereaux brings can-do attitude to changing how we eat

By Matthew RussellThursday, April 27, 2017
When it comes to food, perhaps no innovation has transformed what, how, when, and even where we eat more than preservation. And in West Michigan, the "Canning Diva" is helping others understand that innovation in new ways.
Feature Story A meeting at Left Right Boom.

How coworking spaces are growing an entrepreneurial community in Grand Rapids

By Leandra WilliamsThursday, April 27, 2017
Coworking spaces in Grand Rapids are creating a place for entrepreneurs, creatives and the community to connect and collaborate. Venues like The Factory, The Space at Start Garden, Left Right Boom Collaborative, and Urban LINC offer more than just a spot to work. They are providing members with the support and educational opportunities needed in a city that aims to be synonymous with entrepreneurship.
Feature Story jarradgrandy

As construction industry faces shortage of workers, West Michigan groups innovate to fill gap

By Ken JamesThursday, April 27, 2017
In what has become a national trend, West Michigan's construction industry is facing a serious shortage of workers — and even more talent will be needed in the near future. To address this, local trade alliances and educational leaders are rising to the challenge and are helping to provide local training programs and shape the future of construction in the region.

Waterfront Film Festival plans June 22 grand opening screening for new year-round Holland facility

By Anya Zentmeyer, Development News EditorThursday, April 20, 2017

Bust out the shades: Ten ways to make the most of this spring in (and around) Grand Rapids

Thursday, April 20, 2017
Feature Story Tendai Masiriri

RapidChat: Heartside Ministry's new director Tendai Masiriri on his journey from Zimbabwe to GR

By Jenna MortonThursday, April 20, 2017
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Tendai Masiriri was inspired at an early age to want to make a difference in other people's lives. He started down a career path of social work, and now, about a quarter century later, he is the executive director of Heartside Ministry.
Feature Story LOK

Intersections of race and class: The food divide in Grand Rapids' southeast community

By Michelle Jokisch Polo, On The Ground EditorThursday, April 20, 2017
What is your income? Where do you live? What color is your skin? These questions shouldn't matter when it comes to getting food. But they do, and residents and organizers in southeast Grand Rapids are working to change this by providing equitable access to affordable and healthy food for everyone.
Feature Story Tommie Johnson

The people changing our city: A day in the life of SE community leader Tommie Johnson

By Isabel Garcia DinkelThursday, April 20, 2017
This past week, we had the great privilege to spend a day with Tommie Johnson: a teacher, advocate and resident of the southeast community of Grand Rapids.
Feature Story pe13

Las personas transformando nuestra ciudad: un día en la vida de un líder del SE de GR Tommie Johnson

Isabel Garcia DinkelThursday, April 20, 2017
La semana pasada tuvimos el gran privilegio y oportunidad de pasar un día en la vida de Tommie Johnson: maestro, defensor de la comunidad y residente del sureste de Grand Rapids.
Feature Story FTfarmbillemma

From organic farming to affording groceries: How the Farm Bill shapes GR's food landscape

By Estelle SlootmakerThursday, April 20, 2017
Why should you care about the Farm Bill if you're not a farmer? Well, for starters, the legislation that's expected to be renewed next year could seriously harm farmers' markets and smaller farms. Leaders in Grand Rapids' food and agriculture scene explain what this massive bill could mean for our city, and why residents need to be paying attention.
Feature Story FTMarcelPrice1

A brutal (and joyful) honesty: GR Poet Laureate Marcel Price shines light on mental health, race

By Andrew HartThursday, April 20, 2017
Marcel "Fable" Price is breaking all kinds of barriers with his poetry, and now he's doing the same by being appointed the Grand Rapids poet laureate. A writer who uses his words to tackle mental illness and racial identity, Price is the first person of color, as well as the youngest individual, to be named the city's poet laureate. 
Feature Story Chief Rahinsky and Mari Beth Jelks speak about the traffic stop study during a public meeting.

Racial profiling in Grand Rapids: How the city is tackling major changes in law enforcement

By Anna Gustafson, Managing EditorThursday, April 20, 2017
A new study confirms what many people of color have known for years: black drivers are far more likely to be stopped by police in Grand Rapids than white motorists. Now, city officials and community leaders are planning for widespread systemic change to address racism and racial bias in law enforcement.
Feature Story FTtommy

G-Sync: Words, like “I’m sorry,” still matter in this modern world

By Tommy Allen, Publisher and Lifestyle EditorThursday, April 20, 2017
In Grand Rapids, a group of mothers whose unarmed sons were stopped at gunpoint by police are seeking an apology, and it is Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen's hope that they get it. Here, Allen explains why he believes an "I'm sorry" is not only possible, but necessary.
Development News MosleyLogo

Grand Rapids' first-ever African American-owned cosmetology school celebrates opening

By Anya Zentmeyer, Development News EditorThursday, April 13, 2017
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