To mark the end of 2016, Rapid Growth takes a look back at our most-read stories of the year.

Parents, caregivers and early childhood educators play an important role in helping young children form healthy racial identities and attitudes toward others. But for many adults, talking to kids about race can be uncomfortable. The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance's 'Talking to Kids About Race' workshops empower adults to address the topic that helps children learn to respect and value themselves and others for their own unique racial and ethnic backgrounds while celebrating diversity and encouraging inclusion.

Five years after his very first ArtPrize competition, artist Jeffrey Songco took the leap and moved to Grand Rapids this past fall. An artist who was raised in New Jersey by immigrant Filipino parents, his artwork explores, as he describes, "a narrative of an anxious American guy celebrating a contemporary world of multiple identities." His work has taken him all over, but after being inspired by the people he met while participating in ArtPrize, he knew this city is where he wanted to start putting down some roots.

In his last editorial of 2016, Rapid Growth's Publisher Tommy Allen ponders what is happening at the city level as national headlines shock and awe readers. 

ServeGR, a new hub for volunteer efforts in the region, helps centralize opportunities for those looking to give. Where nonprofits may have previously been hampered by a lack of volunteers with the right schedule or skill set, the ease of ServeGR's use makes screening for essential talent much simpler. 

Grand Rapids' dedication to green space has not gone unnoticed. The Michigan Recreation and Parks Association is holding its major annual trade show in GR, bringing close to 1,000 parks aficionados to Grand Rapids in an effort that showcases our city as a hub for parks and recreation.