GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The 41st annual GIANT Awards and Banquet kicked off at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids on Saturday.
The ceremony is held each year to recognize African Americans who are exceptional leaders and have shaped the culture and quality of life in their West Michigan communities.
This year 12 members were awarded, including several educators, healthcare leaders and business owners.
“The people being honored have helped build our community," said Tempy Mann, chairperson for the 41st GIANT Awards. “We are excited to share their stories and celebrate their achievements.”
The named GIANT Award recipients are:
- Valissa Armstead, senior director of diversity and inclusion at Corewell Health – the Raymond Tardy Community Service Award.
- Debra Bates, owner and administrator for Choice Business Systems Inc. and owner of MeMe’s Foundation Boutique – the Milo Brown Business Award.
- George Bayard III, artist, owner of Bayard Gallery of Fine African American Art & Books, and executive director of the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives – Ethel Coe Humanities Award.
- Tasha Blackmon, president and CEO of Cherry Health – the Eugene Browning Medical Service Award.
- Jimmy Carter, former head coach for East Kentwood High School’s girls basketball team – Walter Coe Public Service Award.
- Jamie Gordon, executive director of human resources for Kentwood Public Schools – the Phyllis Scott Activist Award.
- Kristian Grant, the first African American woman to represent Grand Rapids in the state House – William Glenn Trailblazer Award.
- The Rev. Charles Hudson III, president and CEO of C.H. Hudson Outreach Ministries – the H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award.
- Latesha Lipscomb, director of engagement and relationships at Amplify GR – Floyd Skinner Justice Award.
- Inez Smith, retired teacher – Hattie Beverly Education Award.
- Bobbie Springer, associate director of Veterans Upward Bound at Grand Valley State University and director of MI GEAR UP – the W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award.
Rev. Jerry Bishop, the founder of LifeQuest Urban Outreach in 1998, was awarded the GIANT Among Giants award. LifeQuest serves as many as 1,100 adult and young men in the community every month.
The ceremony also honored recipients of the Junior GIANT Awards; Nas Brooks of Grand Rapids University Prep Academy and Caebre Baty of Grand Rapids Christian High School.
Western Michigan University student Rallah Cobbins was honored with the Dr. Patricia Pulliam College Leadership Award.
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