GRCC English professor Mursalata Muhammad has a fascinating story to tell about her grandfather, Claude Harvard

She shared his story with Ford, which recently published it on a company website.

Claude Harvard Fought Rampant Racial Prejudice Through Education, Innovative Spirit is available at: https://www.at.ford.com/en/homepage/news-and-clipsheet/news/2021/2/claude-harvard.html

She’s making two presentations about Harvard and her research as part of a series hosted by the Detroit Public Library on April 17 and in June. 

Discovering Claude Harvard – in his Words presentation

This virtual presentation happens April 17, 2021 from 2 to 3 PM. It’s The second of three presentations sponsored by the Detroit Public Library. You can register using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/14586528…​

The third presentation will be scheduled in June 2021. This series is part of “The Claude Harvard Project” – which is a research project supported by Mursalata Muhammad and David L Head.

Hip-hop legend Rakim’s GRCC Diversity Lecture Series discussion available for viewing

Rakim may be “God MC” and widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled artists in hip-hop, but it wasn’t easy to get his voice heard as the art form developed in New York.

“New York was hip-hop; the city was the core of hip-hop,” he told an audience in-person and online during this week’s Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Lecture Series. “On Long Island, I was on the outside looking in…I had to be rough enough to break New York from Long Island.”

One half of the golden era of hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, he spoke about his influences, artistry, and determination during a wide-ranging discussion moderated by Bakari Kitwana, a 2020 Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellow at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University.

The discussion is now available for viewing here.

Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, GRCC’s chief equity and inclusion officer, said the pandemic forced the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to change its approach to the popular lecture series.

“Six months ago, the writing was on the wall that the Diversity Lecture Series would be online,” she said. “ODEI, in collaboration with I.T. Media, began to develop an expansive and interactive virtual experience. Using a hybrid model (in-person and remote), we provided the opportunity for several community partners to be a part of the production. So, in essence, the event aligned with GRCC’s role as the ‘people’s college.’”

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GRCC baseball to face nationally ranked Kellogg Community College in a special venue: Lake Michigan Credit Union Ballpark

Grand Rapids Community College baseball players will be taking the field at Lake Michigan Credit Union Ballpark – home of the West Michigan Whitecaps – for a special game celebrating the college and its impact on the region.

The team is planning a doubleheader against a top opponent, Kellogg Community College, on Friday, April 16, with games at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

“We are partners with Kellogg CC in education, but friendly rivals on the diamond,” said Dr. Bill Pink, GRCC president. “We’re proud to highlight our student-athletes and community college sports in a fun, safe environment – and to cheer on the Raiders!”

The health and safety of spectators and participants is a top priority. GRCC is strictly following safety state and local health authority protocols at LMCU Ballpark, formerly known as Fifth Third Ballpark.  Attendance will be limited to 2,500 spectators – far below the ballpark’s 9,000-person capacity. All attendees will be required to have their temperature checked, wear a face covering, and respect social distancing guidelines.

The games also will be live streamed on the Internet by Michigan Sports Radio at MichiganSportsRadio.com.

“KCC and GRCC are aligned when it comes to our commitment to students, and we are grateful for the opportunity to play our Raider friends in Grand Rapids, but the competitor in me can’t help but say, ‘Go Bruins!’” said Dr. Adrien Bennings, president of Kellogg Community College.

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