Category Archives: Martin Luther King Jr Day
GRCC In the News, 1-22-15
GRCC students weigh in on President Obama’s plan for free community college
Jan. 21, 2015; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – President Barack Obama’s proposal for free community college was enticing Wednesday for students at Grand Rapids Community College, many of whom said they’ve taken on debt or extra work to cover the rising cost of their education.
Jan. 21, 2015; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — I had the opportunity to meet and interview Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin at this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Celebration at GRCC.
GRCC In the News, 10-14-14
Man gets probation and suspended jail term for crash that killed Grandville High student, cousin
Oct. 13, 2014; MLive
MECOSTA COUNTY, MI — The driver in a crash that killed two cousins – a Grandville High School student and a Coopersville man – was sentenced to two years probation and a suspended jail term.
… Two passengers in his vehicle, Michael Aguilar, 22, of Coopersville, and Roman Aguilar-Emmons, 18, of Wyoming, were killed in the May 3 crash. Fuentes-Perdomo was seriously injured. The driver of the pickup truck, a 31-year-old Cedar Springs man, suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.
(This article does not mention it, but Roman Aguilar-Emmons had enrolled in GRCC’s Police Academy.)
Trayvon Martin’s mom to speak at West Michigan colleges to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy
Oct. 13, 2014; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin – whose fatal shooting in 2012 sparked a nationwide debate and protests over racial profiling – will speak in January at programs celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University.
Ask the Community College Presidents
Oct. 9, 2014; WGVU
(Video features President Ender, Robert Ferrentino of Montcalm Community College, and Dale Nesbary of Muskegon Community College.)
Changing lives, one ramp at a time
Oct. 13, 2014; WOOD 8
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOOD) — Recently, a group of students from GRCC’s Tassell M-TEC Construction Trades teamed up with the pros at Home Repair Services to work on a very special project. Every year Home Repair Services teams up with the Grand Rapids Home Builders Association for Community Repair Days. They help to build wheelchair ramps for disabled and low income. For the students, it was a great chance to get out of the classroom and see what happens on a construction site. Home Repair Services tries to build 15 wheelchair ramps a year.
18th Annual GRAND RAPIDS GRAND AWARDS Are Announced
Oct. 14, 2014; broadwayworld.com
For performers and audiences alike, the name on everyone’s tongue this week is “The Grand Awards!”
… Community theatres presently participating in the Grand Awards are Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Jewish Theatre, Actors’ Theatre, Circle Theatre, and Master Arts Theatre. Participating colleges include Grand Rapids Community College, Aquinas College, and Cornerstone University.
Meet the teacher: Kentwood Public Schools welcome 37 new teachers
Oct. 13, 2014; MLive
KENTWOOD, MI — With a little over a month at a new school under their belts, MLive and The Grand Rapids Press asked area school districts to share information about new staff members.
… Stacey Stankewicz, resource room teacher at Explorer Elementary School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas College and a Master of Arts degree in special education from Ottawa University. Previously, she taught in London, England, and Grand Rapids Community College.
GR officials see development as next stop for bus rapid transit
Oct. 13, 2014; Crain’s Detroit Business
The first exploration of bus rapid transit in the Grand Rapids area is already halfway to its goal of 5,000 riders a day most weekdays. And although nothing is shovel-ready yet, city officials think developers are starting to get interested in investing along the corridor of the new bus line.
… “We are hearing that we have a lot of Grand Rapids Community College students and a lot of people who are working on Medical Mile, especially Spectrum Health employees,” (Jennifer) Kalczuk said.
GRCC In the News, 1-22-14
The 2014 Festival of the Arts poster
Jan. 21, 2014; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Festival of the Arts officials on Tuesday unveiled the poster for this year’s event in downtown Grand Rapids.
… She (Dana Ziebarth) studied art at Grand Rapids Community College, Aquinas College, University of Michigan and Michigan State University. She also studied art history in Florence, Italy and attended master watercolor workshops in Florence, Paris, and Oxford University in England.
MLK Day Celebrations Held Nationwide
Jan. 21, 2014; allaccess.com
KING HOLIDAY celebrations to honor the life and legacy of slain civil rights leader MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. were in full force yesterday. Stations, musicians and dignitaries from coast to coast took part in a variety of activities; here is a snap shot.
… GRAND RAPIDS, MI Rap star CHUCK D, who co-founded the famed hip-hop group PUBLIC ENEMY, was the keynote speaker at GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE 28th Annual DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR Day Commemoration.
LaughFest 2014 adds 4 more acts
Jan. 22, 2014; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Four more shows and activities have been added to the 2014 Gilda’s LaughFest lineup.
… The Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge has been added to the Meijer Family Friendly Series. This free, fun-filled competition will send teams racing across downtown Grand Rapids, engaging in fun and exciting challenges that require quick thinking, fast acting and many laughs. It is designed for ages 12 and up, and all athletic abilities, or none at all. The event takes place March 16, with on-site registration beginning at noon at Grand Rapids Community Colleges Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse. To pre-register, please visit http://www.laughfestgr.org/show/seriously-funny-family-adventure-challenge.
GRCC In the News, 1-21-14
GRCC joins Google Glass Explorer program
Jan. 20, 2014; News International
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College is adding Google Glass to its teaching resources.
VIDEO: Chuck D talks MLK Jr.’s legacy
Jan. 20, 2014; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Chuck D, co-founder of rap group Public Enemy, will be the keynote speaker Monday night at Grand Rapids Community Colleges MLK Day commemoration program.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan. 20, 2014; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day is a day to honor the civil rights pioneer. There is an event in West Michigan today to commemorate Dr. King.
(GRCC student Arielle Brown appears on the program.)
Jazz musicians with Grand Rapids ties open St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2013-14 Jazz Series
Jan. 20, 2014; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The family that plays together, stays together, so the saying goes.
… Veteran music teachers Duane Davis and Paul Brewer spent most of their careers teaching music. Davis was director of vocal music at Grand Rapids Community College until his retirement, and Brewer is director of instrumental music at Aquinas College.
Muskegon Community College sports recap: Wrestling picks up pair of wins against ranked opponents
Jan. 20, 2014; MLive
… MEN’S BASKETBALL: The Jayhawks (8-9) snapped their five-game losing streak with a 74-55 victory against Kellogg Community College on Jan. 18. Balanced scoring and hot shooting in the first half gave MCC a 16-point lead heading into the locker room and it only grew from there.
… The Jayhawks lost to Grand Rapids Community College, 80-56, on Jan. 15. Anderson led MCC with nine points and 11 rebounds. Turean Conner had 13 points.
Photos from MLK Day events
A crowd turned out for GRCC’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, despite some light flurries and brisk temps.
Raider Salute for MLK Day participants
The Office of Student Life would like to send a salute to all of the employees and Board of Trustee members who came out to participate in the MLK Jr. Day march and daytime program. We appreciate your support!
Specifically, we would like to send special thanks to Chairperson Bert Bleke, Arielle Brown (BSU President), the Music Department, the Media Department, Shelly Urbane, the Police Department, the Diversity Learning Center and the Fieldhouse staff for helping us accomplish such a great event. Everyone played a critical role in the success of the event and we thank you!
GRCC In the News, 1-16-14
Chuck D, co-founder of Public Enemy, to speak at GRCC’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day ceremony
Jan. 15, 2014; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Rap star Chuck D, who co-founded the famed hip hop group Public Enemy, will give the keynote speech at Grand Rapids Community College’s 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration.
WZZM’s Eddie Rucker to be honored at GRCC Giants Awards
Jan. 15, 2014;WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — Grand Rapids Community College is honoring 13 people for their work within the local African American community.
Hispanic Center of West Michigan graduates largest GED class
Jan. 15, 2014; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — More than a decade after dropping out of high school, Sandra Cordova beamed with pride Wednesday, Jan. 15, as she took the stage at Northpointe Christian School to receive her General Educational Development diploma.
Cordova, of Grand Rapids, now plans to study nursing at Grand Rapids Community College. Her sister, Claudia Sanchez, who Cordova convinced to get her GED, sat beside her on stage and plans to study computer programming at GRCC.
When do police use deadly force?
Jan. 15, 2014; WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — Police shot a 19-year-old Tuesday while performing a wellbeing check on the troubled teen after officers say he threatened them with an air-powered gun.
Grand Rapids Police say officers followed proper procedure, but what is protocol in that kind of situation? WZZM spoke with Mark Reminga, a firearms instructor at the Grand Rapids Community College police academy.
State of the State predictions
Jan. 16, 2014; WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — Gov. Rick Snyder’s State of the State speech will be a chance for the Republican governor to set his agenda before a potential re-election bid.
… “It’s a way for the governor to kick off the election season,” says GRCC political science professor Keith St. Clair. “He has the perk of governor to have the bully pulpit.”
6 new sports added to Meijer State Summer Games of Michigan
Jan. 15, 2014; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Six new events have been added to the lineup for the Meijer State Games of Michigan Summer Games and one will send participants rolling through the streets of Grand Rapids.
… “We had to work with GRCC (Grand Rapids Community College), the city (of Grand Rapids) as well as the police department on that one,” (Eric) Engelbarts said. “It will be the first urban downhill race in the Midwest.”
GRCC MLK Day Celebration Program 2012 – Video
Courtesy of GRCC’s Media Technologies department, the program for the 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration is available for viewing on Youtube:
26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace March and Celebration Program
On January 16, 2012 we invite you to participate in our 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace March and Celebration Program. The peace march will begin at the Ford Fieldhouse at 12:00pm and a short program featuring local elementary, middle and high schools, as well as the GRCC Choir and Jazz Orchestra will follow.
This year GRCC is continuing its partnership with the Kids’ Food Basket to help end the fight of childhood hunger in greater Grand Rapids. Kids’ Food Basket will be collecting the following items at the MLK Event: 100% juice boxes, peanut butter, pudding/fruit cups, and cracker packs. If you would like to donate items to the Kids’ Food Basket but are not able to make it to the program, donations can be dropped off in Student Life.
Photos: Martin Luther King Day Peace March & Celebration
On Monday, January 17, 2011 GRCC hosted the 25th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace March & Celebration at noon in the Ford Fieldhouse. We were pleased to welcome over 1,500 students and community members to participate in this year’s event. The event included a silent march throughout downtown Grand Rapids, followed by a program that featured music and presentation by elementary, high school and college students. (Click Here for a Full Slideshow of all Images)
Student Life would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their support of this important and very successful event:
Our mistress of ceremonies, Danielle Martin, GRCC Student, Black Student Union President
Margo Anderson, GRCC Board of Trustee Chairperson
GRCC Diversity Learning Center
GRCC Media Department
Tyreece Guyton and PJ Sound Production
Ford Fieldhouse Staff
GRCC Campus Police Department
Catrina Harvey and Kids’ Food Basket
Grand Rapids Police Department
Stephen Barton and the GRCC Concert Choir
Michael Doyle and the GRCC Jazz Orchestra
Northview High School Varsity Voices
Breton Downs 5th Grade Choir
Warner, Norcross & Judd
GRCC Upward Bound Students
Creston High School ROTC Color Guard
And particular thanks to Liz Tyrell of Student Life who coordinated this event.
Today: GRCC Celebrates Martin Luther King Day
Today kicks off a series of events that GRCC is presenting along with other local higher education partners. The feature is a presentation by Judy Richardson Today, January 17, 2011, 6:30 p.m., Ford Fieldhouse , Looking Back to Look Forward. In addition, Richardson’s film Scarred Justice: The Orangeburg Massacre 1968 will be presented twice through the Woodrick Diversity Center (Both showings will be in the Center’s conference room LRC room 122.):
- Thursday, January 13, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
- Friday, January 14, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
In addition to the film viewing the following events are also taking place.
- Sunday, January 16, 2011 | MLK Celebration Service | 6:00 PM
Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, 513 Henry Ave SE, Grand Rapids 49503 - Monday, January 17, 2011 | Community Peace March | 12:00 PM
GRCC, assembles at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse - Monday, January 17, 2011 | Community Peace Program | 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Featuring performances by GRCC & KISD students - Monday, January 17, 2011 | 25th Annual Commemoration Program | 6:30 -8:30 PM
GRCC, Ford Fieldhouse
Student Life Partners With Kids’ Food Basket for MLK Day
On Monday, January 17, 2011 GRCC will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace March & Celebration at noon in the Ford Fieldhouse. The college invites all GRCC students and employees to join us for a silent march throughout downtown Grand Rapids, followed by a presentation of song and inspiration celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King.
This year we are pleased to announce a new partnership with Kids’ Food Basket. This community organization is a shining example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work to erase lines of segregation and reach out to those most in need. Kids’ Food Basket’s mission is to eradicate childhood hunger within our communities and empower young people to be leaders through community service.
Student Life extends a challenge to your office to make a donation and join us for this important community celebration. We will be collecting items needed by Kids’ Food Basket for their sack dinner program (they serve over 3,300 young people each day!). These needed items include 100% juice boxes, granola bars, cracker packs, or vitamin C fruit snacks. These items will be collected at the event between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Fieldhouse.
Please contact Eric Mullen if you have any questions or need more details, emullen@grcc.edu or ext. 4164
Calendar of Events Honoring of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Judy Richardson, filmmaker and social justice advocate, is the keynote for the 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Monday, January 17, 2011, 6:30 p.m., Ford Fieldhouse, Looking Back to Look Forward. Veteran of the original Civil Rights Movement and founding member of SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee), Richardson began her film work as co-producer of the Academy Award-nominated, PBS series, Eyes on the Prize.
Her most recent film is Scarred Justice: The Orangeburg Massacre 1968. Everyone remembers the four white students slain at Kent State University in 1970, but most have never heard of the three black students killed in Orangeburg, South Carolina two years earlier. This stirring investigative documentary restores that bloody tragedy to the history of the Civil Rights Movement after years of official denial. The massacre occurred on the campus of South Carolina State College and involved more than 500 law enforcement officers and is one of the many overlooked corners of the Civil Rights Movement.
The film Scarred Justice: The Orangeburg Massacre 1968 will be presented twice through the Woodrick Diversity Center (Both showings will be in the Center’s conference room LRC room 122):
- Thursday, January 13, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
- Friday, January 14, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
In addition to the film viewing the following events are also taking place:
- Sunday, January 16, 2011 | MLK Celebration Service | 6:00 PM
Messiah Missionary Baptist Church | 513 Henry Ave SE | Grand Rapids 49503 - Monday, January 17, 2011 | Community Peace March | 12:00 PM
GRCC, assembles at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse - Monday, January 17, 2011 | Community Peace Program | 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Featuring performances by GRCC & KISD students - Monday, January 17, 2011 | 25th Annual Commemoration Program | 6:30 -8:30 PM
GRCC, Ford Fieldhouse
[Download Informational Flyer (.pdf)]
Judy Richardson to be Keynote for Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
[Details coming soon]
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