The Giants Awards

The Floyd Skinner Justice Award

Floyd Skinner, a graduate of the University Michigan Law School, began his practice in Grand Rapids in 1928. He fought to gain employment for African-Americans in white collar jobs at City Hall. He remained a Strong voice of advocacy for human rights and a seeker of justice until his death in 1962. Last year’s recipient of the Floyd Skinner Justice Award was Ronald B. Jimmerson, Sr.

The Walter Coe Public Service Award

In 1922, the first African-American police office, Walter Coe, was hired. Captain Coe rose through the ranks making sergeant in two years; lieutenant in ten years; and earned the rank of captain in 1950 commanding his Special Investigation Division within the detective bureau. Because of his concern for the city’s youth, he took an active role in the Youth Commonwealth Program. He was an advocate for those less fortunate than himself. Walter W. Coe suffered a fatal heart attack in the police department’s detective bureau in 1957. Last year’s recipient of the Walter Coe Public Service Award was Grand Rapids Public Schools Department of Public Safety.

The Eugene Browning Medical Service Award

Dr. Browning began his medical practice in Grand Rapids in 1905. His educational background included the Detroit College of Medicine, the University of Chicago, and internationally, the University of Vienna. His commitment to the community and is health needs established Dr. Browning as a pioneer of the present day well-baby clinics. He operated a weekly well-baby clinic at First Community A.M.E. Church. His services were given regardless of ability to pay. Last year’s recipient of the Eugene Browning Medical Service Award was the Lisa Lowery, M.D.

The W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award

Known for his long history of services as a dentist and as a member of a variety of organizations, Dr. Plummer donates services each summer to the Foundation Pedodntique, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. He is active with the A.C.L.U., N.A.A.C.P., Big Brothers, Opera Grand Rapids, Community Health Services, the Kent County Council on Alcoholism, and a number of other organizations. Last year’s recipient of the W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award was Christopher Macon.

The Ethel Coe Humanities Award

Ethel Coe was a vocalist who also enjoyed acting. She is remembered for her performances in local Civic Theatre productions of Member of the Wedding and Raisin. She was active at the X.Y.Z. Center and with V.I.S.T.A. Last year’s recipient of the Ethel Coe Humanities Award was Dr. James R. Sawyer.

The Milo Brown Business Award

Milo Brown opened his first funeral home in Grand Rapids in 1925. He was a charter member and officer in various civic and social activities including the N.A.A.C.P., Urban League, Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, North Star Lodge #5, F. &AM, and Victory Lodge of Elks #1029. Last year’s recipient of the Milo Brown Business Award was Jarvis Beene, Sr.

The Phyllis Scott Activist Award

Phyllis Scott worked actively in the interest of youth in our city. She believed in improving one’s heritage. She organized parents to work with schools to meet the educational needs of children. She voiced her opinions whenever she felt the need to do so. Whether the stance was a popular or unpopular one, she stood firmly behind her convictions. Last year’s recipient of the Phyllis Scott Activist Award was Minnie Farris (Posthumously).

The William Glenn Trailblazer Award

Mr. Glenn made his voice heard for the cause of civil liberties. In 1941 he was one of the first African-American employees in a Grand Rapids war production factory. He played an active role in getting all Grand Rapids war production plants open to hiring African-Americans, in planning the Campau Housing Project and in demanding the city take a stand against dilapidated housing. In 1972, he was honored by the A.C.L.U, for his lifelong action to be basic intent of the Bill of Rights. Last year’s recipient of the William Glenn Trailblazer Award was Charles “Sparky” McEwen.

The Raymond Tardy Community Service Award

Ray Tardy’s interest focused on the concerns of the low income citizenry. He organized G.A.P. from which the Kent Community Action Program evolved. He encouraged a number of programs that are still inexistence and have become separate agencies. He was also active in efforts to obtain suitable housing for low-income families and in efforts to encourage others to attain the educational goals needed to elevate their life styles. Last year’s recipient of the Raymond Tardy Community Service Award was the Bill Joseph.

The H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award

Reverend Toliver moved to Grand Rapids in 1937. He was Pastor of True Light Baptist Church. He was tireless in his efforts to help people obtain employment. To those who could repay, he lent money. For those who were unable to repay, he gave money. If you needed help, he was always there to eat with you, weep with you and pray with you. The community knew that he was there and that no one had to be alone. Last year’s recipient of the H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award was Robert Upton.

The Hattie Beverly Education Award

Hattie Beverly was a pioneer for African-Americans in education in Grand Rapids. She was hired as a teacher at Congress School in 1899 and was assigned in 1913 to Henry School where she remained for a number of years. She assumed her position in spite of the protest surrounding the hiring of an African-American to teach here. The opposition is reported in articles in the Grand Rapids Herald (1899). Her case was one of the several incidents that led to Booker T. Washington coming to Grand Rapids to bring about a better understanding of the races. Last year’s recipient of the Hattie Beverly Education Award was Margaret Elizabeth Lewis (Posthumously) and Vertlee & Mary Trice.

The Martha Reynolds Labor Award

Mrs. Reynolds was an international representative of the United Auto Workers. She was vital force in labor and community affairs in Grand Rapids. Martha was committed to the union’s Fair Employment Practices program and the Community Services department. An active participant in local politics, she was involved in the election of Lyman Parks to the City Commission. She was a long serving member of the N.A.A.C.P. and a member of C.O.R.E. Martha was committed to her church, First Community A.M.E., and dedicated to the many socially active projects that were generated from there. Not awarded last year.

The Giant(s) Among Giants Award

The Giant(s) Among Giants Award is presented to a person(s) whose achievements are felt throughout and beyond the Grand Rapids community. Such persons have had impact in a number of areas. Last year’s recipient of the GIANT among GIANTS Award was Nolan Groce.

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