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President of the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP announced as recipient of the 2025 GIANT among Giants Award

The prestigious GIANT among Giants Award, which honors exceptional individuals for their lifelong contributions to public service, social justice and community empowerment, is proud to announce Cle Jackson as the recipient of the 2025 award.

A native of Grand Rapids, MI, Jackson has dedicated his life to advocating for social justice, civil rights and community development. As the current president of the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP, Jackson has led transformative initiatives aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of African Americans in the region. His work spans a wide range of critical issues including fighting racial profiling, supporting victims of unfair sentencing, promoting sentencing reform and responding to police brutality. Under his leadership, the local NAACP chapter has become a beacon for justice and a powerful force in the fight for civil rights.

"Cle Jackson's unwavering commitment to justice and equality has had a profound impact on the Grand Rapids community and beyond," said Tempy Mann, chair of the 42nd GIANT Awards. "His leadership, courage and tireless advocacy have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals. The GIANT among Giants Award is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary service."

Beyond his work with the NAACP, Jackson is deeply committed to empowering youth and young adults through his leadership of initiatives such as the Jackson Youth Advisory Council and the Young Adult Leadership Empowerment Program. These programs provide crucial mentorship, leadership training and career development opportunities for young people in the Grand Rapids area, equipping them to become the next generation of community leaders. Jackson’s focus on nurturing youth talent aligns with his belief in the importance of creating pathways for young individuals to engage in public service and advocacy.

Additionally, Jackson serves as the NAACP area director for Muskegon, Lake and Berrien counties, where he works to advance issues such as economic empowerment, health equity and voter rights. His leadership extends to various local organizations, including Baxter Community Center, K-Connect, and Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids, where he has contributed to critical efforts that enhance community development.

Jackson’s leadership in West Michigan also extends to his professional role at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, where he worked on community and government relations across more than 22 counties, demonstrating his dedication to improving health outcomes and overall quality of life.

Jackson’s commitment to social justice and youth empowerment has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2012 Eugene Browning Medical Service Giants Award and the 2016 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America. Despite facing personal challenges, including career and death threats, Jackson continues to fight for equity, using his platform to uplift and inspire future generations of leaders.

Established in 1983 by Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward, the GIANT Awards pay tribute to notable African Americans who have made significant contributions to the betterment of society. Each of the 12 annual awards is named after a local “giant,” an individual of exceptional importance who shaped the legacy of Grand Rapids. 

Awards were given in 12 other categories during tonight’s ceremony and banquet:

  • Enid Gaddis  W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award
    A tireless advocate for equity and inclusion, Enid Gaddis has brought transformative leadership to Arbor Circle and is dedicated to creating opportunities for others.
  • Doyle Hayes – William Glenn Trailblazer Award
    Doyle Hayes has spent over 20 years shaping the future of students, especially young professionals of color, guiding them to executive leadership roles.
  • Jessica Ann Tyson & Monica Sparks – Milo M. Brown Business Award
    Sisters Jessica and Monica have dedicated their careers to empowering marginalized voices, serving as champions for community development and economic opportunity.
  • Katrina Springer-Terry – Martha Reynolds Labor Award
    Katrina Springer-Terry has spent over 30 years working in union leadership, advocating for inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
  • Chester Huff – Hattie Beverly Education Award 
    Chester Huff’s decades-long dedication to education and his mentorship have had a lasting impact on generations of students in Grand Rapids.
  • Rev. Dr. Daniel Smith – H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award 
    Pastor Daniel Smith has led Messiah Baptist Church with compassion, vision, and advocacy, driving change within the community for social justice and equality.
  • Leslie King – Floyd Skinner Justice Award
    Leslie King has worked tirelessly to combat sex trafficking, advocating for survivors and providing essential resources for their healing.
  • Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) – Eugene Browning Medical Service Award
    GRAAHI has led efforts to address health disparities, providing essential health services and resources to underserved communities in West Michigan.
  • Tyreece Guyton – Ethel Coe Humanities Award
    Tyreece Guyton has dedicated his life to using music and the arts to unite communities, fostering cultural appreciation and youth mentorship.
  • Marian Barrera-Young – Walter Coe Public Service Award
    Marian Barrera-Young has spent nearly 40 years fostering relationships between law enforcement and the community, driving positive change through collaboration and trust.
  • Jamon Alexander – Raymond Tardy Community Service Award 
    Jamon Alexander, President and CEO of WMCAT, has dedicated nearly 20 years to creating equitable access to opportunity through adult workforce development, arts education, health and well-being and building social capital for change in West Michigan.
  • Denise Evans – Phyllis Scott Activist Award
    Denise Evans has led numerous initiatives to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Grand Rapids, becoming a champion for social equity.

Proceeds from the GIANT Awards Banquet will benefit the Junior GIANT Scholarships, which empower the next generation of leaders. The 2025 recipients are:

Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship:

  • Elzadie Ladomato-Fisher – Top 1% at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, student athlete and leader.
  • Kamora Price – Co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, National Honor Society officer, and representative on the Superintendent Council.
  • Aaron Gholston – Multi-sport athlete, community volunteer, and entrepreneur.

Dr. Patricia Pulliam Leadership Scholarship:

  • Sahara Tharbs-Hill – Full-time GRCC student aspiring to become an early childhood educator, active volunteer.
  • Floyd Tucker III – Junior at Hampton University, Division 1 Track and Field athlete, and volunteer for Kids Food Basket.
  • Morgan Robertson – Senior at Western Michigan University, sports management major, and student ambassador.
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