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The 42nd GIANT Awards will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 at DeVos Place.

Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward in 1983 created this event to recognize African Americans who are exceptional leaders who have shaped the history, quality of life, and the culture of our West Michigan communities. We stand on the shoulders of these giants and salute their accomplishments. We honor them, and look to inspire others to follow in their steps and be the leaders of tomorrow. 

Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Junior GIANT Scholarship. The Junior GIANT Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship and the Junior GIANT Dr. Patricia Pulliam Leadership Scholarship was established in 2017. 

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Please note: Nominations for the 2025 GIANT Awards will be accepted until Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. 

Press Releases:

41st Annual GIANT Awards

A video presentation of the 41st GIANT Awards, held on Feb. 3, 2024.  

 

2024 Award Recipients

Rev. Jerry Bishop

Rev. Jerry Bishop | Founder of LifeQuest Urban Outreach

GIANT Among Giants Award

 

Valissa Armstead

Valissa Armstead | Senior director of diversity and inclusion at Corewell Health

The Raymond Tardy Community Service Award

 

Debra Bates

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

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

Tasha Blackmon | President and CEO of Cherry Health

The Eugene Browning Medical Service Award

 

Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter | Former head coach for East Kentwood High School’s girls basketball team

Walter Coe Public Service Award

 

Jamie Gordon

Jamie Gordon | Executive director of human resources for Kentwood Public Schools 

The Phyllis Scott Activist Award

 

Kristian Grant

Kristian Grant | The first African American woman to represent Grand Rapids in the state House

William Glenn Trailblazer Award

 

Rev. Charles Hudson III

Bobby Springer | Associate director of Veterans Upward Bound at Grand Valley State University and director of MI GEAR UP

The W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award

 

Latesha Lipscomb

Latesha Lipscomb | Director of engagement and relationships at Amplify GR

Floyd Skinner Justice Award

 

Inez Smith

Inez Smith | Retired teacher

Hattie Beverly Education Award

 

Bobby Springer

The Rev. Charles Hudson III | President and CEO of C.H. Hudson Outreach Ministries 

The H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award

 

Caebre Baty

Caebre Baty | Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship

 

Nas Brooks

Nas Brooks | Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship

 

Rallah Cobbins

Rallah Cobbins | Dr. Patricia Pulliam College Leadership Scholarship

 

Kyle Greer

Kyle Greer | Milo M. Brown Memorial Scholarship 

 

McKenzye Sterk

McKenzye Sterk | Milo M. Brown Memorial Scholarship  
 

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