The 43rd Annual GIANT Awards will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 at DeVos Place. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and programming begins at 6 p.m.
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.
Important Dates
- Aug. 1, 2025: Nominations open
- Oct. 6, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.: Nominations close
- Jan. 16, 2026: Ticket Sales / Sponsorships close
Tickets and Nominations
2026 Award Recipients
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Floyd Skinner Justice Award | Kimberley Williams |
| The Ethel Coe Humanities Award | Lamar James |
| The Eugene Browning Medical Service Award | Dr. Kathleen Jarrett |
| The H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award | Rev. Belinda Cunningham |
| The Hattie Beverly Education Award | Kenyatta Hill-Hall |
| The Martha Reynolds Labor Award | Shana Lewis-Washington |
| The Milo Brown Business Award | Tanya Powell-May |
| The Phyllis Scott Activist Award | Shanda Vaughn |
| The Raymond Tardy Community Service Award | Omega Scouts |
| The W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award | Kelsey Perdue |
| The Walter Coe Public Service Award | Kenisha Dorsey |
| The William Glenn Trailblazer Award | Johnny Walker |
What is the dress code for the GIANTS Award Celebration?
There is no enforced dress code for this event, most guests tend to dress in cocktail to semi-formal attire.
Where can I park for the GIANTS Award Celebration?
Parking/Shuttle Information
Please note, there are several large events downtown on the evening of January 31st, including the International Car Show also at Devos Place. We recommend arriving early to ensure you have enough time to park and navigate through the building to the ballrooms.
New Shuttle Service:
We will be running a shuttle from the Devos Administration (415 Fulton Street) building every 15 minutes, guests are welcome to park anywhere in the surrounding lots (Ramp C, Administration Lot, or Alumni House lot) free of charge for the evening and ride the shuttle down to Devos Place Performance Hall. Shuttle access and lot availability is first come first serve.
Shuttles begin running at 4:45pm, and will continue to bring guests to Devos Place until 7pm, at which point they will be parked outside the venue to return guests to the GRCC Administration building lot.
Addresses
Shuttle Parking/Pickup Location: 415 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Shuttle Drop Off: Devos Place (Lyon Street Entrance)
If you would like to park and be closer to the venue, there are many ramps and paid parking options near Devos Place:
- Devos Place has a ramp underneath the building, the entrance to this ramp is on Lyon Street.
- Public Ramps: City-County Building on Monroe Avenue (across from DeVos Place) or several other parking structures within walking distance. Rates vary.
Is there a coat check?
Yes, we will have a coat check room that will be staffed the entire evening to keep your belongings safe.
I purchased tickets separate from someone else, but we want to be sat together, how do we make sure that happens?
Please reach out to giant@grcc.edu with the names of all guests in your party. We will do our best to accommodate your group and make sure you are all sat together. Please keep in mind that tables are in groupings of 8.
What time does the GIANTS Award Celebration begin?
Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
Programming and Dinner begins at 6:15 p.m.
Who do I tell about my dietary restriction?
Please reach to giant@grcc.edu and we will make note of your restriction and make sure we accommodate you.
I can no longer attend the GIANTS Award Celebration, can I transfer my ticket or receive a refund?
You are welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else, if you have someone in mind to receive your ticket please let us know and we’ll be sure to transfer the name and registration to them. If you do not have someone to take your ticket, you are welcome to donate it; we do not allow refunds at this time.
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