Financial barriers are not the only things that can prevent someone from pursuing their college dreams. Sometimes, it’s because they do not feel like they are “college material.”  Grand Rapids Junior College (GRJC) alumnus and GRCC donor Henderson knows what this feels like. But now, he’s hoping a new scholarship will help future students feel like college is a place where they can grow and explore their passions. Henderson attended GRJC from 1961 to 1963. Receiving a scholarship during his second year was much more than just a big financial help. It boosted his confidence and helped him feel like he belonged after all. “I was often the only Black kid in class,” said Henderson. “This scholarship really encouraged me. I distinctly remember receiving the best grade in class on a very hard chemistry test. That was the moment I realized I was college material and that I belonged here. I felt respected and I really needed to feel that.” After attending GRJC, Henderson went on to the University of Michigan and earned his BA and MD. He practiced medicine for over fifty years, first in general practice and then in emergency medicine. He has volunteered in Nicaragua and worked for the last 12 years at the Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Henderson is also the author of several essays, editorials and a novel,  Light in Winter: A Mama's Prayer . Henderson started the Josephine Henderson Heritage Fund in 1999 as a way to honor his mother and support students from underrepresented backgrounds. This scholarship is awarded to two students from Ottawa Hills High School who will attend GRCC. It prioritizes workforce development programs like construction, applied technology, culinary arts, automotive and nursing.  “I was a poor Black kid and a scholarship boosted my confidence in my abilities,” said Henderson. “Now, I want to help others like myself. A scholarship focused on the trades will be helpful to those who want non-academic work.” The fund is named for Henderson’s mother, who faced her own share of hardships as a single mother of seven. She worked a factory job to provide for her family and earned her GED after her children grew up and left home. “Mom will be most remembered for her determination and selflessness in raising her family,” said Henderson. “She always said that when God gives you more than you need, the extra is for giving back. GRCC is a good place to give back because of the opportunities it offers and the difference it makes in people’s lives.” This story was republished from GRCC's 2023-24 Foundation Annual Report.

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.

Jan. 31, 2025 Coral De La Garza Ramos and Daisy Meza not only received a great education at Grand Rapids Community College, they also got a great introduction to the working world. While earning associate degrees in  Pre-Social Work , both students worked part-time at the front desk of GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus in Holland. It’s a big job with a wide range of responsibilities assisting students, staff, instructors and the public with everything from admission applications and class registration to campus tours and financial aid. Both De La Garza Ramos and Meza excelled at their jobs, said Miguel Espinoza, the GRCC support professional who supervises the Lakeshore Campus front desk. “Coral and Daisy are probably among the top three or four student employees I’ve worked with in my 20 years at GRCC,” Espinoza said. “They're very professional, they're responsible, they're mature, they’re patient and they have all the skills required for this job.” Both women have been recognized for their work at GRCC – Meza won the 2024 Student Employee Impact Award, which honors a student whose employment within the college has made a positive impact in their life. De La Garza Ramos was a runner-up for the award.  Meza, who lives in Holland, began attending classes at the Lakeshore campus in 2022 after graduating from the Great Lakes Adventist Academy in Cedar Lake. She usually worked about 28 hours a week while also balancing her studies. The 21-year-old said she liked the convenience of attending a college so close to home and appreciated the flexibility of online classes. “Online classes allowed me to study at my own pace, which really helped me,” she said. Working at the Lakeshore Campus gave Meza a first-class education in customer service. “When I first started working at GRCC, I was nervous to even pick up a phone because I didn’t know what the caller was going to ask me,” she said. “But this job really taught me how to be professional, how to deal with complicated situations and helped me gain confidence in myself.” Meza graduated in December and plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in social work at Grand Valley State University. De La Garza Ramos is completing her final semester at GRCC and will graduate this spring with an associate degree in social work. Now 20 years old, she started at GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus in 2022 after graduating from West Ottawa High School in Holland.    De La Garza Ramos said she enjoys her classes, her professors and serving as the first point of contact at the Lakeshore Campus. “I strive to create a welcoming environment by giving campus tours and empowering students to pursue their postsecondary goals,” she said. “As a first-generation college student, this job constantly provides opportunities for me to learn something new, and I use that newfound knowledge to empower other students on their educational journeys.” She said the job also taught her the importance of time management – a skill that will serve her well throughout her career. “Juggling work, classes and your personal life can be overwhelming, especially during exams or busy academic periods,” she said. “But Miguel and my professors really work with me and the rest of the students to help you balance it all.” Espinoza, who has a master’s degree in social work, said he’s grateful to have played a small role in helping both students in their life journeys and future careers. “The skills they exhibited here like being very empathetic, very caring, being a good listener – all while being patient - are skills they’re also going to need in social work,” Espinoza said.  Learn more about  Career and Student Employment Services at GRCC. This story was reported by Beth McKenna.