The 2026-2027 Campus Common Reading Initiative is a three-phase exploration of history and democracy that intentionally connects the 175th anniversary of Grand Rapids, the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the 112th anniversary of Grand Rapids Community College.
The project begins with local grassroots movements in Grand Rapids, expands to examine the city’s contributions to American history, and concludes by reflecting on GRCC’s role in shaping the lives of people locally and nationally.
Books are available for free for students and staff. Pick one up in Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, Room 505 or at the Lakeshore campus office. Book can also be read online.
Sponsors and partners:
- Library and Learning Commons
- Social Sciences Department
- Woodrick Center of Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs
- University of Michigan LSA Transfer Bridges
Phase One: Grand Rapids Grassroots — Local Movements, Local Voices (February–April 2026)
Phase One of the Campus Common Reading Initiative invites our campus and community to explore the deep roots of activism, organizing and civic engagement in Grand Rapids through this year’s common reading of "Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology." This opening phase centers the stories of everyday people whose collective actions shaped education, labor, civil rights, gender equity, and community life in the city.
Through a series of public programs, Phase One highlights women activists during the Progressive Era, anthropological perspectives on grassroots democracy, the history of LGBTQIA+ activism in Grand Rapids, and a culminating conversation with the book’s editors.
Together, these events encourage participants to see local history not as distant or abstract, but as a living foundation for understanding power, resistance, and community change today.
Events
All events are:
- Held in Applied Technology Center, Room 168 (Auditorium)
- Free and open to the public
- Hosted by the Campus Common Reading Committee
Bring your lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks (while supplies last).
Questions? Please contact Sophia Brewer (616) 234-3867 or Dr. Dillon Carr (616) 234-4284.
Roots of Resistance: Women Activists during the Progressive Era in Grand Rapids
- Date/time: Thu, Feb. 26, 2026, 12:30-2 p.m.
- Description: Grand Rapids Grassroots reminds us that everyday people shape history. This presentation turns our attention to women activists in Grand Rapids during the Progressive Era, a time of intense social change and the founding of GRCC. By examining women’s clubs and community organizing, this program will highlight women, especially Black women who used collective action to address education, housing, health, and civil rights. Their work represents an early chapter in Grand Rapids’ long grassroots tradition.
- Presenter: Sophia Ward Brewer
Anthropological Perspectives on Local Grassroots Democracy
- Date/time: Wed, Mar 18 2026, noon-1:30 p.m.
- Description: This program will connect this year's campus common reading, "Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology," with anthropological perspectives on the City of Grand Rapids. The goal will be to model
ways that participants in the common reading program can use this year's reading to reflect upon
broader social and cultural patterns within the City of Grand Rapids. - Presenter: Dr. Dillon Carr
Voices of Pride: Exploring the History of LGBTQIA Activism in Grand Rapids
- Date/time: Wed, Mar 25 2026, noon-1:30 p.m.
- Description: Grand Rapids is home to one of the largest and oldest annual pride events outside of Detroit in the state of Michigan. The city has a vibrant queer community and a rich, complex LGBTQIA+ history that goes often overlooked. This conversation-based event will bring together early Grand Rapids pride artifacts, newspaper coverage, and stories of local activists in order to spark discussion about visibility, resilience, and community organizing. In connection with this year's Campus Common Reading, "Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology," we’ll explore how local voices have shaped movements for justice and how local history can inspire action today.
- Moderators: Ethan Tappan and Ell Simpson
Book Discussion with the Editors Dr. Ashley Nickels and Dani Vilella
- Date/time: Mon., Apr. 6, 2026, noon-1:30 p.m.
- Description: A moderated conversation with the editors of "Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology." The discussion will explore the essays, why the book was created, the stories it preserves, and the importance of local activism in shaping our community.
- Moderators: TBD
Looking Ahead
Phase Two (Spring - Summer 2026) will expand outward, examining how Grand Rapids and its residents have contributed to regional and national movements, connecting local stories to broader American history. (Programing coming soon)
Phase Three (Fall 2026 - Winter 2027) will turn inward to reflect on Grand Rapids Community College itself, exploring GRCC’s history, legacy, and role in shaping opportunity, access, and democracy as the college approaches its next milestone anniversary. (Programing coming soon) Together, all three phases will use local history as a lens for understanding who we are, how change
happens, and how community voices continue to shape the future.
The 2026-2027 Campus Common Reading: Raider Roots Trivia Challenge
Starting March 23 and throughout the 2026-2027 Campus Common Reading Initiative, try this quick, fun way to explore Grand Rapids and American History.
Each week, we’ll post a short story or historical spotlight connected to our Campus Common Reading. The following week, we’ll post one trivia question based on that content. Answer correctly and you’ll be entered into a monthly prize drawing! Try it, you might:
- Learn something new
- Win prizes
- Show off your history knowledge
It will only take 2-3 minutes to participate. Link to participate coming soon and then check back weekly!