Since 1983, thirteen African-American individuals and/or organizations are recognized annually for their exceptional contributions shaping the history and quality of life of greater Grand Rapids. The idea for this event grew out of need for recognizing notable contributions of African-Americans to the quality of life in Grand Rapids. The founders for this event, Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward decided to engage a group of people from the community to plan the event.
The awards recognize the contributions from all aspects of community life. Each award is named after local individuals who have given excellence and is a perpetual memorial to their notable contributions.
Proceeds from the event are contributed to the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s Milo M. Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund. Two or more scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarships are presented to African-American students as perpetual memorials to Mr. Brown.
Special thanks to our sponsors, participating organizations, and friends who have contributed toward making this an important and successful tradition.
2013 Giants nomination form will be availble June, 2012.
2012 Recipients
The Floyd Skinner Justice Award
Floyd Skinner, a graduate of the University Michigan Law School, began his practice in Grand Rapids in 1928. He fought to gain employment for African-Americans in white collar jobs at City Hall. He remained a Strong voice of advocacy for human rights and a seeker of justice until his death in 1962. This year's recipient of the Floyd Skinner Justice Award is Mr. Kenyatta Lumumba London Brame.
The Walter Coe Public Service Award
In 1922, the first African-American police office, Walter Coe, was hired. Captain Coe rose through the ranks making sergeant in two years; lieutenant in ten years; and earned the rank of captain in 1950 commanding his Special Investigation Division within the detective bureau. Because of his concern for the city's youth, he took an active role in the Youth Commonwealth Program. He was an advocate for those less fortunate than himself. Walter W. Coe suffered a fatal heart attack in the police department's detective bureau in 1957. This year's recipient of the Walter Coe Public Service Award is Ms. Anita Christopher.
The Eugene Browning Medical Service Award
Dr. Browning began his medical practice in Grand Rapids in 1905. His educational background included the Detroit College of Medicine, the University of Chicago, and internationally, the University of Vienna. His commitment to the community and is health needs established Dr. Browning as a pioneer of the present day well-baby clinics. He operated a weekly well-baby clinic at First Community A.M.E. Church. His services were given regardless of ability to pay. This year's recipient of the Eugene Browning Medical Service Award is Mr. Cle J. Jackson.
The W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award
Known for his long history of services as a dentist and as a member of a variety of organizations, Dr. Plummer donates services each summer to the Foundation Pedodntique, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. He is active with the A.C.L.U., N.A.A.C.P., Big Brothers, Opera Grand Rapids, Community Health Services, the Kent County Council on Alcoholism, and a number of other organizations. This year's recipient of the W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award is Mr. Darius L. Quinn.
The Ethel Coe Humanities Award
Ethel Coe was a vocalist who also enjoyed acting. She is remembered for her performances in local Civic Theatre productions of Member of the Wedding and Raisin. She was active at the X.Y.Z. Center and with V.I.S.T.A. This year's recipient of the Ethel Coe Humanities Award is Dr. Malinda P. Sapp (posthumously).
The Milo Brown Business Award
Milo Brown opened his first funeral home in Grand Rapids in 1925. He was a charter member and officer in various civic and social activities including the N.A.A.C.P., Urban League, Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, North Star Lodge #5, F. &AM, and Victory Lodge of Elks #1029. This year's recipient of the Milo Brown Business Award is Mr. James Edward McClain.
The Phyllis Scott Activist Award
Phyllis Scott worked actively in the interest of youth in our city. She believed in improving one's heritage. She organized parents to work with schools to meet the educational needs of children. She voiced her opinions whenever she felt the need to do so. Whether the stance was a popular or unpopular one, she stood firmly behind her convictions. This year's recipient of the Phyllis Scott Activist Award is Ms. Anneshia Freeman.
The William Glenn Trailblazer Award
Mr. Glenn made his voice heard for the cause of civil liberties. In 1941 he was one of the first African-American employees in a Grand Rapids war production factory. He played an active role in getting all Grand Rapids war production plants open to hiring African-Americans, in planning the Campau Housing Project and in demanding the city take a stand against dilapidated housing. In 1972, he was honored by the A.C.L.U, for his lifelong action to be basic intent of the Bill of Rights. This year's recipient of the William Glenn Trailblazer Award is the City of Grand Rapids Rosa Parks Sculpture Committee.
The Raymond Tardy Community Service Award
Ray Tardy's interest focused on the concerns of the low income citizenry. He organized G.A.P. from which the Kent Community Action Program evolved. He encouraged a number of programs that are still inexistence and have become separate agencies. He was also active in efforts to obtain suitable housing for low-income families and in efforts to encourage others to attain the educational goals needed to elevate their life styles. This year's recipient of the Raymond Tardy Community Service Award is Ms. Jennifer Moss Hawkins.
The H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award
Reverend Toliver moved to Grand Rapids in 1937. He was Pastor of True Light Baptist Church. He was tireless in his efforts to help people obtain employment. To those who could repay, he lent money. For those who were unable to repay, he gave money. If you needed help, he was always there to eat with you, weep with you and pray with you. The community knew that he was there and that no one had to be alone. This year's recipient of the H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award is Pastor James C. Stokes.
The Hattie Beverly Education Award
Hattie Beverly was a pioneer for African-Americans in education in Grand Rapids. She was hired as a teacher at Congress School in 1899 and was assigned in 1913 to Henry School where she remained for a number of years. She assumed her position in spite of the protest surrounding the hiring of an African-American to teach here. The opposition is reported in articles in the Grand Rapids Herald (1899). Her case was one of the several incidents that led to Booker T. Washington coming to Grand Rapids to bring about a better understanding of the races. This year's recipient of the Hattie Beverly Education Award is Ms. Sharon Satterfield.
The Martha Reynolds Labor Award
Mrs. Reynolds was an international representative of the United Auto Workers. She was vital force in labor and community affairs in Grand Rapids. Martha was committed to the union's Fair Employment Practices program and the Community Services department. An active participant in local politics, she was involved in the election of Lyman Parks to the City Commission. She was a long serving member of the N.A.A.C.P. and a member of C.O.R.E. Martha was committed to her church, First Community A.M.E., and dedicated to the many socially active projects that were generated from there. This year's recipient of the The Martha Reynolds Labor Award is Mr. Gerald Kariem.
The Giant(s) Among Giants Award
The Giant(s) Among Giants Award is presented to a person(s) whose achievements are felt throughout and beyond the Grand Rapids community. Such persons have had impact in a number of areas. This year's recipient of the Giant(s) Among Giants Award is Dr. Marvin L. Sapp.
