The 36th Annual Giants Awards and Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
History of the Awards
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 will support the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s Milo M. Brown Memorial Scholarship and the Jr. Giants Fund. Two or more scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarships are presented to African American students as perpetual memorials to Mr. Brown.
Junior Giants Awards
Junior GIANTS Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to a Senior Student in the Kent Intermediate School District. This year's honoree is Ms. Binti Abdi.
Junior GIANTS Dr. Patricia Pulliam Leadership Scholarship - This scholarships is awarded to a Current College Student. This year's honoree is Mr. Deandre Bridgeman.
The scholarships are named in honor of the founders of the GIANTS Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Mr. Cedric Ward. The scholarships are awarded to students of African American Heritage who are nominated and demonstrate the essence of a Junior GIANT:
Demonstrated Leadership Profile, Community Involvement and Impact, Academic and/or Athletic Accomplishments, Academic Achievement/Academic Progress
2018 JUNIOR GIANTS
Dr. Patricia Pulliam Leadership Scholarship - DeAndre' Bridgeman, GRCC
Cedric Ward Leadership Scholarship - Binti Abdi, Grand Rapids Union High School
2018 GIANTS AWARDS HONOREES
Floyd Skinner Justice Award - Huemartin Robinson II
Walter Coe Public Service Award- Christina Y. Johnson
Eugene Browning Medical Service Award - Dr. Valencia L. Agnew
W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award - Renee Williams
Ethel Coe Humanities Award - Not awarded this year.
Milo Brown Business Award - Wayne D. Wilson
Phyllis Scott Activist Award - Rhondo Cooper
William Glenn Trailblazer Award - Bill Manns
Raymond Tardy Community Service Award - Gertrude G. Croom
H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award - Lois Jene Thomas
Hattie Beverly Education Award -Carolyn J. Evans
Martha Reynolds Labor Award - Deborah A. McMillan (Posthumously)
Giant Among Giants - Ellen James
2018 GIANTS Awards and Banquet link: https://youtu.be/NYHVTv6WZjw