Building Bridges

The WOC Give leadership team (L to R): Simone Weithers, Rebekah Bakker, Arena Ellis, Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys, Robyn Afrik, Lina Pierson with Lucia Rios in the front. Not pictured are Christine Mwangi, Yah-Sheba Jenkins, and Kim Koeman.

Women of Color Give ‘thrilled’ to launch first grant distribution

The diverse philanthropy collective kicks off its first give with nominations of organizations that serve BIPOC communities, followed by a detailed application process and a pitch session with WOC Give members.   

Henry and Lindsay Cherry with their four children.
What’s next for Black advocacy in Holland?

Holland residents Henry and Lindsay Cherry have been involved in advocacy for the Black community for longer than they have been married. In June, they helped organize a peace March and almost 4,000 people lined Unity Bridge. Their new nonprofit hopes to show Black youth their true potential.  

Holly Cole is the foundation's vice president of grants and program.
Foundation grants additional $625,000 for COVID-19 relief

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation was part of a community coalition that granted more than $900,000 this spring, and now they’ve aided the community relief and recovery response with an additional $625,000.

LEDA Executive Director Gloria Lara introduces Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist at the Summit.
LEDA’s 1st virtual conference brings together leaders for day of inclusion education

In an age when racial inequity has been thrust to the forefront, the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance’s annual summit on race and inclusion drew nearly 800 people. Among the virtual event's attendees were representatives from cities, public schools, police departments, public health departments, corporations, nonprofits, and universities.

Hope College professor Jordan VanHemert performs.
How bebop influenced the civil rights movement

Hope Professor Jordan VanHemert writes about his love for Bebop, a style that challenged the status quo during the Jim Crow era and why he thinks everyone should listen to this music.

A protester carried this sign during the George’s Peaceful Unity Demonstration in Holland on June 7.
How I came to take a stand against racism

Dave Edmonds shares why he thinks it took so long for him to understand his role in racial inequality and why he is determined to make up for lost time.

Keith Remelts propietario de FiveW Pets.
Cómo el apoyo comunitario fortalece a las pequeñas empresas: Tres historias locales

Los día feriados están aquí y las ventas nunca terminan. Sin embargo, antes de comenzar a marcar su lista, tres dueños de negocios explican cómo las compras locales vuelven a la comunidad, brindando más oportunidades para las empresas y los vecindarios cercanos y ayudando a promover el espíritu empresarial.

How community support strengthens small businesses: Three local business owners share their stories

The holidays are here and the sales never end. Before you start checking off your list, though, three business owners explain how shopping local recirculates back into the community, provides more opportunities for businesses and nearby neighborhoods, and helps promote entrepreneurship.

Las mujeres veteranas locales promueven el cambio en los negocios

El numero de negocios de mujeres veteranas ha aumentado, cuatro de ellas del Oeste de Michigan comparten sus experiencias, desafíos y lo que la comunidad puede hacer para mejorar la vida de las mujeres empresarias veteranas.

Rooted in structure and solid work ethics: Local Women veterans promote change in business

As the number of veteran women-owned businesses increase, four West Michigan women veterans share their experiences, challenges, and what the community can do to improve the lives of veteran women entrepreneurs.

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