News Summary
Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge, a former Black-owned nightclub, plans to refile a lawsuit against Grand Rapids, claiming racial discrimination after an initial dismissal. The club alleges the city denied requests for increased police patrols, impacting safety and operations. Ambiance GR seeks $3 million in damages, emphasizing broader issues of systemic racism against Black-owned businesses. The city argues it took measures to enhance safety and denies discriminating based on ownership race. The outcome may influence discussions on racial equity in economic support for Black businesses.
Grand Rapids – A former Black-owned nightclub, Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge, has announced plans to refile a lawsuit against the city of Grand Rapids, alleging racial discrimination by city officials. This comes after the initial lawsuit was dismissed in October 2024 by Federal Judge Jane Beckering, who ruled that the club did not adequately demonstrate that it was treated differently than similar businesses in the area.
Ambiance GR, which opened on December 31, 2021, at 106 Pearl St. NW in downtown Grand Rapids, was co-founded by a diverse group consisting of Jamal Chilton, Jamiel Robinson, Jonathan Jelks, Lacy Jones, Willie “The Kid” Jackson, and Alvin Hills IV. The nightclub closed its doors in November 2022, following a series of safety concerns and incidents involving loitering outside the establishment after closing hours. A particularly tragic incident occurred in June 2022 when 25-year-old Armonie Lee Acklin was shot dead outside the venue, an event tied to an ongoing feud.
In its lawsuit, Ambiance GR alleges that repeated requests for increased police patrols outside the venue were denied multiple times by the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD), significantly impacting the club’s operations and safety. The club is seeking $3 million in damages, claiming a lack of equal protection under the law and systemic discrimination against Black-owned businesses.
Following the dismissal of the initial lawsuit, Ambiance GR intends to adhere to the court’s requirements for specificity and refile its claims. Chilton expressed disappointment over the continued legal struggle, emphasizing that the club’s challenges reflect broader issues of systemic racism that impede economic growth within the Black community.
The city of Grand Rapids, in its defense, highlighted measures it took to enhance safety around the nightclub. These measures included installing an outdoor camera trailer, creating parking barricades, and coordinating with Ambiance GR’s private security team. The city contends that it did not have the resources to provide dedicated police staffing for the club and insists that their actions were not influenced by the race of the nightclub’s ownership.
The initial lawsuit’s dismissal largely rested on the finding that Ambiance GR failed to show that it was similarly situated to other venues such as Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place, which benefit from police services. Part of Ambiance GR’s claim of discrimination stemmed from conversations with Lieutenant Patrick Dean, who allegedly implied that GRPD officers were hesitant to police events mainly attended by African Americans.
In an additional legal development, the city requested $45,225 in legal fees but was denied this reimbursement by the court. In a separate ruling, Ambiance GR was ordered to pay $405 in filing fees. Earlier this year, a state lawsuit alleging gross negligence against the city was also dismissed, with the court stating that municipalities generally enjoy immunity from such claims.
The closure of Ambiance GR has drawn attention to ongoing safety issues that have affected many businesses in downtown Grand Rapids. This situation underscores the community’s call for enhanced public safety measures to support economic vitality and ensure a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.
As Ambiance GR prepares to refile its lawsuit, the outcomes may carry significant implications not just for the club, but for the broader discourse surrounding racial equity and economic support for Black-owned businesses in Grand Rapids.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Black-owned nightclub vows to refile discrimination lawsuit against city of Grand Rapids
- Wood TV: Less than a year later, Ambiance GR closes over safety concerns
- GR Magazine: Partners opening Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge on New Year’s Eve
- Fox 17: Suspect in downtown Grand Rapids shooting charged with 2nd degree murder
- Wood TV: Delayed no more, Ambiance GR Kitchen Lounge nears opening
- Wikipedia: Discrimination in the United States
- Google Search: Racial discrimination in business
- Google Scholar: Systemic racism economic impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Racial discrimination
- Google News: Grand Rapids Ambiance GR
