News Summary
The Black Experience event is returning to Grand Rapids, celebrating Black culture and supporting Black-owned businesses on August 1 and 2. Organized by the Black Impact Collaborative, the event will feature an all-Black attire party, a business expo, and a Kids’ Corner with activities for families. Keynote speaker Maggie Anderson will address important topics during the conference. The event emphasizes community engagement, inclusivity, and the joy of Black culture, with ticket prices starting at $5 for adults.
Grand Rapids is set to welcome back the highly anticipated Black Experience event next weekend, offering a vibrant celebration of Black culture and support for Black-owned businesses. Scheduled for August 1 and August 2, this event aims to foster community engagement and provide resources that uplift the local Black community.
The Black Experience is organized by the Black Impact Collaborative, an organization dedicated to advocating for the welfare and prosperity of the Black community in Grand Rapids. Attendees can look forward to a series of events designed to promote “Black Joy” and elevate Black voices in the area.
The festivities kick off with an all-Black attire party on Friday evening, which will feature a best-dressed contest among participants. Each ticket to this event not only grants entry but also includes food and one drink ticket, making it an enjoyable evening for all. Guests will be entertained by live music performed by For Your Soul Entertainment, with plenty of prizes and other surprises throughout the night.
The main event, a conference, takes place on Saturday and will feature a business expo along with a roster of guest speakers. This aspect of the event is particularly significant, as it serves as a platform for Black-owned businesses to network with customers and other business owners. A highlight of the conference is the keynote address delivered by Maggie Anderson, a notable figure and former aide to Congressman John Lewis.
A family-friendly feature of the Black Experience is the Kids’ Corner, which will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Here, children can engage in various activities, including healthy snacks, hands-on projects, games, face painting, and a bounce house, ensuring that families can enjoy a day out together.
According to the board chair of the Black Impact Collaborative, the event aims to promote community healing while elevating the experience of Black joy. With this intention, the Black Experience is open to all residents of the Greater Grand Rapids area, emphasizing inclusivity and celebration of culture.
Ticket prices for the event vary, with the conference entry costing $5 for adults. Additional information regarding event schedules and ticket purchases can be found through the event’s official channels.
Overall, the Black Experience in Grand Rapids is poised to be a dynamic gathering, invigorating the local community by celebrating Black culture and providing essential support for Black businesses. Participants can look forward to a weekend filled with engaging activities, networking opportunities, and the joy of shared experiences.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Black Experience Event in Grand Rapids
- Detroit Free Press: Black History Month Celebration
- MLive: Celebrating Black History Month in West Michigan
- Travel Noire: Taste of Black Grand Rapids
- Rapid Growth Media: Black History Month Photo Essay
- Wikipedia: Black History Month
- Google Search: Black Impact Collaborative
- Google Scholar: Black Experience Community Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black History
- Google News: Grand Rapids Black Experience
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
