News Summary
Grand Rapids is set to host its 11th Annual Neighborhood Summit on May 17, focusing on racial equity and inclusivity. The summit features workshops, keynote presentations, and family-friendly activities, fostering community engagement among diverse backgrounds. Hosted at Grand Valley State University’s downtown campus, the event will celebrate local leadership and discuss essential community issues, including housing and equitable transportation, while providing resources to residents. Early registration is recommended due to limited capacity.
Grand Rapids Gears Up for 11th Annual Neighborhood Summit on Racial Equity
Exciting news, Grand Rapids! The city is all set to host the 11th Annual Neighborhood Summit focused on fostering racial equity and inclusivity. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17, as this is one event you won’t want to miss. The summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grand Valley State University’s downtown campus, right in the heart of the city.
A Welcoming Theme
This year’s summit carries the theme “Bridging Differences, Building Unity.” It’s all about bringing together Grand Rapidians from different backgrounds to share ideas and connect on important community issues. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a variety of workshops that aim to tackle inclusivity strategies. This is an amazing opportunity to learn, engage, and contribute towards making our community a better place for everyone.
What to Expect
Aside from the engaging workshops, the summit lineup is packed with activities sure to grab your attention. One highlight will be a stimulating keynote presentation that sets the tone for the day’s discussions. In addition, there will be hands-on activities, allowing participants to put their new knowledge into practice right away.
Don’t miss the community resource tables that will showcase local organizations and groups dedicated to supporting residents of Grand Rapids. And if you’re thinking of bringing the family along, you’re in luck! The summit is designed to be family-friendly, offering free childcare for little ones aged five and under, while activities for older kids between the ages of six to twelve will keep them entertained.
Come Together as a Community
Brandon Davis, who leads the Office of Equity & Engagement, highlights the summit’s goal to unite Grand Rapidians from various walks of life. The event places a strong emphasis on partnering with local and BIPOC-owned businesses, inviting them to share their resources and insights with the community.
Registration and Capacity
Space is limited, so it’s highly recommended to register online beforehand. Reservations will stay open until the event reaches its maximum capacity, so act fast! You can find all the details you need, including registration information, on the event’s dedicated website.
A Celebration of Leadership
During the summit, community members who have shown exceptional leadership through the Neighborhood Match Fund projects will be recognized for their hard work. This celebration will not only honor their achievements but also serve as an encouragement for others to get involved.
Workshop Adventures
Attendees can dive into workshops covering a range of topics, including housing, voting, equitable transportation, and even participatory budgeting. One standout workshop will focus on how residents can contribute their ideas about spending $2 million available through the American Rescue Plan Act, which aims to enhance community wellbeing.
What’s Next?
The momentum doesn’t stop at the summit! Following the event, the Summit Marketplace Park Party is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 16, at Garfield Park. This gathering will feature engaging community initiatives and resource tables, maintaining the spirit of collaboration and unity launched at the summit.
Join the Cause!
The community spirit is alive and well in Grand Rapids! Volunteers are still being sought to help with both the summit and the park party. If you’re looking to make a difference and engage with your community, this is your chance!
Let’s make this year’s Neighborhood Summit a memorable one, filled with connection, collaboration, and creativity! Don’t miss out on being part of this community-driven event aimed at building a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox17 Online
- Wood Radio
- MLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Racial Equity
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit
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.
