Father, son share a special bond
Submitted 01-17-2017 under NONPROFITS
For years now, Mark Romanack and his 21-year-old son, Jake, have traveled the roads together in their Dodge Ram pickup. They talk. They laugh. They plan a future.
On MLK Day the Call to action is to resist
Submitted 01-16-2017 under OPINION
I believe that, in this moment, a call to unity echoes the kind of erasure that washes away the narratives of people like my grandmother.
Feeding America West Michigan celebrates fourth record year
Submitted 01-16-2017 under NONPROFITS
The organization provided 28.9 million pounds of food, making 2016 its fourth-consecutive year of growth.
Catalyst Radio: "Fake News in the Headlines"
Submitted 01-13-2017 under NEWS
Host Katie Gordon speaks with Len O'Kelly and Eric Harvey, Assistant Professors of Communications at Grand Valley State University, on the topic of "fake news."
Series confronts equity issues in West Michigan businesses
Submitted 01-13-2017 under OPINION
Four-part series offers 14 suggestions for increasing equity in Grand Rapids.
Locals can join national minute of silence at Apartment Lounge
Submitted 01-12-2017 under NEWS
On January 21 at 1:00 p.m., women across the nation will be observing a minute of silence in solidarity with the Women's March on Washington. Locals can participate and view a live stream together at the Apartment Lounge from noon to 3:00.
Heart of West Michigan United Way offers free tax preparation assistance
Submitted 01-11-2017 under NONPROFITS
Households with income of $55,000 can receive free tax preparation assistance. Learn how you can access this service through Heart of West Michigan United Way on this week’s episode of NPO Showcase.
Grand Rapids Symphony's Marcelo Lehninger makes momentous debut in St. Cecilia Music Center
Submitted 01-11-2017 under OPINION
Marcelo Lehninger, Grand Rapids Symphony's new music director, conducts his debut appearance in historic 19th century St. Cecilia Music Center with Gilmore Young Artist Daniel Hsu
Media literacy plays critical role in 2017
Submitted 01-10-2017 under PLACE-MATTERS
I am a firm believer in the power of stories and media to shape ideas and shift culture. Media literacy is more than a tool for understanding, then, it is a civic duty. Media literacy skills might help us better understand and engage with the community issues and world around us.
Equity issues: Entrepreneur Adriane Johnson speaks out
Submitted 01-10-2017 under OPINION
At a roundtable discussion, small business owners raised their concerns about equity issues in West Michigan. As we head into 2017, how is systemic bias perpetuated, even as our awareness of barriers grows? This is the last in a series of four articles.