Dr. Ella Mary Sims broke ground as the first woman of color to be a columnist for The Grand Rapids Press in the 1970s. Her weekly column was called “It Seems To Me” where she became a voice, sharing her perspective on current issues.
In 1998 – she was the first woman and African American to lead at GRCC. Working with Cedric Ward, she created the Giants Awards in 1983 to recognize exceptional Black leaders and organizations that have impacted the West Michigan community in the areas of justice, education, religion, medicine, humanities, business, and labor.
In 1998 – she was the first woman and African American to lead at GRCC. Working with Cedric Ward, she created the Giants Awards in 1983 to recognize exceptional Black leaders and organizations that have impacted the West Michigan community in the areas of justice, education, religion, medicine, humanities, business, and labor.
He designed every issue outside of the first issue, totaling 537 newspapers, from 1967 until the Party disbanded in the early 1980s. Emory’s work with the Black Panther Party’s newspaper inspired the world, taking him and his art all over the world. His art with the Black Panther Party remains the most influential political art of the Black liberation movement. Douglas continues to work as a political artist and activist.