NAACP Grand Rapids

10/24/2026

Why wait until Election Day if you can vote early? 👀

Early voting means more flexibility, shorter lines, and no excuses.

It’s Vote Early Day! Get your ballot in before November 3 and get ahead of the game. https://naacp.org/events/vote-early-day

10/14/2026

Community Service Vanguard Award
As President of the NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Branch, it is my great honor to recognize Jan O’Connell as the recipient of the Community Service Vanguard Award.

This award honors individuals who serve their community through extraordinary volunteerism and people who give of themselves selflessly, humbly, and unconditionally; who set a powerful example; and who make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Jan O’Connell serves as Senior Energy Issues Organizer for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. Her work centers on advocating for a clean-energy transition, particularly moving West Michigan away from coal and other fossil fuels. In this role, she has been a leading voice in the fight against the prolonged operation of the J.H. Campbell Coal Plant and has strongly criticized the Trump Administration’s Department of Energy for issuing unlawful orders to keep this aging plant open. Earlier this month, a federal appeals court rejected that order, affirming that the Department had exceeded its authority.

Jan’s advocacy reminds us of a truth that the NAACP has long understood environmental and climate justice is civil rights. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the energy we can afford, and the neighborhoods in which we live are not separate from the struggle for equality. They are central to it.

The NAACP recognizes that environmental injustice and climate change disproportionately harm Black communities, low-income communities, and other frontline communities. These communities too often asked to bear the pollution, health burdens, and rising costs created by decisions made far from their homes.

When a coal plant continues to operate beyond its planned retirement, the consequences are not abstract. They appear in asthma rates, respiratory illness, contaminated air, and higher energy bills for families already struggling to make ends meet.
They appear in the unequal distribution of environmental harm and in the denial of every community’s right to a safe, healthy, and sustainable future.

That is why the fight for clean air, clean water, affordable renewable energy, and accountable government is not simply an environmental cause, it is a civil rights cause.

Jan is also a co-founding leader of the Sierra Club Grand Rapids Inner City Outings Program and has helped build coalitions with labor, human rights, faith, and community organizations to advance conservation and economic justice. Through this work, Jan became involved with the NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Branch in 2019. Along with the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, she helped organize a series of events titled “A Clean, Green & Just Economy,” featuring the Sierra Club’s first African American president as keynote presenter. Five events were held in one day at the NAACP’s Center for Community Transformation in Grand Rapids, with similar events held in Flint and Detroit.

Jan’s relationship with the NAACP has been consistent, meaningful, and measurable. Her commitment to civil rights and social justice is unparalleled. She understands that building a just economy requires more than policy change; it requires trust, partnership, and the full inclusion of the communities most affected.

Over the past five decades, Jan O’Connell has worked to preserve wild areas from development; raised funds; organized; strategized; testified; and lobbied at Michigan’s State Capitol and in our nation’s capital on environmental and health-related concerns. In the mid-1970s, while working for the Sierra Club, she joined the Michigan United Conservation Clubs in the fight to secure Michigan’s returnable bottle law, a law that continues to benefit our state today.

Jan was twice elected to the Sierra Club’s National Board of Directors, where she served for six years. Her legacy is one of persistence, coalition-building, and principled advocacy. Beyond her public service, Jan has been married to Dennis for more than 45 years. Together, they have two children, Sierra and Collin, and three grandchildren.

Jan O’Connell embodies what it means to be a vanguard: someone who leads with courage, serves with humility, and understands that protecting our environment is inseparable from protecting our people. On behalf of the NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Branch, we proudly honor her service, her leadership, and her enduring commitment to justice.

10/06/2026

Have you registered for this year's Freedom Fund Gala & Awards? Look in your tickets today: https://naacp2026.planningpod.com/

10/06/2026

10/02/2026

As President of the NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Branch, it is my great honor to recognize Vanessa Eppes as the recipient of the Walter Bergman Voting Rights and Political Representation Award.

This award recognizes an individual who has the vision, courage, and determination to advance freedom and equality for all people locally and nationally. It bears the name of Walter Bergman, a Freedom Rider whose commitment during the civil rights movement represented the very best of courageous civic action. After moving to Grand Rapids in the 1960s, Mr. Bergman continued his service as an active member of the NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Branch. His legacy reminds us that the struggle for justice does not end; it is carried forward by people who are willing to show up, speak out, organize, educate, and vote.

For Vanessa, voting is more than a civic responsibility; it is a legacy. With a mother born in Mississippi in 1923, she understands that the right to vote was not freely given. It was fought for, protected, and often paid for with tremendous sacrifice.

Vanessa’s own journey in voter engagement began in Detroit during Kwame Kilpatrick’s campaign, when she first experienced voter registration work. When she returned home, she continued that commitment by becoming involved with ProActive and dedicating herself to registering, educating, and mobilizing voters throughout our community.

Vanessa believes that we must continue to carry the torch that our ancestors lit before us. She recognizes and appreciates leaders such as Kathy Harris, whose steadfast commitment has helped keep that torch burning. Vanessa has taken that inspiration and translated it into consistent, meaningful action.

Her work is visible across our community. Whether at local high schools, MLK Park, neighborhood events, voter-registration tables, or even on street corners, Vanessa meets people where they are. She understands that civic engagement cannot be limited to election season or confined to government buildings. It belongs in our neighborhoods, our churches, our schools, our parks, and every space where people gather.

When we see dedicated community advocates such as Debra Clanton, Kathy Harris, and Gert Groom working voter-registration booths, we know Vanessa is often nearby, serving with that same purpose and determination. These women wear “Voters and Human Rights” not literally across their chests, but through their actions, their commitment, and their willingness to ensure that our community is informed, represented, and empowered. Vanessa exemplifies that spirit of service.

Voting matters because it is one of the most powerful ways our community can shape the decisions that affect our daily lives. Our votes influence who represents us, how our resources are allocated, how our schools are supported, how public safety is addressed, and whether the needs of our neighborhoods are heard.

But civic engagement must extend beyond casting a ballot. It means attending public meetings, asking questions, holding leaders accountable, staying informed, and sharing accurate information with our neighbors. Vanessa demonstrates this every day.

Vanessa is a regular attendee at Grand Rapids City Commission meetings. She listens carefully, speaks up on issues affecting our residents, and carries important information back into the community. In doing so, she helps ensure that people understand the decisions being made and how those decisions may affect their families, neighborhoods, and futures.

Vanessa also serves as a Precinct Delegate in her district. In this grassroots leadership role, she helps ensure that the voices, concerns, and priorities of residents are represented in the political process. She understands that democracy is strongest when everyday people are involved, not only when it is time to vote, but throughout the year.

Vanessa’s commitment goes far beyond participation. She educates, engages, and empowers others to use their voices. Her steady presence in voter-registration efforts, her commitment to voter education, her engagement in local government, and her service as a Precinct Delegate reflect the kind of leadership that strengthens our democracy.

We celebrate Vanessa Eppes not simply for what she has accomplished, but for the example she sets. She reminds us that each registered voter matters. Each informed resident matters. Each voice raised for justice matters. And every generation has a responsibility to protect, preserve, and advance the rights for which our ancestors fought.

It is with great pride and deep appreciation that we honor Vanessa Eppes with the Walter Bergman Voting Rights and Political Representation Award.

Tickets: https://naacp2026.planningpod.com/

10/02/2026

It is my distinct honor, on behalf of the local NAACP branch, to recognize Nicole Thompson as a recipient of the Community Service Health Equity Award.

This award honors individuals whose service, leadership, and compassion improve lives throughout our community. Nicole truly embodies that commitment. For more than 30 years, she has used her professional skills, time, and talent to expand healthcare access, strengthen healthcare operations, and advocate for the dignity and well-being of patients and families.

As a respected healthcare leader and Director of Revenue Cycle Management, Nicole has more than 20 years of medical billing management experience. Her expertise in revenue cycle management, accounts receivable, compliance, and process improvement has helped medical practices and hospital-owned groups operate more efficiently, remain financially sustainable, and better serve patients. Her work helps remove barriers that can prevent seniors, students, families, and underserved residents from receiving affordable quality care.

Nicole is also an accomplished educator and mentor. For more than a decade, she has served as a collegiate adjunct instructor in healthcare administration, preparing future healthcare professionals to understand billing, coding, compliance, patient access, and responsible healthcare management. Through teaching, training, and consulting, she empowers others with the knowledge needed to improve care and advance health equity.

A Certified Medical Administrative Specialist, Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and Lean Training graduate, Nicole combines professional excellence with compassion and integrity. She understands that health equity is not simply a policy goal, it is a matter of justice, dignity, and opportunity.

We proudly honor Nicole Thompson for her lasting service, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to healthier, stronger, and more equitable communities.

Tickets: https://naacp2026.planningpod.com/

09/29/2026

NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Revolution Sponsor Steelcase Inc.
We are excited to announce Steelcase Inc. will sponsor this year’s 2026 NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Freedom Fund Gala & Awards.

Steelcase Helping Communities to Thrive:

Our Approach to Social Innovation
Our world faces many tough challenges today — from the climate crisis to racial inequalities to education accessibility. As a global organization, we have the responsibility and opportunity to lead the efforts that address these issues around the world. To truly make a transformational difference, we need to operate in new ways by establishing a more inclusive and innovative approach where a range of people, taking different actions, are all pointed in the same direction — a global community of changemakers making a local impact.

This led us to create our Better Futures Community, which brings together our clients, dealers, employees and community partners to expand upon our efforts around the globe. When we take collective action in our communities, we’re helping the world work better.

The 2026 Freedom Fund Gala & Awards will be an evening of celebration, recognition, and collective purpose as we honor leaders and community members whose service reflects the enduring mission of the NAACP. With the support of committed partners such as Steelcase, we can continue building a stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable future for all.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Steelcase for their leadership, generosity, and dedication to the work of justice, community, and progress.

09/29/2026

NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Thomas Benjamin Trailblazer Sponsor Grand Valley State University.

We are excited to announce Grand Valley State University will sponsor this year’s 2026 NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Freedom Fund Gala & Awards.

Grand Valley is where new ideas are explored, new interests are ignited, and every student is encouraged to ask, “What if?”
Located in West Michigan, Grand Valley was founded in 1960 in response to the need for a public, four-year college in the state's second-largest metropolitan region.

"Serving more than 22,000 students, our eight colleges and six schools proudly offer more than 350 programs to prepare globally minded citizens for the futures they face and the communities they shape. We are committed to empowering learners, whatever their pursuits, professions, or purpose may be."

The 2026 Freedom Fund Gala & Awards will be an evening of celebration, recognition, and collective purpose as we honor leaders and community members whose service reflects the enduring mission of the NAACP. With the support of committed partners such as Grand Valley, we can continue building a stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable future for all.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Grand Valley for their leadership, generosity, and dedication.

09/29/2026

NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Thomas Benjamin Trailblazer Sponsor Blue Cross Blue shield of Michigan.

We are excited to announce Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will sponsor this year’s 2026 NAACP Greater Grand Rapids Freedom Fund Gala & Awards.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | To our customers:
We aspire to be clear and simple, to help you make the right choices, to offer valuable coverage, and to help you get quality health care for you and those you love.

For our social mission, we commit to: Increasing access to affordable health care Enhancing the quality-of-care patients receive Improving the health of Michigan’s citizens and communities

The 2026 Freedom Fund Gala & Awards will be an evening of celebration, recognition, and collective purpose as we honor leaders and community members whose service reflects the enduring mission of the NAACP. With the support of committed partners such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we can continue building a stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable future for all.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for their leadership, generosity, and dedication to the work of justice, community, and progress.