The 2026 GIANT Awards in Grand Rapids recognized African American leaders for their contributions to the community. The awards, established in 1983 by Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward, honor individuals who have advanced justice, equity, and progress in the city. Each of the 12 awards is named after a local figure. This year, the selection committee reviewed over 120 nominations.
Kelsey Perdue, Grand Rapids City Commissioner, received the W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award. Perdue was elected at age 32 and represents a third of the city. Her work has focused on housing, public safety, small business support, and youth programs. She helped negotiate more than $50 million in community benefits and supported the city’s first lead safety ordinance in decades.
Johnny Walker received the William Glenn Trailblazer Award for his work in sports and education. Walker played professional baseball in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He later worked for Grand Rapids Public Schools for over 30 years and mentored young athletes through the Kent Little League…