New Kyd on the block

On Jan. 1, Grand Rapids gained its newest poet laureate in Ericka “Kyd Kane” Thompson. She is the seventh to take on the title and the first Black woman and openly queer person to hold the role.

Representing the Black community

Dr. Charles Gibson is one of only a few Black trauma surgeons in the country.

Building downtown

As president and CEO of DGRI, Tim Kelly is helping to bring downtown to life.

Portraits of a city

Brian Kelly used a drone to capture images of Grand Rapids — his first muse.

Fashion aficionado

The American Dream never goes out of style.

Living authentically

Graci Harkema is committed to a more diverse and inclusive world.

Creative couple

Even without live events, the Hays have kept busy amid the pandemic.

Dream maker

From dashing people’s dreams to helping fulfill people’s dreams.

Notable reads

“All Manner of Things” was selected as a Michigan Notable Book.

A colorful trail

Why Alice Jasper is on a mission to lead people of color into the outdoors.

Celebrating Black literature

The Black Book Exchange Box project encourages reading.

Girl power

A local mom is creating safer beauty products for tweens and teens.

Angling on the Grand

Tom Werkman shares his love of fishing with other anglers.

Church to art hub

Carol Moore purchased the historic church and is leading it through a transformation.
Gilles Renusson

Cooking up awards

Gilles Renusson, French Agricultural Merit award winner, discovers profession in boarding school.
Philomena Mantella

Q&A: Philomena Mantella

Grand Valley State University is gaining a fresh perspective with new President Philomena V. Mantella.
Jeff Moore

‘Dream’ Store Opens Doors

Self-described “huge comic books fan and toy collector” Jeff Moore launched the venture of his dreams in Rockford.
Four Birds Airstream Gathering Spaces

Family Debuts Mobile Event Venue

A pair of Calvin College grads and their kids have moved back to West Michigan with an Airstream trailer and a vision in tow.
David Leslie

A Journey of Self-discovery

For David Leslie, leaving his hometown of Grand Rapids in the 1990s began a 25-year journey west and back. He’s a furniture craftsman, owner of The Maker’s Bench, but that wasn’t what he set out to do intentionally.
StickonStump merchandise

Simple Motivation

A doodle drawn out of frustration led local artist and writer Peter Welmerink to launch StickonStump, a simple cartoon figure who waxes motivational.

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MARCH/APRIL 2024 ISSUE