Grand Rapids Public Museum to Host Special Virtual Presentation “The History of Grand Rapids in Black and Brown: A Conversation”
The Grand Rapids Public Museum announced today that it will host a special virtual presentation on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 6 p.m. titled “The History of Grand Rapids in Black and Brown: A Conversation” focused on the history of Grand Rapids from the perspective of Black and Brown. The presentation will feature three panelists, Dr. Randal Jelks, Dr. Todd Robinson, and Dr. Delia Fernandez.
The publication of African Americans in the Furniture City: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Grand Rapids (University of Illinois Press, 2006) by Dr. Randal Maurice Jelks challenged the prevailing histories of Grand Rapids that it was an all-white, all-American city overly determined by a small privileged elite. Following the publication of Jelks groundbreaking book, Dr. Todd Robinson, A City Within a City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Temple University Press, 2013), expanded historical insights into the city and how Black communities attempted to address paternalism and managerial racism used to keep communities subordinated. In 2015, Dr. Delia Fernandez, a native of Grand Rapids completed her Ph.D. dissertation at The Ohio State University titled From Spanish-Speaking to Latino: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in West Michigan, 1924-1978, which is the groundwork of her new book Latinos Against the Grain: Mexican and Puerto Rican Migration, Placemaking, and Activism in Grand Rapids, Michigan currently under contract with the University of Illinois Press.
“This long overdue conversation is an excellent opportunity to revisit both the collective and unique experiences of Black and Latinx Grand Rapids,” said Dr. Delia Fernandez. “This timely conversation on the histories of communities that have been relegated to the margins will surely offer a lens to understand the city's current social dynamics.”
These three historians will discuss the history of Grand Rapids from the perspective of Black and Brown, concluding with a question and answer period. The presentation will take place via ZOOM and is offered free of charge, registration required. To register, please visit grpm.org.
“There are multiple histories in every city,” said Dr. Randal Jelks. “This conversation offers citizens in the wider Grand Rapids metropolitan region, as well followers and members of the Public Museum, an opportunity to learn of the power and resilience of their own Black and Brown communities through their histories that defy stereotypes or categorizations.”
"The GRPM is pleased to host and partner with three historians who are experts in their field, and values the opportunity to share the experiences of every citizen, which adds richness and depth to our history as a community,” said Dale Robertson, President & CEO of the GRPM. “Every object and story that is collected over time helps to strengthen our understanding and the understanding and reflection of future generations."
