the Giants Awards

He and his wife, Sandy, established Circle Theater’s first children’s company, where he wrote and directed its first production, “Hansel and Gretel.” He founded the Robeson Players in the 1980s to provide theatrical opportunities to Black actors and artists in Grand Rapids. He also co-founded the Grand Rapids Symphony’s “Symphony with Soul” concert.

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.