City of Grand Rapids Office of Equity and Engagement

09/07/2026

Join our office for a meaningful learning opportunity with Disability Advocates. During this workshop, we will learn about what Universal Design is and how we can implement it to build more accessible environments. We'll also get to learn about Disability Advocates of Kent County and the services they have to offer.

Event details:
📅Workshop will be on Wednesday, September 9, 2026
🕜Doors will open at 11:00am for lunch and the presentation will kick off at 11:15am.
📍1500 Scribner Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504. The workshop will be hosted in the Grand River Conference Room.

Registration is free and TODAY is the last day to sign up. Sign up at the link below👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-learn-universal-design-tickets-1996472980428

Join the Office of Equity & Engagement for a Lunch & Learn with guest speakers from Disability Advocates of Kent County.

09/04/2026

✍️ Your voice can make a difference.
The 2026 City of Grand Rapids Rosa Parks Essay Contest is now open, inviting local high school students to reflect on the legacy of Rosa Parks and explore how young people today can use social media to inspire change.
This year's theme:
📱 Quiet Courage to Digital Voices
🏆 Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Contest Details ⬇️
📚 Who can enter? Students in grades 9–12 who live in Grand Rapids or attend a school in Grand Rapids.
📅 Deadline: October 21, 2026
📢 Winners announced: December 4, 2026
👉 Learn more, read the full prompt, and find submission details here: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/equity-and-engagement/community-opportunity/rosa-parks-essay-contest/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

We look forward to reading your ideas and seeing how you'll use your voice to help shape the future.

09/03/2026

Community Voices Wanted!

The CRC is a City board that connects community concerns to action! We make recommendations to City Leadership about policy, ordinances, and community education that is responsive and reflective of the community’s needs. Everyone is welcome, please come be part of the conversation!

09/01/2026

🍎 🍂 September is here, and we’re kicking off a month filled with culture, connection, and community strength! 🍁 🌻

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15)
Let’s celebrate the vibrant histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. This month is all about honoring heritage, amplifying voices, and embracing the richness these cultures bring to our lives. 🎉

Su***de Prevention Awareness Month
This month reminds us that every life matters. Let’s work together to break stigma, support one another, and spread hope. A small conversation, a check‑in, or a kind word can make a big difference. 💛

Let’s fill September with learning, celebration, and compassion as we continue building a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

***dePreventionAwareness

08/19/2026

Our office had a great time supporting this year's A Glimpse of Africa Festival!

08/12/2026

The Office of Equity and Engagement was a proud sponsor of this year's Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. We had a fun time connecting with community members and experiencing the culture of our Hispanic community. We are thankful for events like these that create opportunities for us to embrace the richness in diversity. Thank you to the team at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan that organized this successful event.

08/11/2026

Community Voices Wanted!

The Community Relations Commission (CRC) is a City board that connects community concerns to action! We make recommendations to City Leadership about policy, ordinances, and community education that is responsive and reflective of the community’s needs. Everyone is welcome, please come be part of the conversation!

08/03/2026

🎉🌟💛🌍 August is here, and it’s packed with powerful celebrations that lifts up our history, culture, and community! Let’s make it a month of learning, honoring, and celebrating together. 🌍💛🌟🎉


🤎 Black Business Month shines a spotlight on Black-owned businesses whose creativity, leadership, and passion fuel our communities.

📜 Voting Rights Act Anniversary (1965) (August 6) celebrates the milestone that protected the power of every voice.

🌎 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (August 9) honors the strength, traditions, and brilliance of Indigenous communities worldwide.

💙 World Humanitarian Day (August 19) shows the appreciation for the everyday heroes who step up for others in times of need.

👴 Senior Citizens Day (August 21) celebrates the wisdom, joy, and lifelong contributions of older adults in our lives.

⚖️ Women’s Equality Day & 19th Amendment Anniversary (1920) (August 26) recognizes the trailblazers who fought for women’s right to vote and those continuing the push for equality today.

🎁 Raksha Bandhan (August 28) sending warm wishes to all celebrating this beautiful tradition of love, protection, and family bonds.


Let us uplift one another, celebrate our diversity, and continue building a more inclusive world one day, one voice, one action at a time!

07/23/2026

The Grand Rapids City Commission, along with Mayor David LaGrand, proclaimed July 2026 as Disability Pride Month to honor the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and celebrate the achievements and experiences of people with disabilities.

The proclamation highlights the importance of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging for all residents and reaffirms the city’s commitment to supporting community members with diverse abilities.