Signature event
Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo Legacy Events
The Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo Legacy Committee is a diverse group of business professionals who volunteer their time each year to help achieve a common goal; to promote through scholarships positive examples in our state’s African American community as well as educate our youth on the importance of using African American history as a platform for future growth.
February 2020 marked the 13th Annual Grand Rapids and 8th Annual Kalamazoo Black History celebration. Community leaders, corporations, schools, and individuals support this unique annual affair through sponsorship and donations. In the past twelve years, the Legacy Events have presented more than $115,000 through student scholarships & funding to black non-profit organizations; leaving a legacy of enriched, enlightened, and joyful connections.
Mr. Fenorris Pearson joined us as the keynote. Mr. Pearson is the CEO and Chairman of Pursuit of Hope, LLC. He is also a bestselling author, innovator, and human capital expert with decades of experience in his field. He is one of few people worldwide to have become a Vice President at the senior level of two Fortune 100 companies, Dell and Motorola, before the age of 40.
2020 Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo Legacy Luncheon
Over 400 members of the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo communities attend the Legacy Events each year.
Each year, our planning committee consists of student volunteers from Grand Rapids University Preparatory. The students assist with planning logistics, and hands-on work during the event.
Thank you to our sponsors for helping continue the Legacy for our youth.
The 2019 Grand Rapids Legacy Luncheon was so well supported, the committee was able to award an additional $1,000 to our scholarship recipient - The Fostering Futures Scholarship managed by Michigan Education Trust to help with foster youth education expenses.
Kalamazoo Black Business Pitch Winner, Dr. Croom Veterinary Service
Kalamazoo Black Business Pitch participant, Be Well Beautiful Woman.
2020 Kalamazoo Legacy Luncheon held at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Grand Rapids Black Business Pitch Winners, Daddy's Dough Cookies.
Each Grand Rapids Black Business Pitch participant received a free vendor booth to promote their services. Photo: Bump to Birth Doula.
Our sponsors were so moved that each Black Business in both Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo received money for their business. Photo: Valarie James with VSJ Fitness in Grand Rapids.