Our Inclusive Community
The people of Grand Rapids reflect the full range of human experience – in who they are, where they come from, what they look like, how they worship and so much more. All of them have contributed their own unique colors and brushstrokes to the canvas of Grand Rapids, creating a rich, vibrant community that emphasizes collaboration while honoring diversity.
However, we as a community recognize that we can and should do more to make all of our citizens feel equally included. The Office of Equity and Engagement for the city of Grand Rapids is dedicated to promoting community, workforce and supplier diversity to help ensure that everyone gets to participate in the area’s economic success and quality of life. Likewise, Kent County is committed to advancing a culture that demonstrates Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement
Experience Grand Rapids is committed to ensuring that our mission assists Grand Rapids/Kent County become a more sustainable, diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive destination.
Every effort will be made to ensure all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, visible and invisible disabilities, class, cultural and religious beliefs are welcomed throughout our community.
For us, inclusion is not an endpoint, but rather a continuing effort to make both residents and visitors feel more at home, more empowered and more delighted with their time here. We’ll highlight some of our – and the region’s – progress on this page.
Jordoun Eatman Vice President of Engagement & Inclusion
Learn MoreLocally Owned & Operated LGBTQ+ Businesses to Check Out
- by Rick Jensen photo by Experience Grand Rapids
- 14 min story
Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned and operated LGBTQIA+ businesses. The city…
The 49507 Project Mural Tour
- by Shayna Haynes Heard photo by Leda Theres for The 49507 Project. Artist: E'lla Webber.
- 6 min story
The 49507 Project is a liberated public arts project unlike anything that I’ve…
The 49507 Project Mural Tour
- by Shayna Haynes Heard photo by Leda Theres for The 49507 Project. Artist: E'lla Webber.
- 6 min story
The 49507 Project is a liberated public arts project unlike anything that I’ve seen in West…
LGBTQIA+ in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is a perfect destination for LGTBQIA+ travelers – inclusive, hip and just plain (affordable) fun.
The People of this Place
Before we can look forward, we must take a look back at the people who helped shape West Michigan, from the first French fur traders to the latest influx of refugees escaping wars and others seeking a better standard living. Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum to view the Newcomers: the People of this Place exhibit – and check out this video for a quick overview. Then, see what Kent County is doing today to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans.
History of African Americans in GR
Interested in exploring the work Experience Grand Rapids is doing in our community?
Learn more