County of Kent issued the following announcement on Feb 5.
In 1927, Merze Tate was the first Black woman to graduate with a bachelor's degree from Western State Teachers College, now known as Western Michigan University. In the years to follow, more West Michigan colleges saw students of color earn their degrees: Sadie Gale Barham graduated from Calvin College in 1953. Joan Burch, Annie Jacobs, and James Moore were the first graduates of color at Grand Valley State University in 1967 after its establishment in 1960.
These accomplishments opened the door for the establishment of Black and multicultural student organizations, associations, clubs, fraternities and sororities which provided a more inclusive space for students and allowed them to have a voice on campus and in the community.
The pursuit of advanced education also saw more Black professors and leaders in higher education institutions. In May 2017 Dr. Bill Pink became Grand Rapids Community College’s 10th president and the first African-American appointed to the post in the 100-plus years of the institution.
Original source can be found here.
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