Don’t forget what we did in Grand Rapids when Trump was elected the first time – informing what we can do now
While the prospect of another Trump Administration might be overwhelming and nightmarish, it is important that we remember how people in the Grand Rapids area responded to his first administration.
In fact, even before Trump took office, there was a protest of more than a thousand people in Grand Rapids the day after the 2016 Election, with a Not My President protest. (WXMI 17 numbers are wrong)
With a very similar anti-immigrant campaign message in the 2016 campaign, people in Grand Rapids began organizing in preparation for a possible increase in ICE arrests. About a dozen people met with Grand Rapids City officials to talk about making Grand Rapids a Sanctuary City and to get the GRPD to not cooperate with ICE. I was at that meeting and wrote about it.
Remember how many people from the Grand Rapids area travelled to DC for a massive march organized by various groups, but mostly women’s groups that were ready to denounce the misogyny of the new administration.
When Trump attempted to implement his Muslim Ban, people from all over the country protested at airports, demonstrating that they would not tolerate blatant anti-Muslim discrimination. In Grand Rapids, there were two protests, the first in late January of 2017, and the second one a week later, both of which had hundreds of protests, with the majority being from refugee communities.
Immigrant Justice Movement
Probably the largest movement that responded to the Trump Administration anti-immigrant rhetoric and the increased activity of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was the immigrant justice movement.
Kent County began its contract with ICE in 2012. In looking at previous documentation, there was never any real opposition to this contract by any members of the Kent County Commission, from the adoption of the contract in 2012, through the contract’s termination in 2019.
Beginning in the early part of 2018, the group GR Rapid Response to ICE began investigating contracts that ICE might have had in Kent County. We discovered that there was a contract that began in 2012, a contract extension signed in 2017, and a 2018 letter from the National Sheriffs’ Association sent to Congress, which then Kent County Sheriff Larry Stelma had signed onto. The letter presented a false narrative, which stated in part:
Because Congress has failed to enact the necessary reforms, our citizens and legal residents face even greater dangers, our national security is more vulnerable, and our enforcement efforts have been seriously compromised.
Once we had collected all of this information, GR Rapid Response to ICE and Movimineto Cosecha GR decided to begin a campaign to End the Contract between ICE and the Kent County Sheriff’s Department. Since the Sheriff’s Department had no public meetings, we decided to plan an action at the Kent County Commission meeting in late June of 2018.
Just weeks prior to the publicly announced plan to attend the Kent County Commission meeting, the Trump administration had been detaining immigrants at the US/Mexican border, putting them in detention centers, where images of children in cages became national news. When planning the first action to end the contract, we used the national news to make it clear that ICE was not just separating families at the border, they were also separating families in Kent County.
We packed the room at the June 28, 2018 Kent County Commission, with some 250 people who came to say End the Contract Now! The Republican Commissioners left the room when we decided to take over the meeting, as did some of the Democratic Commissioners. I wrote about this action, which you can read here.
This was the beginning of actions taken to End the Contract. Here is a list of everything we did to End the ICE Contract:
- We held dozens of strategy meetings, which always resulted in planning future actions.
- We attended every Kent County Commission Meeting to continue to make our demands, to offer testimony on family separation that was happening by ICE in Kent County and to monitor any comments made by commissioners about the contract.
- Some of the people involved in the campaign met with individual commissioners
- We ran a petition campaign to End the Contract, which we delivered at one of the Commission meetings.
- We held a protest outside of Chairman Saalfeld’s home the night before one of the commission meetings.
- We organized several protests at the Kent County Jail.
- We organized several protest outside of the various ICE offices in downtown Grand Rapids.
- We organized a disruption protest during ArtPrize, on their main stage, drawing attention to family separation in Kent County.
- We created educational materials, which we distributed.
- We created artwork and had sign making parties.
- We spoke to community-based groups about the campaign.
- We utilized social media to education and get the word out about the End the Contract Campaign.
- We held a People’s Commission action during one of the Kent County Commission meetings.
- We worked with the Western Michigan branch of the ACLU and MIRC, who not only obtained their own FOIA documents, but offered their legal expertise on why Kent County was not legally obligated to cooperate with ICE.
As you can see from this list, we spent a great deal of time and energy to End the Contract in Kent County.
Then the GRPD called ICE on Jilmar Ramos Gomez, a US citizen and former Marine, who was suffering from PTSD and started a fire at Spectrum Hospital. Based on the FOIA documents that were obtained by the Grand Rapids Civilian Appeal Board, it was clear that Captain Curt VanderKooi demonstrated racial bias in the Jilmar Ramos Case. This story began to get national news and within a few months, the acting Kent County Sheriff had changed their policy with ICE, by requiring ICE to get a judicial warrant to put a hold on people who were in the Kent County Jail.
This was a victory for the campaign, since 6 months before all of this, no one was talking about the ICE contract with Kent County. The Sheriff’s decision to require a judicial warrant was a direct result of our pressure campaign to End the Contract and the constant news media attention we were getting and creating ourselves. However, the contract with ICE was still in place and was up for renewal in September of 2019.
In the meantime, families affected by ICE violence and some of the lawyers who represented them, shared with us that as a way of getting around the County’s requirement to get a judicial warrant to hold people, ICE was now waiting inside the Kent County Jail and apprehending people who were about to be released from the jail and taking them to detention in Battle Creek.
We were still receiving calls every week from people in the community who had family members arrested and detained by ICE, so we continued with the work to End the Contract.
In late August, we organized another march/protest at the Kent County Jail, where we took over the lobby area in the jail. During the protest inside the jail, we invited several people to share their stories about how ICE had been waiting inside the Kent County Jail to apprehend their family members, just as they were about to be released. This action also generated a great deal of news media attention.
The very next day, the day after our action at the Kent County Jail, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying that ICE would be terminating their contract with Kent County in September and would not be renewing their contract with the jail. This, we believe, was a direct result of the End the Contract Campaign, which had begun 13 months prior.
This is how the contract with ICE had ended. For members of the Kent County Democratic Party to claim they ended the contract is not only absurd, it is an out right lie. In fact, Democratic Kent County Commissioners fought the movement to End the Contract, engaged in gaslighting of some of the latinx organizers and made no public effort to support our demands or work to End the Contract. One Democratic Kent County Commissioner went so far as to mock the very organizers of the End the Contract Campaign, often referring to what we were doing as Bolshevik cosplay.
The ICE contract with Kent County happened because the of the countless hours and deep passion that organizers and volunteers put in to force the end of the contract, since the campaign was polarizing so many people. The End the Contract campaign was the direct result of the immigrant justice movement in Kent County, demonstrating once again the power social movements can have in our communities.
Trump 2.0
What this brief history of organizing and resistance that began in 2016 tells me is that people did not just sit on their asses or complain about what was happening, they got organized and fought back.
As someone who participated in much of this organized resistance, I witnessed a whole new generation of activists/organizers. In addition, there was a lot of great work around Mutual Aid and a growing abolitionist framework to the work that was being done. Now, I’m not suggesting that we simply replicate what was done then, but we can match the level of participation in the resistance from the first Trump Administration, learn from it, and continue to find new ways to engage in both resistance work and care work. Let’s not sit around and wait for the next election or think that voting will save us. Instead, let’s build robust social movements that can practice collective liberation for a better world.
Protecting those with economic power: On why the GR Chamber invited Chief Winstrom to share leadership lessons
On Tuesday, November 19th, from 7:30 – 9am, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast with GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom for a what they are calling a “Leadership Lesson.”
This event, where Winstrom will share his perspective on leadership, is completely understandable, especially when you consider the interests of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and its members.
The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, as I have been documenting over the years, is primarily concerned with business interests and the promotion and perpetuation of the economic system of Capitalism. The GR Chamber of Commerce can say that they want to make sure that everyone thrives who lives in this city (their words), but such sentiment is dishonest and deceptive.
For me, I am much more interested in the actions of any organization, and the actions of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce certainly tells a story. Look at the role that the Grand Rapids Chamber played in pushing and promoting the criminalization of the unhoused in Grand Rapids, starting with their own proposal in December of 2022, through the Chamber influenced policy that was adopted by the City of Grand Rapids in July of 2023.
In addition, the GR Chamber of Commerce has a long history of funding Republican candidates, which adopt policies that hurt the working class and BIPOC communities. Then there is the fact that the GR Chamber of Commerce has been pumping money into local, non-partisan campaigns in Grand Rapids. This was the case in 2022, when they backed now City Commission Andrew Robbins, plus the backing of local candidates in the 2024 election. It is also important to mention that the GR Chamber of Commerce contributed $50,000 to the hotel tax increase ballot initiative that was adopted in August, a campaign that will direct hotel/motel taxes to fund the amphitheater, soccer stadium and any other projects that will primarily benefit those who own downtown Grand Rapids.
When it comes to GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom, the GR Chamber’s choice to have him speak is crystal clear. As the head of the GRPD, Winstrom’s objective – like all police departments – is to primarily protect those with political and economic power, which most often means making sure that the upward flow of capital to those who own this city will not be disrupted or challenged.
The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce has the full support of Chief Winstrom to make sure that the unhoused do not make the business & professional people who live downtown uncomfortable, nor the tourists who come to Grand Rapids to spend their money.
Chief Winstrom has been happy to do just that, along with making sure that activists don’t disrupt the upward flow of money to the Capitalist Class in Grand Rapids, which is exactly why he has been targeting various actions in recent years. Winstrom has also lied to reporters about such incidents, as I have also documented.
Lastly, it is important to note that Chief Winstrom has on numerous occasions made dismissive comments about those who have been involved in protesting and challenging systems of power and oppression in Grand Rapids. His dismissive comments against people who protest are merely an attempt to present them as people who like to complain or those who don’t do anything positive for the community. Nothing could be further from the truth, as I noted in an article from last year.
So what are the lessons we can learn from the GR Chamber of Commerce’s decision to host Chief Winstrom? The lessons are, 1) those with economic and political power always need the police to protect their interests, and 2) the police will always try to put a stop to anyone who wants to disrupt business as usual and the upward flow of money to those who own Grand Rapids.
2 Ways to oppose the $565 million subsidy for the DeVos/Van Andel development project in downtown Grand Rapids
There will be numerous housing related matters discussed and presented during this Tuesday’s Grand Rapids City Commission meeting.
Several of the housing issues that will be presented have to do with funding, along with a public hearing that is specific to the DeVos/Van Andel development project on Fulton and Market.
As I reported nearly three weeks ago, the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved a $565 million subsidy to the DeVos/Van Andel development project. This $565 million subsidy to the two billionaire family development project needs to be opposed, and here are two things you can do:
First, you can sign and share the Action Alert created by the Grand Rapids Area Tenant Union, an Action Alert that will go directly to the Mayor, the Grand Rapids City Commissioners and the Grand Rapids City Manager.
Second, you can attend the Grand Rapids City Commission meeting at 2pm (do you think the city deliberately scheduled this public hearing for 2pm, since they knew there would be opposition???). The Public Hearing for the $565 million subsidy for the DeVos/Van Andel development project will be towards the end of the City Commission meeting. Anyone who opposes the $565 million subsidy will have a chance to speak during the Public Hearing portion of the City Commission meeting.
The Grand Rapids Area Tenant Union (GRATU) has provided several important talking points that people can use while addressing the Grand Rapids City Commission, such as:
- No subsidies for billionaire families. Make them pay for it!
- The rental rates of the 595 apartments this DeVos/Van Andel project proposes to build are unaffordable for a majority of the population. Studio apartments in the new development will go for $2,643 per month, $2,833 for a one-bedroom, $3,401 for a two-bedroom. GRATU is proposing that the DeVos/Van Andel development project charge $400 for a studio apartment, $500 for a one-bedroom and $800 for a two-bedroom apartment, prices that align with 30% of the median income in Grand Rapids.
The New York Times recently reported that Grand Rapids is one of the worst cities in the U.S. for renters. - Rents have increased up to 27% since 2020, while wages have not kept up with inflation.
- The median monthly rent for an apartment in Grand Rapids was $1,100 in 2020 and is now $1,400, an increase of $300 each month.
- People are paying an average of $3600 more rent per year than they did in 2020, while the minimum wage increase during those 4 years only provides an additional $1400 per year for the 40-hour-a-week worker.
- The DeVos/Van Andel company is proposing to offer $425,000 annually over a 20 year period, a total of $8.5 million, to go towards the City’s Affordable Housing Fund. Yet the DeVos and Van Andel Foundations together generate assets of roughly $500 million on an annual basis. GRATU is proposing that the DeVos and Van Andel Foundations provide $5 million a year over the next 20 years, $100 million total, to the Affordable Housing Fund.
Public funds for public housing, not for billionaires! People over profits!
Palestine Solidarity Information, Analysis, Local Actions and Events for the week of November 10th
It has been 13 months since the Israeli government began their most recent assault on Gaza and the West Bank. The retaliation for the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel, has escalated to what the international community has called genocide, therefore, GRIID will be providing weekly links to information and analysis that we think can better inform us of what is happening, along with the role that the US government is playing. We will also provide information on local events and actions that people can get involved in. All of this information is to provide people with the capacity of what Noam Chomsky refers to as, intellectual self-defense.
Information
Israel Bombs Refugee Camps After Inking $5.2 Billion Deal for US F-15 Fighter Jets
Save the Children in Gaza: Israel Bombs Polio Vax Site, Bans UNRWA in Attacks on Humanitarian Aid
Israeli Forces Declare Plan for Ethnic Cleansing of Northernmost Part of Gaza
UNRWA: 67 Children Killed by Israeli Attacks on Average Each Day in Gaza
Analysis & History
Exterminate, Expel, Resettle: Israel’s Endgame In Northern Gaza
How Devaluing Palestinian Lives Became a Western Obsession
Despite History of Fabrication, Press Uncritically Covers IDF-Provided Documents on Hamas
Image used in this post is from https://visualizingpalestine.org/visual/u-s-military-and-humanitarian-funding/.
Statement I am delivering to Kent County Commissioners Thursday morning: Why I oppose $100 Million of public money for the Soccer Stadium
Editor’s Note: If you are reading this, the message I am delivering will/did take place on Thursday, November 7th at 8:30am, during the Kent County Commission meeting.
On October 18th, Grand Action 2.0 sent a letter to the Chair of the Kent County Commission, Stan Stek and Grand Rapids Mayor, Rosalynn Bliss. The letter states:
In preparation for the November 7th Kent County Commission meeting, the Agenda for that meeting (which you can access here under Board of Commissioners) the Kent County Commission had already crafted a resolution that would fully support Grand Action 2.0’s request for an addition $100 million. That resolutions reads:
WHEREAS, on August 22, 2024, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with Grand Rapids to cover principle and interest payments on a $27.5 million bond to construct the Acrisure Amphitheater with Lodging Excise Tax revenues and also approved an amendment to the Lodging Excise Tax Ordinance, increasing the tax rate from 5% to 8% effective January 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Kent County has received a second funding request from Grand Action to cover the public funding gap for the soccer stadium which totals approximately $100 million; and
WHEREAS, the City of Grand Rapids and Kent County have finalized an amendment to the August 2024 agreement which would allocate revenue from three- eighths of the Lodging Excise Tax Fund (LET) (i.e., the amount captured as a result of the 3% rate increase) in the amount needed to pay the principle and interest on a $100 million bond, plus the cost of issuance, issued by the City. The payment schedule will be finalized when the bonds are issued in early 2025; and
WHEREAS, additionally, a one-time distribution from the Convention and Arena Authority will be sent through the County to the City, amounting to 1.5 times the average annual bond payment, primarily to be held in reserve and partially used for the first year of bond payments. The reserve will be held until the bonds expire at which time, assuming the CAA has been repaid for the initial funding, the funds will be returned to the County. Over the period of the bond, all interest earned on the debt reserve will also be returned to the County; and
WHEREAS, in the event that revenues from three-eighths of the LET are insufficient to entirely cover the City’s bond payment, the City will first use the bond reserve and then its general fund to fulfill its obligation to the bond holders. The City may regenerate the bond reserve and repay the City using future surpluses of three-eighths of the LET and/or funds accumulated in the LET coming from three-eighths of lodging tax revenue.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners approve an amendment to the agreement with the City of Grand Rapids to allocate revenue from the Lodging Excise Tax Fund to cover principle and interest payments on a $100 million bond, plus the cost of issuance, for the purposes of constructing a soccer stadium.
Commissioner ____ moved adoption of the resolution.
It would appear that such a resolution is a clear indication that the issue was a done deal, but despite the overwhelming disregard for public input, the Kent County Commission will likely adopt said resolution and make sure that “economic expansion will benefit everyone in Kent County”, which is the way that the Grand Action 2.0 letter from October 18 read.
What follows is what I am reading during public comment during the November 7th Kent County Commission meeting.
As a 45 year resident of Kent County, I am appalled that this body is willing to give $100 million, of public money, to the Grand Action 2.0 Soccer Stadium project. You already approved the hotel tax increase, and now you want to give $100 million to a project that will primarily benefit the members of Grand Action 2.0, people who are already disgustingly rich.
I am a volunteer organizer with the Grand Rapids Area Tenant Union. We hear from tenants every week who are dealing with shitty landlords and property management companies. However, the number one issue they are facing is the cost of rent. According to the National Low Income housing Coalition, people living in the Grand Rapids are need to earn $25.50 and hour just to afford the average cost of rent. The minimum wage in MI is $10.33 an hour, so how the hell do you expect people to afford rent and other basic necessities?
Also, the most recent ALICE report – ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – says that 41% of people living in Michigan are living paycheck to paycheck. That number goes up to 47% for people who live in Grand Rapids!
People are hurting and you want to give $100 million for Soccer Stadium? The people who run Grand Action 2.0 could easily cover that cost, since their collective wealth is roughly $10 billion. Why do elected officials always decide to use public funds for projects like these when so many people are struggling to survive?
If someone was paying $1500 a month for rent, that would be $18,000 a year. $100 million would cover the cost of rent for 5555 tenants for an entire year, which would not only provide them with a tremendous amount of relief, it would better serve the needs of people who live in Kent County. Please vote against giving $100 million of public dollars to billionaires, their friends, and the arguments they use about economic impact. We all know who will benefit from the Soccer Stadium and it won’t be the people living paycheck to paycheck. How you vote on this is a reflection of who you give your allegiance to.
For further reading on the Soccer Stadium since it was first presented, here are several GRIID articles I have written about the Grand Action 2.0 proposal.
Power Dynamics, community engagement and the Grand Action Soccer Stadium proposal
Daily Grand Rapids News agencies fail the public miserably when it comes to reporting on local candidates
For the past 25 years, GRIID has been monitoring local news in varying capacities. I have been monitoring the 4 daily news agencies – MLive, WOODTV8, WZZM 13 and WXMI 17 – documenting various issues, like election coverage.
One thing that is vitally important for local news agencies, is to report on local candidates and races that impact people right here in Kent County and Grand Rapids. There are numerous sources of information when it comes to Presidential and other federal candidates, even state races.
In my local news monitoring work, it is painfully clear that when it comes to reporting on local electoral races and candidates, the local news miserably fails the public. And just to be clear, when I say local election/candidate coverage, I am speaking about Grand Rapids races and Kent County races. On November 5th, there are only three races in Grand Rapids – the Mayoral race, the 1st Ward and the 3rd Ward Commissioner races. There are also four open seats for the Grand Rapids Public School Board of Education, plus one open seat for Grand Rapids Community College Trustee.
For Kent County, there are a significantly larger number of local election races, such as the 21 Kent County Commissioner races, the race for Sheriff, Prosecutor, Treasurer, Clerk and Drain Commissioner. In addition, there are numerous Kent County judicial seats up for election on November 5th, such as the 3 races for 17th Circuit Judge, 2 races for Probate Judge, 2 races for the 61st District Judge, 1 race for 62A District Judge and 1 race for 63rd District Judge.
Now, since Labor Day – when candidates and campaigns really ramp up – the amount of stories having to do with the local elections has been dismal, especially with the three Grand Rapids-based TV stations. Here are the number for local election coverage on local TV:
- WOODTV8 – 4 stories since Labor Day
- WZZM 13 – 2 stories since Labor Day
- WXMI 17 – 4 stories since Labor Day
The 4 stories run by WOODTV8 were a story about the Mayor’s Youth Council asking GR Mayoral candidates questions, a brief interview with GR Mayoral Candidate LaGrand, a brief interview with Mayoral Candidate Lenear, and a story announcing a debate between the two Mayoral Candidates.
With WZZM 13, there was one story about the Mayor’s Youth Council asking the GR Mayoral candidates questions and a second story about the GR Mayoral Candidates debate at Wealthy Theater.
WXMI 17 also had four local election stories, one about the upcoming Mayor’s Youth Council candidate forum, one after the Mayor’s Youth Council candidate forum, an announcement about a GR Mayoral candidate debate, and a story about the GR Mayoral Candidates debate at Wealthy Theater.
It seems pretty clear that over the past two months, the only local election races that were worthy of local TV news coverage, was the Grand Rapids Mayoral Race. This means that none of the three Grand Rapids-based TV station did a single story about the following candidates/races:
- 1st Ward Grand Rapids City Commission Seat
- 3rd Ward Grand Rapids City Commission Seat
- 4 open seats for the Grand Rapids Public School Board of Education
- 1 open seat for Grand Rapids Community College Trustee
- 21 Kent County Commission races
- Kent County Sheriff race
- Kent County Prosecutor race
- Kent County Clerk race
- Kent County Treasurer race
- Kent County Drain Commissioner race
- 3 races for 17th Circuit Judge
- 2 races for Probate Judge
- 2 races for the 61st District Judge
- 1 race for 62A District Judge
- 1 race for 63rd District Judge
When it came to MLive reporting on local election, it wasn’t much better. There were a total of 25 articles since Labor Day regarding local elections. However, in 22 of the MLive posts there was no real reporting being done. In fact, most of the MLive local election coverage for 2024 are a brief bio of the candidates, followed by candidate responses to question posed by MLive and the League of Women Voters. Now, I’m not saying that candidate surveys are not useful for the public, but this is not journalism. Journalism would require reporters to ask follow up questions, a verification of the claims being made by candidates and a look at past voting records for the candidates that are incumbents.
MLive did post three local election stories that were not candidate surveys. One story was about the Mayor’s Youth Council Mayoral Candidate Forum, a second was about a candidate forum hosted by a community group with both the GR Mayoral candidates and the 2 candidates running for the Grand Rapids 3rd Ward seat, and a 3rd story about misleading mailers being circulated in the 1st Ward City Commission race, mailers that attacked one of the candidates.
Lastly, there was one additional way that the local news agencies failed the public, which was not one single story about campaign finances in the City or County races. By comparison, the local news all did stories about the new “I Voted” stickers, which should tell you something about whether or not the local news agencies have a commitment to informing the local community when it comes to local elections.
Follow the Money: DeVos and other members of the Grand Rapids Power Structure are some of the largest political donors in Michigan in 2024
“My family is the largest single contributor of soft money to the national Republican Party. I have decided to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence,” she wrote. “Now I simply concede the point. They are right.” Betsy DeVos wrote in a 1997 editorial for Roll Call
We are just hours away from the November 5th election, but I wanted to provide one last bit of campaign finance information. According to the online source transparencyusa.org, there are 14 people from West Michigan, many of whom are part of the Grand Rapids Power Structure, which are in the top 50 of those who have contributed the most to campaign committees and candidates in Michigan To see the complete list go to this link.
I am listing the following people from West Michigan, with their number in the ranking of top contributors, followed by their name and the amount of campaign money they have contributed.
6. Maria & Doug DeVos – $$1,055,400.00
9. Daniel DeVos – $869,550.00
14. Suzanne Cheryl DeVos – $737,900.00
17. Daniel Hibma – $646,780.76
20. Mark Meijer – $553,500.00
23. J.C. Huizenga – $526,600.00
24. Betsy DeVos – $520,025.00
31. Richard Hayworth – $436,275.00
35. John Kennedy III – $350,425.00
37. Hendrik Meijer – $350,000.00
38. Douglas Meijer – $350,000.00
44. Richard M. DeVos Jr. – $296,175.50
48. Michael Jandernoa – $278,225.00
50. Richard M. DeVos Sr. – $269,450.00
Now, there are two additional things to know about this list. First, this is political money going to State level races and Political Action Committees, which means it does not include federal races and local county and city races.
Second, if you go to this link and then click on any of the names I have listed above, you can also see which candidates and PACs these individuals contributed to. Virtually all of the people listed gave their money to Republican committees or Republican candidates. The only exceptions are the three Meijer brothers. Most of the money went to the Meijer PAC, which has given to both Republicans and Democrats in 2024.
It is safe to say when it comes to campaign funding for State offices and Political Action Committees in Michigan, the Capitalist Class from West Michigan wields more political influence within Michigan than any other part of the state.
Palestine Solidarity Information, Analysis, Local Actions and Events for the week of November 3rd
It has been a little more than 1 year since the Israeli government began their most recent assault on Gaza and the West Bank. The retaliation for the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel, has escalated to what the international community has called genocide, therefore, GRIID will be providing weekly links to information and analysis that we think can better inform us of what is happening, along with the role that the US government is playing. We will also provide information on local events and actions that people can get involved in. All of this information is to provide people with the capacity of what Noam Chomsky refers to as, intellectual self-defense.
Information
Netanyahu allies push to recolonize Gaza as US election nears
Israel’s Extremists Have a Plan for the Day after the Genocide
Report: US Sitting on Nearly 500 Reports of US Weapons Killing Civilians in Gaza
With Israel’s Move to Ban UNRWA, ‘A New Way Has Been Found to Kill Children’
Israel’s Horrific Assault Leaves No Sanctuary in Jabalia
Literary Institutions Are Pressuring Authors to Remain Silent About Gaza
In Midst of Palestinian Genocide, Late Hamas Leader Scolded for ‘Eradicating’ Israel
The Truth Behind Israel’s War on 7 Fronts
Morning Joe: Dems’ Favorite Show, Blatant Pro-Israel Propaganda
Analysis & History
The Erasure of Palestine: Colonialism and a Century of Struggle
“Genocide as Colonial Erasure”: U.N. Expert Francesca Albanese on Israel’s “Intent to Destroy” Gaza
Events
Free Gaza: Post-Election Rally for a People’s Agenda
Wednesday, November 6 at 6pm, Rosa Parks Circle
Image used in this post is from https://www.boughtbyzionism.org/, which provides great information on Pro-Israel money going to politicians, the weapons manufacturers, along with AIPAC & Zionist lobbying groups.
Grand Rapids for Education Justice 2024 GRPS Board Candidate Q & A
Editor’s note: GRIID was asked to post this information by the local group, Grand Rapids for Education Justice. Since GRIID has worked with them before, we were happy to post this on their behalf.
As a non-partisan student and teacher advocacy group, Grand Rapids for Education Justice (GREJ) promotes educational justice and academic excellence within Grand Rapids Public Schools. Our diverse membership includes educators, parents, and community leaders with decades of experience.
We’ve received answers to our questions from six of the seven candidates (the ballot shows eight candidates, but Norma M. Lopez has pulled her candidacy). Candidates Tonya Williams and Richard Williamson replied as individuals. Candidates Jordoun Eatman (incumbent), Amber Kilpatrick, Eleanor Moreno, and Ismalis Nuñez opted to reply as a collective slate composed of the four individuals.
Below, you’ll find candidates’ responses to 11 questions, addressing key issues and challenges facing our district. Our commentary and analysis accompany responses, providing context and insights grounded in GREJ’s commitment to educational justice and academic excellence.
We appreciate the candidates who took the time to address our questions and share their visions for GRPS. Our commentary aims to foster constructive dialogue, promote transparency, and advance the values central to our mission of good and equitable education for all students of Grand Rapids.
Question 1:
GREJ previously reported academic disparities between GRPS schools, disproportionately impacting minority students, due to inadequate facility conditions, unequal transportation access, and systemic barriers. Have you reviewed recent data on these disparities and, if so, how would you address them to achieve equity across schools?
Tonya Williams:
Yes, I have viewed and helped assess the research that was needed to gather the data. As with other priorities, all must receive the focus needed to be addressed. One of the ways I would like to combat these issues is with community engagement. Getting the community a chance to assist in ways of engagement. Accountability, to design a point of contact who would remain accountable to those in the community as well as work with the community to provide a line of communication, to work together to address and eliminate inadequate facility conditions, unequal transportation and Systemic barriers and so on.
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
As a slate, our priority is to ensure equity across GRPS so every student has the opportunity to succeed. We recognize that systemic barriers disproportionately impact students of color, and closing these gaps requires a thoughtful review of how resources are allocated throughout the district. After reviewing recent data, we see a clear need for targeted improvements in areas like safe and well-maintained transportation. Our approach will focus on collaborating with the community to create sustainable solutions that uplift all students.
We will advocate for a district-wide assessment of school buildings, ensuring that funding is directed where it’s most needed to create safe learning environments for all. The data shows significant gaps in infrastructure, with some schools lacking essential upgrades such as proper heating, cooling, and technology. This reinforces the urgency of equitable investment so that every student, regardless of their school, has an environment that supports students’ learning.
In addition, equitable resource distribution must include improving transportation access. Feedback from families and educators has made it clear that inconsistent transportation creates barriers to success. We will maintain communications with Dean’s Transportation to explore solutions to ensure all students have access to reliable transportation and the support needed to thrive.
(GREJ response:
While agreeing with a number of your points regarding educational disparity within GRPS, we strongly concur with the transportation issues you have raised. Those problems have been prevalent since the privatization of the busing service with Dean. We focused on the problem years ago and are convinced that the difficulty is systemic and inherent to privatization and private control. No amount of interaction with Dean will reverse that reality. We believe that public schools should return to public drivers with retirement benefits, including insurance and pensions.)
Richard Williamson:
I believe our district must refocus our investments at the building and classroom level where student learning occurs, rather than administration. We must use the successful programs, cultures, and practices in many of our schools as models and replicate them across the district. In reviewing data on our district, it is clear one of the best ways to overcome learning disparities is through equitable investment in our neighborhood schools and for students with unique and greater needs. As someone who benefited tremendously from speech therapy and reading and math intervention, I know from experience the difference this can make for our students.
(GREJ response:
The GREJ concurs with your objective to increase investment in facilities housing minority studies and would add all academic accoutrements, including equal curriculum updates, teacher appreciation and recognition, extracurricular activities, food services, and transportation. The positive experiences and wisdom attained in previous school programs, which you suggest, should indeed be emulated. That includes the reinstatement of past alternative education buildings and programs, which for irrational reasons were eradicated by GRPS.)
Question 2:
GRPS faces a significant challenge with teacher compensation and retention, exacerbated by a larger pay gap between teachers and administrators compared to neighboring districts. Furthermore, parents have expressed concerns about teacher vacancies and the reliance on long-term substitutes. How would you address these interconnected issues to attract and retain top teaching talent, ensure stability in the classroom, and promote student achievement?
Tonya Williams:
This has been an issue for teachers to gain competitive wages for decades. As like myself, teachers are under a union contract. As the teachers union contract comes to an end, I would like to see the leadership and spokesman on both sides, strategize prior to the end of the contract, to meet the wage compensation for teachers . Eliminating bargaining, and meeting the need as well as attract dedicated, compassionate and committed teachers back to the district, with resources and support.
(GREJ response:
We appreciate the acknowledgment of GRPS’ teacher compensation challenges. Although, we do see a lack of concrete solutions. Our investigation revealed alarming disparities: GRPS has the lowest teacher pay and highest administrator pay among neighboring districts.
As a board candidate, we expect bold action, not just recognition. Prioritizing teacher compensation and retention is crucial for stability, student achievement, and restoring fairness to GRPS. Strong leadership on this critical issue will be vital in addressing these long-standing inequities.)
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
To address these challenges, we strongly advocate with and for our educators. As champions, we are committed to raising educator salaries to compete with neighboring districts, ensuring they are fairly compensated for their hard work. Competitive pay is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Beyond compensation, we must improve working conditions by addressing issues like manageable class sizes. Creating a healthy, positive, and supportive environment is key to retaining educators long-term.
Additionally, we will push for stronger recruitment efforts by expanding partnerships with local universities, such as the West Michigan Teacher Collaborative and the partnership with Michigan State University. We’ll also focus on improving support for new educators, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed from the start.
We recognize the importance of expanding successful programs, including exploring ways to broaden tuition reimbursement benefits for support staff. Investing in our current workforce can build a sustainable pipeline of future educators and foster loyalty to GRPS.
Together, these strategies address the interconnected issues of compensation, retention, and classroom stability, ensuring educators and students are successful.
(GREJ response:
Your plans for teacher compensation are sound, and we’re glad you’re prioritizing this critical issue. Having battled previously with the blatant teacher shortage, we recommend gathering data on full-time teacher substitution and comparative pay levels with other Kent County schools for teachers and administrators.)
Richard Williamson:
As a Board Member, I am committed to reviewing salaries at surrounding school districts and adjusting educator compensation to be competitive with these rates. We miss out on many excellent educators who chose to teach in neighboring districts where they can make as much as 35% more. If we want great educators, we must pay them what they deserve and offer respect for their profession. We must also foster a culture of learning and teaching that supports classroom level educators to be innovative and play an active role in leading our schools and entire district.
(GREJ response:
We believe the anemic pay scale inherent in GRPS is a piece of a larger problem, reflective of a national conservative campaign to denigrate teachers, reducing their educational role and gravitas, making privatization easier, eliminating public schools and public school unions. Pay should be a consideration, given the overwhelming impact and academic importance of teachers, and not necessarily based on the rate of adjoining districts, which have also suffered wage atrophy indicative of conservative attacks against public schools and public school teachers.)
Question 3:
What role do you think charter schools, privatization, and contracted services should play in Grand Rapids Public Schools, and how does that align with your vision for the future of public education in the district?
Tonya Williams:
(no answer)
(GREJ response:
We’re concerned that the candidate’s non-response to the privatization question indicates a lack of understanding about the significant challenges public schools face. Charter school expansion in Michigan, largely driven by Betsy DeVos’ philosophy, has raised concerns about the potential undermining of public education. Not to mention attempts of privatization of every other area at GRPS. We believe it’s crucial for candidates to address this critical issue. Ignoring it may suggest they’re not prioritizing the well-being of our public schools.)
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
As a slate, we believe that public education should be centered on the needs of students and the community, with resources directed toward strengthening our public schools. While charter schools and contracted services may have a role in education, we do not support privatization efforts that undermine public schools or redirect funds away from GRPS.
Our focus is on building a robust public school system that serves all students equitably. We will advocate for investment in GRPS to ensure it remains a strong, community-centered option for families. This includes prioritizing transparency, accountability, and collaboration to meet the needs of our diverse student population.
Richard Williamson:
There are some situations in which privatized services make sense for GRPS. However, whenever possible we should seek to provide services in-house, particularly when it relates directly to student learning, wellbeing, and growth. I am not interested in expanding GRPS’s charter schools. Rather, we should focus and invest in our incredible neighborhood schools whose mission it is to help all students in our city learn and grow, regardless of their background.
(GREJ response:
The GREJ again has zero tolerance for privatization, as its existence in any capacity is the antithesis of public institutions’ philosophy and destructive to public teacher pensions and appreciation. This disdain extends to provided services, such as privatized substitute teacher organizations, busing, food services, and concession stands, to name a few.)
Question 4:
Do you support or oppose school voucher programs in Grand Rapids, and why?
Tonya Williams:
I am not in favor or opposed to school vouchers. I believe that a parent has the right to make the best choice they feel for their child or children. I would like to continue with the tools used by the superintendent, which has GRPS enrollment rates at its highest in 20 years.
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
We oppose school voucher programs in Grand Rapids. Vouchers divert public funds away from public schools, which weakens the resources available to serve all students, especially those who rely on public education the most. We believe in strengthening GRPS and ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for every student, regardless of their background or income. We believe public funds should remain in public schools to support teachers, students, and staff in creating the best learning environments.
(GREJ response:
The GREJ has a zero tolerance for Charter Schools, privatized services, and vouchers. We remember well the previous support GRPS gave to Betsy DeVos, who has engaged in a decades-long battle here in Michigan and nationwide to eradicate public schools. We hope to see a board that recognizes this formidable challenge and will stand strong against the tide of privatization.)
Richard Williamson:
I firmly oppose voucher schemes in Grand Rapids and all of Michigan. It diverts public funds away from the community benefit only to harm families and students all across our community.
Question 5:
Teachers have reported feeling unsupported by school administrators. How would you address this issue and ensure that teachers receive the necessary resources and support to excel in their roles?
Tonya Williams:
I am one who believes that teachers should receive all the resources available as they teach and lead our children. One way to develop that support and transparency is to open a line of communication, to the teachers, parents and community as a whole.
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
We know that teachers need strong support from school administrators to do their best work. To address this issue, we will focus on the following strategies:
We will promote a culture of open dialogue between teachers, the teacher union, and administrators. This ensures that teachers feel heard and valued. Regular feedback sessions will help us understand where support is needed.
We will invest in ongoing training opportunities for teachers, giving them the tools and strategies they need to succeed in the classroom. We will ensure that classrooms are well-funded and that teachers and staff have the necessary materials and resources on time. This includes addressing class sizes and providing support staff to help manage workloads.
Recognizing and celebrating the hard work of our educators is essential. We believe that acknowledging their commitment to students and the community fosters a supportive environment.
By prioritizing these areas, we aim to create an environment where teachers feel supported, empowered, and capable of providing the best education for our students.
Richard Williamson:
I believe we need to reorient innovation and district leadership back towards our educators who spend all day each day with our students. We must foster a district culture that invites classroom educators to play a role in decision making and crafting how the district supports our students’ learning.
Question 6:
What process would you use to evaluate and address concerns about GRPS curriculum and instructional materials, including book challenges, while balancing diverse perspectives, promoting critical thinking, and upholding academic freedom?
Tonya Williams:
As a member of the board there would have to be a governance over the superintendent. and her operations concerning curriculum period, including book challenges, while balancing diverse perspectives, promoting critical thinking, and upholding academic freedom? This would connect with teachers’ resources and our scholars’ educational advancement.
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
As a slate, we will advocate for a comprehensive approach to evaluating and addressing concerns about the GRPS curriculum and instructional materials. We will push for open communication where parents, educators, and community members can share their perspectives and concerns. We would like to see a push for review committees with diverse voices to examine the curriculum and address specific challenges, such as book challenges. Our goal is to balance honoring diverse perspectives with promoting critical thinking, ensuring students are exposed to multiple viewpoints while learning to engage with different ideas thoughtfully. The curriculum must reflect the experiences of our scholars. Through this process, we aim to create a curriculum that embraces our community’s diversity, fosters critical thinking, and prepares students for a well-rounded education.
(GREJ response:
We appreciate your commitment to a comprehensive approach to curriculum evaluation and open communication. We agree that diverse perspectives, critical thinking, and community representation are essential. Your emphasis on reflecting students’ experiences and promoting a well-rounded education aligns with our values.
However, we have concerns about review committees potentially undermining the expertise of our professional teachers and administrators. We believe curriculum development should remain their primary responsibility.
Let’s ensure community voices are heard while respecting the critical role of educators in shaping our curriculum.)
Richard Williamson:
I believe our curriculum should be designed and adopted by the professionals who spend each day working with and supporting our students’ growth and learning: our educators. They have the training and experience to know how to support student learning. This is the approach vibrant school districts across Michigan do and I want to help move GRPS towards this model.
(GREJ response:
The GREJ believes that all GRPS curriculum creation should be developed internally by the trained teachers of GRPS. This especially pertains to the acquisition of private, out-of-district curriculum, which the district has previously purchased. We also believe that a pertinent issue is the absolute resistance to non-expert community groups regulating book purchases and usage. Censorship attempts should be rejected and opposed by effective board members.)
Question 7:
What specific policies or procedures would you implement to ensure administrative accountability, particularly in cases involving allegations of threats and intimidation, such as those made against Chief of Staff & Executive Director of Public Safety & School Security Larry Johnson, and how would you balance accountability with fairness and due process?
Tonya Williams:
(no answer)
(GREJ response:
Recent board meetings have seen a united and urgent call to address concerns about a member of the administration’s reported threatening behavior toward community members. This issue, initially raised years ago, remains unresolved. We feel it irresponsible to escape comments on this issue, which has been so crucial to the Grand Rapids parents and teachers.)
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
To ensure accountability among school administrators, particularly in cases involving allegations of threats and intimidation, we would like to see clear and accessible ways for scholars, staff, and the community to voice their concerns confidentially. We would also advocate for transparent investigation policies and procedures, including independent review committees with diverse community representation to oversee allegations and ensure impartiality. Regular training for administrators on conflict resolution and ethical leadership would be essential, alongside clearly defined accountability standards and consequences for violations. Importantly, we would balance accountability with fairness by respecting due process, allowing administrators to respond to allegations, and maintaining confidentiality throughout investigations. By fostering a culture of transparency and support, we aim to build trust and integrity within our school community.
(GREJ response:
Your structure for accountability and review of administrative threats and intimidation is comprehensive. It appears this chronic situation has continued with a specific administrator, so now the question is one of enforcement and acting on empirical evidence from previous incidents.)
Richard Williamson:
I believe system wide success begins with a culture that encourages and welcomes accountability, honestly, and a willingness to acknowledge problems. One particular procedure I will work towards is requiring executive directors to provide written reports at regular intervals for the Board of Education to read and review before public hearings and a period of open questions and discussion between board members and executive directors. I also support hiring and promotion based on merit, rather than longevity in the district.
(GREJ response:
Administrative accountability issues in GRPS have gone beyond policy issues, now causing real problems. There has been a clear and unequivocal violation by a GRPS administrator, and there needs to be specific action and concrete application of existing policies to ensure this ongoing misconduct is terminated.)
Question 8:
Allegations of administrative nepotism at GRPS have raised concerns. What steps, if any, do you believe should be taken to address this issue and ensure fair, transparent, and inclusive decision-making in district leadership?
Tonya Williams:
I do not follow allegations, nor have I seen only that which is proven factual. With that being said, I am not able to elaborate on this question.
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
We acknowledge that allegations of administrative nepotism in GRPS can undermine trust and create concerns about fairness in decision-making. To address this issue, we propose the following steps:
We will advocate for clear policies regarding hiring and promotion practices within the district. These policies should explicitly prohibit nepotism and outline the criteria for all hiring decisions.
We will ensure that hiring processes are transparent and include input from diverse stakeholders. This could involve public job postings, clear selection criteria, and diverse hiring panels to promote inclusivity.
We will support regular audits of hiring and promotion practices to ensure compliance with established policies and identify patterns that may indicate nepotism or bias.
By taking these steps, we aim to foster a culture of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in district leadership and ensure that all decisions are made in the best interest of our students and community.
Richard Williamson:
In order to achieve fair, inclusive and transparent leadership in GRPS and solve other challenges in the district, we need to orient decision making around the building level and involve our classroom educators in the process. We have a district with hundreds of thoughtful, dedicated staff with the experience and skills to make our schools thriving learning environments for our students. This is a strength and not something we should shy away from with an over reliance on a small group of administrators. This type of “democratization” is something I have advocated for throughout my campaign and am deeply committed to if elected.
Question 9:
GRPS has eliminated alternative education programs and sold former neighborhood schools to charter operators. Should alternative education programs be restored or reimagined, and if so, how?
Tonya Williams:
Yes, alternative education can look like different things, but are resources to help those facing challenges in education, or different career paths. I believe this resource like those involving curriculum, community communications, are all meeting a need.
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
We believe restoring or reimagining alternative education programs in GRPS is crucial to meeting diverse student needs. We must gather input from scholars, families, and educators to assess the necessary programs to achieve this. As a district, we must continue exploring personalized learning options, career and technical education, and project-based learning to engage students better. Collaborating with local organizations and businesses will help us design relevant programs while advocating for necessary funding and resources to ensure their success. Finally, we will establish a system to continually evaluate and improve these programs, creating pathways for all students to thrive.
Richard Williamson:
GRPS property exists for the public benefit and I oppose any efforts to sell GRPS property to charter or private school operators. I support continued investment in alternative education programs. As someone with family members who benefited from alternative education, I know the difference they can make in whether someone successfully completes their education and moves on to future opportunities to thrive. I also support investment in programs for students who do not wish to pursue four-year college degrees, such as pre-apprenticeships in the skilled trades. I am committed to strengthening GRPS’s collaboration with labor unions and other organizations to provide our students with these opportunities.
Question 10:
Do you believe the benefits of charter school expansion in Grand Rapids outweigh concerns, and how would you ensure equitable access to quality education for all GRPS students?
Tonya Williams:
I believe that the expansion of the charter school would take away from public schools, and the expansion in no way outweighs the concerns in Grand Rapids public schools.
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
While charter school expansion in Grand Rapids can offer innovative educational options, we must carefully weigh these benefits against equity and resource allocation concerns. We believe every student deserves access to quality education, regardless of their school. To ensure equitable access, we will advocate for policies that promote transparency in funding and enrollment practices, ensuring that all families have access to information about their options. Additionally, we will work to foster collaboration between charter schools and GRPS to share best practices and resources, ultimately enhancing educational opportunities for all students. By prioritizing equity and collaboration, we can create a more inclusive education system that benefits every student in our community.
(GREJ response:
We appreciate your willingness to consider the complexities of charter school expansion in Grand Rapids. However, based on our experience and analysis, we remain deeply concerned that charter schools pose an existential threat to our public school system. While innovation is crucial, we cannot compromise on equity and the well-being of our public schools.
Rather than fostering collaboration, we fear that charter schools will divert resources and undermine the foundation of our public education system. Business interests should not influence our educational priorities, and we must ensure that our schools remain free from undue external pressures.
We share your commitment to quality education for all students, but believe this goal is best achieved through strengthening and supporting our public schools, not proliferating charter schools.)
Richard Williamson:
I do not believe charter schools are superior to public schools. As someone who needed speech therapy and remedial reading and math classes, I needed a public education that served all students regardless of ability or background. My priority is making GRPS the first and best choice for all families and students in Grand Rapids.
Question 11:
Would you make a conscious effort to include diverse perspectives and sensitive topics, such as slavery, Civil Rights, colonialism, systemic racism, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice movements, in GRPS’ history curriculum, and how would you navigate any disagreements or controversies?
Tonya Williams:
Yes, to be culturally inclined, to include topics that are sensitive in nature, to GRPS curriculum; a value to educate our scholars to diverse communities, cultures and ethnicities, to help each teacher, scholars and administrators work together for a better understanding relationship for all.
Eatman, Kilpatrick, Moreno, Nuñez:
Yes, we believe it is essential to include diverse perspectives and topics such as slavery, Civil Rights, colonialism, systemic racism, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice movements in the GRPS history curriculum. These topics are crucial for fostering an understanding of our past and its impact on the present. To navigate any disagreements or controversies, we will advocate for open dialogue among educators, parents, and community members to discuss the importance of these topics and address concerns in a healthy, productive way. Additionally, we will advocate for training and resources for teachers to facilitate discussions thoughtfully and inclusively. By embracing diverse perspectives, we can create a curriculum that educates and promotes empathy and understanding among our students.
Richard Williamson:
I went to college to be a history teacher, I have a particular interest in the way we study and teach history in our public schools and am serious about including diverse perspectives and a thorough understanding of sensitive topics in that study. The study of history at its best includes diverse perspectives and a thoughtful and comprehensive analysis of sensitive topics. Studying history prepares our students with the tools to understand the world and analyze sources and information with a critical eye.
A different kind of election season statement in Grand Rapids
On Tuesday, October 29th, five community-based groups gave statements during a Press Conference about the vitally important work of social movements.
The common theme from all five groups was that regardless of the outcome of the November 5th Election, they will all continue to work on the issues that they are currently working on – tenants rights and housing justice, immigrant justice, exposing and opposing police and state violence, and ending the current Israeli genocide and ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.
Regardless if the Republicans or the Democrats sit in the White House or control Congress, the movement work that these groups are engaged in will continue, since both major political parties in the US have demonstrated for decades that they do not listen to affected communities on these issue, plus they have not delivered on meaningful policies to further fundamental social change.
These 5 groups will not be telling people how to vote or who to vote for. However, they will be telling people that the issues that they work on will not be part of the platform or policy work that either party will commit to working on in the future.
“Nobody in the world, nobody in history, has ever gotten their freedom by appealing to the moral sense of the people who were oppressing them.” Assata Shakur
Movimiento Cosecha GR
The recent presidential debate was a race to the bottom on who could dehumanize immigrants more, and frankly, it made us sick. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are just two sides of the same capitalist coin.
Movimiento Cosecha refuses to live in the shadows, not ever, and especially not now. Our labor sustains this country, and despite all forms of racialized oppression and violence, we have built strong communities that we will continue to protect. We know that politicians will never do the right thing for immigrants without a show of our strength.
Join our movement for immigrant rights or any movement. Don’t get distracted.
Grand Rapids Area Tenant Union (GRATU)
Housing has never been a human right that was guaranteed, even since this country was founded. Property ownership has historically benefited and been controlled by white people, especially white members of the Capitalist Class.
Housing insecurity, which includes the unhoused, those that rent and those that have a mortgage, impacts millions of people in this country and thousands of people in Grand Rapids.
The Housing Crisis in Grand Rapids has been a crisis since the federal government decided to bailout Wall Street instead of working class families in 2008.
Every week we hear from people who are dealing with landlords or Property Management Companies that prioritize making profits over providing people with a safe, healthy and affordable place to live.
Local, State and Federal government policies regarding housing have done very little to address the current housing crisis, whether we are talking about people being able to own a house, people being able to afford the cost of rent, or adequate temporary housing options for people who are unhoused or those facing eviction.
The Grand Rapids Area Tenant Union believes that whoever wins the election in November, it will not fundamentally alter the current housing crisis.
GRATU believes that the best way to work towards housing justice is to build tenant power, to challenge and confront Landlords and Property Management Companies that exploit tenants by charging increased rental rates, continue to not make repairs in a timely fashion, fail to maintain the property where tenants live and by constantly threatening tenants with eviction.
GRATU believes that tenant solidarity and tenant power means we can collectively work towards housing justice, that we can demand rent control, that we can make it difficult for Landlords/Property Management Companies to threaten tenants and to work towards a model of social housing.
It has been the experience of the volunteer organizers with GRATU that we collectively make the changes needed to win housing justice and that both Republicans and Democrats do very little to move our community towards housing justice. Republicans and Democrats prioritize US military spending or funding for police and prisons over guaranteeing that everyone has a descent place to live.
We believe that tenant unions and social movements will move us towards housing justice or any other type of justice, indeed, that has always been the case throughout the history of this country.
Grand Rapids Pullover Prevention (GRPOP)
As organizers, our work isn’t defined by election cycles. Regardless of who holds office, these systems that often fail to protect us will still be in place. That’s why community care is our responsibility—because we know that we keep us safe. Through the power of solidarity, we come together voluntarily, sharing resources and supporting each other without relying on institutions that weren’t built for our safety. The Grand Rapids Pullover Prevention group stands for direct action and collective care. We operate on the belief that when we pool our skills, time, and energy, we can meet the real needs of our community. Our mission is clear: to prevent police violence and create networks of care based on reciprocity and mutual support. Together, we continue this work because solidarity keeps us safe.
Grand Rapids Alliance Against Political Repression
We are a chapter of a national organization, who’s ultimate goal is to achieve Community Control of Police within our respective cities. The Chicago chapter, for example, has made impressive strides, and their city will vote on a final referendum this year. Their successful strategy is what we hope to replicate locally, here in Grand Rapids.
Our organization also works directly with families and individuals impacted by police violence. Spreading their stories, organizing events and action, and educating the community.
After the recent killings of Patrick Lyoya, Samual Sterling, and Riley Doggett right here in Grand Rapids, there has been no concrete action to achieve accountability for Local Police or justice for their families. Over two years ago, Patrick Lyoya was killed by GRPD officer Christopher Schurr, he has still yet to go to trial. All the elected officials have to offer us is words, apologies, and continuous delays.
African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asians continue to be oppressed and targeted by police. African Americans continue to be murdered at the hands of police at much higher rates than any other group in this country.
In the wake of the George Floyd rebellion, Democratic candidate Joe Biden ran on promises of real change, with the proposed George Floyd Bill. Yet all we’ve seen in the last for years of his “Leadership” is the continued increase in police budgets nationwide, and a record number of people killed by the police each consecutive year.
No matter who is elected next month, we will not stop organizing, we will not stop pushing for meaningful change in Grand Rapids. We want Justice for Patrick, Justice for Samual, and Justice for Riley. Community Control of the Police now!
Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids 
Over the past year, Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids has been building the movement for Palestinian liberation here in west Michigan. We recognize that our government is complicit in genocide and crimes against humanity toward the Palestinian people. The theft of land, resources, and sovereignty must come to an end.
We call for the total liberation of the Palestinian people from violent occupation and US interventionism. We believe on-the-ground organizing, people power, and mass democratic movements are essential components in resisting US imperialism. What is happening globally is a reflection of what is happening locally, and vice versa. Creating safety in our communities means training new organizers to get involved in the struggle.
Over the past year, Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids has provided an outlet for hundreds of people, including young children and elders, to enter into the fight against Imperialism through educational events, protests, and direct actions. Just as freedom for Palestinians is inevitable, so, too, is the freedom of all oppressed nations in the United States.
While the international element of global imperialism is obvious, there are deeply rooted connections that we must attack here at home. The so called conflict between Israel and Palestine is a testing ground for repression. Our hard earned tax dollars are being funneled by our elected officials into the hands of a white supremacist regime in order to manufacture conflict against a captive population that has been actively oppressed for generations. We’ve seen this same script play out in the US over and over again: the “manifest destiny” that led to the indigenous genocide on turtle island is the same script being used against Gaza and the West Bank. It’s the same violence that is perpetrated against black communities here in west Michigan.
With the exponential rise in cop cities around the country, we’ll see the increased reciprocity between the violent and inhumane Israeli occupying forces and militarized police here in the US. We will see an increase in repressive and violent tactics used by the state against our loved ones, regardless of who wins in November.
It is our responsibility to mobilize and put pressure on every point possible, from our elected officials to the flow of capital in the US war industry, to create liberation for everyone. Everyone deserves safety and self determination, whether it’s from the river to the sea or from lakeshore to lakeshore. Now is the time to join your community in the streets and at the doors of war profiteers. We will not be complicit in the dehumanization and escalation of violence against our loved ones.
Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy 