During the Great Migration in the early 20th century, millions of Black Americans fled the Jim Crow South hoping to find freedom and economic opportunity in places like Grand Rapids. Unfortunately, the city did not always provide the escape from racial oppression that many hoped. This lesson series explores the experiences and resilience of Black residents of Grand Rapids, and how the community responded to injustice over the course of the 20th century.

Grand Rapids Black History Lessons were developed by Kentwood AP US History teacher and 2023 National History Teacher of the Year Matt Vriesman in collaboration with the GRPM’s curatorial and education staff. Vriesman also pulled in the expertise and work of authors Dr. Randall Jelks and Dr. Todd Robinson.