09/02/2026
Did you know that music legends like Al Green and The DeBarges have connections to Grand Rapids’ Southside?
I had the opportunity to get an update on the 3rd Ward Legacy Tour project, and it was so cool learning more about how this project will help uncover and celebrate the stories, people, places, and history that make the Southside so special.
From music legends and community leaders to local landmarks and hidden gems, the Legacy Tour will give residents and visitors new ways to explore the rich history of our community. I was especially excited to learn about the interactive kiosks coming soon that will help bring these stories to life in a fun and engaging way.
A huge thank you to Stephen and Taylor Smith at Muse GR and Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (GRAAMA) for the incredible work you’re doing on this project and for helping shine a light on the beauty, culture, and legacy of the Southside. There are so many stories here that deserve to be told, and I can’t wait for folks to experience them.
As your commissioner, I’m proud to have championed funding to support the 3rd Ward mural project and the Legacy Tour. These investments are about more than beautifying our community. They are about honoring our history, celebrating our culture, and making sure the stories of the Southside are preserved and shared for generations to come.
The Southside has always been full of history. Now, we’re making sure more people get to discover it.
