United States
(She/They)
Digital marketing and content guru. Writer. Social justice advocate. Foodie. Moviegoer.
Completed "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" in Master Mode.
Beat Resident Evil 2 Remake in Hardcore Mode with an S Ranking.
Written Work
This winter, Grand Rapids' first Korean barbecue and karaoke joint opened at 169 Louis Campau Promenade in the heart of downtown. K-ROK's owner and operator, Rob Yoon, opened the new hotspot with hopes of bringing more pop to Grand Rapids' nightlife while sharing Korean food and culture with the community.
It's been a long and bumpy road for the cannabis plant. From being completely illegal and demonized to later decriminalized and only allowed for medical use and, finally, to the legal sale of recreational marijuana in the city.
When Alice Lyn Jasper moved from Brooklyn to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for school, it was the perfect opportunity to dabble in outdoor recreation. But there were a few setbacks: she was new at it, and she's a woman of color.
Despite his status as a public figure in Grand Rapids' food and beverage scene, my tito, (Tagalog for "uncle") George Aquino, did not expect to enter a career in hospitality. Believe it or not, he received his undergraduate degree in writing at the University of Iowa.
On Jan. 1, Grand Rapids gained its newest poet laureate in Ericka "Kyd Kane" Thompson. She is the seventh to take on the title and the first Black woman and openly queer person to hold the role. The poet laureate is selected by Grand Rapids Public Library's Poet Laureate Selection Committee and acts as an ambassador of poetry for the city.
Editor's note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. As a dedicated spoken word artist, Jocelyn Barnes uses her voice and platforms to find healing through self-reflection and as a catalyst for activism. She was recently named as a host for The Drunken Retort and communications lead for the Diatribe.
By Samantha Suarez | Photography By David Specht There are few pleasures in life greater than satiating one's hunger by eating something you're craving. Growing up, however, many Americans don't venture outside the usual rotation of dishes such as, pancakes for breakfast, grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and turkey on Thanksgiving.
If I asked a random group of people to name their favorite dishes from Japanese, Thai, or Chinese cuisine, I'd probably be met with a flood of diverse responses: ramen, sushi, pad thai, tom kha, dumplings or Peking duck, to name a few.
Sitting down for a good old cup o' joe with colleagues, old friends or a date is a past time enjoyed all over the world. Drinking coffee is pretty good for you, too. Research suggests that consuming a moderate amount of it reduces your risk of a heart attack.
Media Interviews
Mutually Inclusive Season 2 Episode 3 | 26m 36s | Our screens have been flooded with headlines of the surging hate crimes and incidents against Asian American and Pacific Islanders. America has a vast background of discrimination towards AAPI communities.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - After a year in which Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have reported increased discrimination, organizations are celebrating their stories in West Michigan this AAPI Heritage Month.
The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival will take over Calder Plaza for the first time in over a year on June 11 and 12. The Asian-Pacific Festival will enrich Grand Rapids' cultural vibrancy by providing a high-quality experience into rich Asian traditions.
Over a hundred people gathered in Rosa Parks Circle for the rally and vigil. The Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation scrambled to organize and spread the word of a Saturday event to rally against Asian hate and remember the lives of the victims of the Atlanta spa shootings.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - It's time to get ready for 'The World of Winter' festival hosted in Downtown Grand Rapids! This annual and interactive festival showcases the beauty of Grand Rapids, by providing fun ways to get outdoors and enjoy the winter season.
Enjoy the world of winter in downtown Grand Rapids
Be a part of the Filipino Lantern Festival
Emails
Here's what's happening this month across the Midwest. Subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest environmental news.
Submit a public comment to demand stronger water discharge permits before the November 16 deadline.
Here's what's happening this month across the Midwest. Subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest environmental news.
Videography
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We've all heard it: "I got Downtown and there was nowhere to park." With some 48,000 spaces, that can't possibly be true. What people likely mean is: "I got ...
The new skate, bike and scoot facility at 555 Monroe is the only space of its kind in #DowntownGR. Whether or not you're a skater, it's a great place to spen...
Calling all artists and creatives!If you have a unique idea that will invigorate a currently dull or lifeless public space in #DowntownGR - whether it's a pu...
"Pride Pad" by artist Jeffrey Songco is a new street mural located on Commerce Ave in #DowntownGR.
When you check in to one of the many great hotels in the #HotelDistrictGR, all the best restaurants, cafes, museums, shops, and venues that #DowntownGR has to offer are just steps away.
Everyone has to use the bathroom at some point - whether you’re out bar-hopping before a concert, a person experiencing homelessness or a window-shopping visitor. Now there’s one more place to go in #DowntownGR.
The new temporary transit bulb on Fulton Street speeds up transit service by positioning the boarding area right next to the travel lane. This enables Rapid ...
When you think of barbecue, you probably think of pulled pork and ribs. Why not throw in some kalbi and bulgogi in the mix? The #GRAPF team visited Emonae Ko...
Fancy some bubble tea? The #GRAPF team stopped by Cafe Boba to learn about the origins of boba... and to play a mystery bubble tea contest! Watch the entire ...
Why drive when you can DASH? This year, the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival fun starts before you even arrive at the festival. #GRAPF2019