Inner City Community Advocates History
Inner City Community Advocates was born in June 2008 as a way to reach out to the inner city community of Grand Rapids with the primary focus of educating residents with information that would help empower and sustain them. During a gathering in the home of Peggy Hudgins, a small group of ladies including Valerie Hudgins, Teia Gates, Virginia Walton and Leno
ra Pickett became inspired to teach the community about voter rights and voter education. The ladies immediately got into action and help voter registration drives and organized a community rally focused on voting rights, how to fill out voter cards, as well as voting policies and procedures. The rally, held at the Wealthy Theatre, drew a crowd of approximately 200 residents as well as The Grand Rapids Press, Channel 8 and 13 News. In 2009 Inner City Community Advocates expanded its initiative to include community health awareness, employment workshops and youth advocacy. In January of 2009, LOSE BIG Challenge was created to educate the community on healthy eating and the importance of exercise. The LOSE BIG Challenge was designed to work with women and men with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. ICCA partnered with Grand Rapids African American Health Institute and Spectrum Healthier Communities. Professional fitness trainers and registered dietitians were recruited to create a 12-week fitness and wellness challenge. The LOSE BIG Challenge is currently in its 5th year and its partners and collaborators have grown to include the following organizations: Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, Grand Valley State University Biomedical Department, Full Strength Personal Trainers, SES for Health Inc., Nutrition Lifestyles Dietitians, Elite Fitness, East Hills Athletic Club, Flees Martial Arts Center, Curves Fitness, Subway, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Amway Grand Plaza and Grand Rapids African American Health Institute. Inner City Community Advocates continues to look for ways to educate and empower the inner city residents of Grand Rapids with projects to include working with local Veterans, promoting youth advocacy and financial literacy.
