Leaders honored for commitment to service and community impact

People

Feb 6

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Community College

The GIANT Among Giants Award, the highest honor bestowed by the award program, was presented to the Honorable Deborah L. Clanton and Mr. Richard Vernon Clanton (honored posthumously) during the 43rd Annual GIANT Awards ceremony. The award recognizes individuals whose lifelong commitment to leadership, public service, justice, equity, and community empowerment has left a lasting legacy in Grand Rapids and beyond.

"Deborah and Richard Clanton exemplify what it means to be GIANTs among Giants," said Tempy Mann, Chair of the 43rd GIANT Awards. "Their lives reflect integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Their impact will continue to shape our community for generations."

Deborah has devoted more than three decades to advancing justice and equality within the criminal justice system. She serves in a dual role as magistrate and director of probation services for the 62nd B District Court of Kentwood and was sworn in as the city's first magistrate in 1992. She was also the first African American magistrate appointed in the Greater Grand Rapids area.

Deborah began her corrections career in 1977 and has held leadership, counseling, and teaching roles across Michigan and Georgia. She holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University and an M.P.A. from Western Michigan University. A dedicated community advocate, she has focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and education and held leadership roles with numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. She received the GIANT Awards’ Floyd Skinner Justice Award in 2005.

Beyond the courts, Deborah is widely recognized for her advocacy in voting rights and civic engagement. A leader in nonpartisan voter registration, education, and protection efforts, she has worked tirelessly to expand ballot access, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Partnering with community organizations, faith institutions, and civil rights groups, she has helped register voters, educate residents, and protect voting integrity. She often describes voting as “the great equalizer” for its power to amplify voices and drive change.

Richard was remembered as a respected civic leader, mentor, and public servant whose influence spanned business, government, faith, and community development. A Detroit native, he earned a B.S. in Socioeconomics from Oakland University and an executive M.B.A. He spent 27 years in leadership at Sears and later served as executive director of the former YMCA of Grand Rapids and CEO of the United Methodist Community House.

He also served Kentwood in numerous elected and appointed roles, including city commissioner, mayor pro tem, and, following Mayor Richard Root’s passing, completed the mayoral term. His leadership extended statewide through work with the Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Black Elected Officials. He previously received the GIANT Awards’ Walter Coe Public Service Award in 2005.

2026 GIANT Award Recipients:

Kelsey Perdue – W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award
Johnny Walker – William Glenn Trailblazer Award
Tanya Powell-May – Milo Brown Business Award
Shana Washington – Martha Reynolds Labor Award
Kenyatta Hill-Hall – Hattie Beverly Education Award
Belinda Cunningham – H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award
Kimberley Williams – Floyd Skinner Justice Award
Dr. Kathleen Jarrett – Eugene Browning Medical Service Award
Lamar James – Ethel Coe Humanities Award
Kenisha Dorsey – Walter Coe Public Service Award
The Omega Scouts – Raymond Tardy Community Service Award
Shanda Vaughn – Phyllis Scott Activist Award

Proceeds from the GIANT Awards Banquet will benefit the Junior GIANT Scholarship Fund, which supports and empowers the next generation of leaders. The 2025 recipients are: Azaria Powell, Randon Beasley, Jr., and Dhani James.

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