/ Professor Gertrude G. Croom

The Griot of Grand Rapids

One of the most powerful and prominent voices of a movement can be heard at your next event. Professor Gertrude Croom brings 40+ years of educational excellence and authentic Civil Rights Movement experience to inspire, motivate, and activate.

Book Speaking Engagement

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GRIOT (gree-yoh) – a West African word meaning a revered historian, storyteller and walking archive.

A Living Voice of History

Professor Croom attended Knoxville College more inspired than ever - taking on her political science courses, she continued in her scholarly and socially conscious work, joining the first Black Greek Sorority, The Gamma Eta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and became Vice President of the student body.

Civil Rights Activism

At just 16 years old, Professor Croom joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Birmingham, Alabama. She participated in the historic Children's March (Children's Crusade) and was imprisoned alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the same time he wrote his famous "Letter from a Birmingham Jail."

Early Life & Education

Gertrude G. Croom was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 18, 1946 to Charles and Leola Grant. Growing up in a deeply segregated city, Professor Croom was determined to succeed – both for herself and her community.

Family & Faith

In 1969, she and her college sweetheart James Croom moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, like so many other resilient black leaders. They built a life together spanning 56 years of marriage until his passing in February 2025. They raised three daughters: Gwenavivre, Gayturnera, and Gelasia, and have three grandchildren: Imani, Gabriel, and Gabrielle.

Community Involvement

Professor Croom has been an active member of two faith communities: Messiah Missionary Baptist Church and, for the past 25 years, Brown Hutcherson Ministries, where she curated a youth banking program helping over 40 young people learn about financial literacy and the value of saving and investing.

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Press Play for a Timeless Message from the Griot.

Generational and Intersectional Learning and Care.

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Professor Croom's Story is Our Story.

Professor Croom is a sought-after speaker on civil rights history, contemporary justice movements, and the global systems that shape equity today. As a young person, she marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a formative experience that shaped her life, scholarship, and lifelong commitment to justice.

Highs and lows, wins and losses, fear and faith – she connects the past to the present, translating history into insight and action for those committed to meaningful change.

Educational Excellence

Civil Rights Legacy

Community Leader

Youth Mentor

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Professor Croom's Image Gallery

A visual journey through Professor Croom’s life of service, family, and community impact

All Professional Family

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Perfect For Your Event

Professor Gertrude Croom’s story is like no other. Her teaching style will help you and your team, students or congregation critically think about our world — where we have been and where we are going together.

01.

Higher Education

Universities, colleges, and academic confeences seeking authentic voices on civil rights history and educational excellence.

02.

Faith Communities

Churches and religious organizations looking for inspiring speakers on faith, justice, and community service.

03.

Organizations

Community groups, nonprofits, and civic organizations focused on diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

04.

Corporate Events

Businesses and corporations seeking speakers for diversity programs, leadership development, and cultural awareness.

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Watch Professor Croom's Story

Hear directly from The Griot of Grand Rapids about her journey from Birmingham to Grand Rapids

Impacting The Soul

"Sharing stories is how we preserve our history and inspire future generations."

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Experience Professor Croom's Inspiring Message

Bring decades of Civil Rights experience and educational excellence to your next event