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/ About Professor Gertrude G. Croom

Early Life & Education

Born October 18, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Charles and Leola Grant, Gertrude was one of seven children raised by her single mother after her father passed away at a young age. Despite growing up in the projects during deeply segregated times, she excelled at Ullman High School as a National Honor Society member and Student Body President.

Family & Faith

In 1969, she and her college sweetheart James Croom moved to Grand Rapids, where 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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Civil Rights Movement, Birmingham 1963

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."

Grand Rapids Community College - 30+ Years of Service

Educational Excellence

After earning her Master's in Political Science from the University of Tennessee, Professor Croom dedicated over 30 years to Grand Rapids Community College, teaching American National and State Political Science, International Relations, and Anthropology. She served four years as chair of the Social Science Division and created the first off-campus political science course for older students.

Grand Rapids, Michigan - Home for 50+ Years

Community Leadership

Her work extends far beyond the classroom through voter education and registration efforts, involvement with PROACTIVE (People Reaching Out Advocating in the Community Together Increasing Voter Empowerment), and helping organize inner-city citizens into The Affordable Care Act and Michigan Expanded Medicaid programs.

/ Service & Impact

A Life of Service & Impact

Civil Rights Activism (1963)

Joined SCLC at 16, participated in Children's March

Move to Grand Rapids (1969)

Started teaching in public school system

GRCC Professor (30 Years+)

Political Science & Anthropology educator

The Griot (Now)

Sharing stories and inspiring leaders

/ Legacy

A Legacy of Excellence

Professor Croom’s numerous awards and recognitions reflect her unwavering commitment to education, civil rights, community service, and youth development. Her impact spans multiple generations and continues to inspire leaders across diverse communities.

  • Recognized by educational institutions for teaching excellence
  • Honored by civil rights organizations for advocacy work
  • Celebrated by community groups for service and leadership
  • Acknowledged for journalism and storytelling excellence
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Major Awards

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Years of Service

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Generations Impacted

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Lives Changed

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