Ive heard a lady and her young children being harrassed for having a multi-racial family...this happenend by some neighbors on the Ferry Street and Franklin Street location.
heather | Grand Haven, MI | Report Abuse

I lived in GH for a couple of years. GH cannot deny that it is 96% white, not that it itself implies bigotry. you have to live there to experience the truth. Demographics do not lie. I believe that there is an incredible of insensitivity on the part of many residents. Example: The cross on Dewey Hill being replaced by an anchor is still a source of contention, as the cross is religious symbol.. Many years ago it was the site of a KKK rally, complete with cross burning. Yet GH claims to be an "open town", a moral town. How could someone black be comfortable with a town in denial of its own history. Refer to the headlines in the September 17, 1923 edition of the Grand Haven Tribune if you need to reference it. I am not singling out GH in particular as many towns had this happen. Family friendly and safe does not owe that tribute to being selectively white or rich. GH has not made a sincere effort to grow into a town where civil rights have real meaning. In many ways GH reminds me of the movie "Pleasantville", and that in itself is scary. There are many that feel this way.
Mark | Grand Rapids, MI | Report Abuse

Grand Haven folks a pretty standoffish. It's difficult to make friends unless you're from the area (born and raised). I'm an outsider and have been here for 9 years and can count on my two fingers the friends I have here compared to my prior assignment where I was for two years where I have more friends. Folks here like to 'out-do' the others by way of materialistic possessions. If you take the Grand Haven folks out of the mix, it's a great area; but don't let anyone kid you, they are VERY RACIST!
James | Grand Haven, MI | Report Abuse