Lyman Parks facts for kids

Rev. Lyman S. Parks (born in 1917, died November 4, 2009) was an important leader in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served as the city's mayor from 1971 to 1976. What makes him especially notable is that he was the very first African-American person to be elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 1968, and then the first African-American mayor. A statue was put up in his honor in 2013 in front of the Grand Rapids City Hall to remember his great work for the city.

Early Life and Learning

Lyman Parks grew up in a place called Lyles Station, Indiana in southern Indiana. He went to college at Wilberforce University and then studied to become a pastor at Payne Theological Seminary, graduating from both in 1944.

A Leader in the Church

After finishing his studies, Parks became a pastor. He led churches in several cities, including Marion, Indiana, Richmond, Indiana, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and River Rouge, Michigan.

In 1966, he moved to Grand Rapids. There, he became the pastor of First Community AME Church. During his time at this church, its membership grew a lot. He also helped many people who later became ministers themselves. Rev. Parks really cared about families. He encouraged parents to bring their children to church. He wanted everyone to join in the many church activities. His sermons were not only full of information but also inspired people to get involved in their communities.

After he retired from First Community A.M.E. Church, he was asked to return to lead another church. He became the pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago. This is where he finished his long career as a pastor.

Becoming Mayor of Grand Rapids

In 1968, Lyman Parks decided to get involved in local government. He ran for a spot on the Grand Rapids City Commission, representing the city's Third Ward. He won the election, becoming the first African-American person elected to the Commission.

In June 1971, the mayor at the time, Robert Boelens, resigned. The other commissioners chose Parks to fill the empty mayor position. This was a big step!

Then, in 1973, Parks decided to run for mayor himself. Mayoral elections in Grand Rapids are "non-partisan," meaning candidates don't run as part of a political party. Even so, Gerald R. Ford, who was a Republican U.S. Representative at the time (and later became President), encouraged a businessman named Peter Secchia to support Parks' campaign. Parks won the election, beating 10 other candidates. With this victory, he officially became the first African-American mayor of Grand Rapids.

Making a Difference as Mayor

Parks' granddaughter, Lauri, shared an interesting story about his time as mayor. She said he quietly convinced the founders of Amway, Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel, to buy and fix up the Pantlind Hotel. This was a very important project. It was one of the first big investments that helped make downtown Grand Rapids a lively place again.

After Being Mayor

In 1976, Parks ran for re-election but lost to Abe Drasin. After this, he went back to working full-time as a minister.

In 1982, Governor William Milliken appointed him to the State Officers Compensation Commission. This was another way he continued to serve the state. He retired from First Community A.M.E. Church in 1985.

He then moved to Chicago and continued his ministry at Greater Institutional AME Church. In 1999, he moved back to Grand Rapids. However, he spent the last year of his life in Lisle, Illinois. Lyman S. Parks passed away on November 4, 2009, a few days after having a stroke.