WGVU TV and Radio continue to deliver the most diverse programming of any broadcaster. WGVU Engage looks to expand the conversation of Diversity with on-air broadcasts, events, exhibits, and town hall meetings.

Community Events in partnership with the GVSU Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Women and Girls Lead

Women and Girls Lead is a multi-year, nation-wide innovative public media initiative designed to focus, educate and connect women, girls, and their allies across the globe to address the challenges of the 21st century.

Women and girls everywhere are stepping into leadership roles: working to improve their communities: and innovating in science, the arts, business and governance. Women and Girls Lead is a strategic media initiative to support and sustain a growing movement to empower them, their communities, and future generations. Yet there is still much to do to deliver on the promise of equal access, freedom and opportunity for women and girls worldwide.

WGVU can help move the dial on pressing issues and expand audiences with content that matters to women, their families and local communities. WGVU will air over 40 documentaries including WOMEN-WAR AND PEACE, HALF THE SKY and KIND HEARTED WOMAN all designed for this initiative and each documentary will contribute to a multi-year engagement strategy to connect and sustain audiences across multiple platforms.

The National Women and Girls Lead Advisory Board brings together an extraordinary collection of leaders from the intersection of media, business, public affairs, academia and Hollywood. Advisory board members will help incubate and support strategies and activities throughout the campaign. A few of the national advisory board members are Geena Davis, Actor; Abigail Disney, Filmmaker; America Ferrera, Actor; Eileen Fisher, Fashion Designer; Her Majesty Queen Noor, King Hussein Foundation International; Amartya Sen., Economics Professor, Harvard University.

Freedom Riders

Freedom Riders Exhibit - March 6 - April 6, 2012

WGVU Engage is proud to Partner with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to bring the Freedom Riders Exhibit to Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids is 1 of 20 cities honored to have the Freedom Riders Exhibit.

The exhibit will be in the lobby of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum and is FREE to the public during regular museum hours (9am-5pm).

• Exhibit is Over 60 Feet Long
• Photos and Newspaper Clippings on Display to Help Tell the Story
• Audio Recordings from Freedom Riders

WGVU Freedom Riders Engage is inviting you to a FREE public screening of the great film FREEDOM RIDERS. Directed by Stanley Nelson, this documentary shares the struggles endured and triumphs won by the many individuals whose goal was to eradicate segregation in the deep south. Could you get on the bus? In celebration of their 50+ year struggle, come view the film as well as participate in the panel discussion afterwards with local community leaders.

• 7 pm, Tuesday, March 27 at Celebration North with panelists: Ben Logan, Louis Moore, Armand Robinson, and Robert Stevenson, Jr.
• 7 pm, Tuesday, April 3 at Celebration South with panelists: Chico Davis, Melita Travis-Johnson, Ben Logan, Louis Moore, and Robert Stevenson, Jr.

Seating is limited so please specify your choice by calling 616-331-6777

Black History Month

Every year WGVU makes a major programming commitment to Black History Month. February includes many hours of programming devoted to African-American history, culture, and news, in a style that was truly entertaining, informative, and educational.

Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as "Negro History Week" and later as "Black History Month." What you might not know is that black history had barely begun to be studied-or even documented-when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America at least as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books.

Black History Month (last week of) January - all of February

Hispanic Heritage

For Hispanic Heritage Month, WGVU and PBS offers drama, independent film and documentaries that celebrate the multi-generational richness of the Latino community and reveal the enduring strength of family in America today.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.