Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award
The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service award recognizes outstanding service by an adult individual or by an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds.

2022
Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award
Floyd Wilson Jr., Ph.D.
October 7, 1963 – March 15, 2022

Dr. Floyd Wilson Jr. transitioned in life on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. He was a man of faith, family, compassion and dedication. He invested his time and knowledge serving on several boards including: Experience Grand Rapids Board Chair, Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids/International Board Chair/Trustee, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Board, West Michigan Policy Forum Board, Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Vice Chairman, Samaritas Board of Directors, and key supporter and Honorary Chair for the Fulfilling the Dream Celebrity Open. He was awarded several achievements in his lifetime such as: Father of the Year (issued by the American Diabetes Association), the Giants, Walter Coe Public Services Award (issued by Grand Rapids Community College), and so many more.

Dr. Wilson was a mentor and advocate for young black men and women. He stood firm on the belief that black men, specifically black fathers should be present and accountable to the overall care of their families and children. He believed in ownership and entrepreneurship. His motto was “Health, Wealth and Happiness.” And, he believed in accountability, hard work and gave no excuses.

Dr. Wilson was compassionate about cultivating and investing in the next generation, knowing that through these efforts, success is woven into the fabric of any organization. He put the essence of his life into the hearts and minds of his children, creating a legacy that will live long past his grandchildren’s children.

2021
Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award
Bill and India Manns

A native Detroiter, India Manns moved from Oakland, California to Grand Rapids, Michigan in October 2013 with her husband, Bill, who at the time had taken a position as President of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Hospital. They have one son Justin, currently a senior at Loyola University Chicago. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Central State University, a historically black college (HBCU) in Wilberforce, Ohio, and a Master of Science Administration degree in General Administration from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

What some describe as a force to be reckoned with, “Community Advocate”, is how she humbly refers to herself. India is extremely active throughout Grand Rapids, and very passionate about improving the lives of people of color and those disenfranchised in the community. Titled with many leadership roles and an unyielding vigor, she dedicates her time volunteering with many organizations. She currently serves on 7 non-profit governing and foundation boards, 16 board committees, and a host of other community committees.

She has 20+ years of sales and management experience. Prior to moving to California in 2005, for 8 years she worked as an Account Manager at WorkPlace Integrators, Inc., an authorized Steelcase Dealership located outside of Detroit, Michigan. Most of those years were spent servicing the prestigious Ford Motor Company account where she was tasked in 2003 with furnishing the highly acclaimed Dearborn Truck Plant renovation. While in California, for 6 years she worked as Lead Designer at HomeStagers, Inc., a home staging company that decorates homes for sale in the very competitive San Francisco real estate market.
India is a hard worker, strong advocate for change, bringing tremendous experience, value and compassion to aid the meeting of goals and objectives to any organization she is involved with. If you know her, you know she has a passion for racial/gender equity; diversity and inclusion; education and health issues related to women, children, and people of color.

A loss to Grand Rapids, in 2018 her husband Bill began working outside of the community. Initially as President of Mercy Health St. Joseph Ann Arbor and Livingston Hospitals, he now serves as President and CEO of Bronson Healthcare Group in Kalamazoo. None of this impeded India’s dedication to moving equity issues forward in Grand Rapids, she remains involved with many of her community passions and organizations.