The first black man in Kent County to buy land was a political and religious trailblazer

Achieving a historic first is rarely easy. But, achieving several historical firsts all within the same family is nothing short of remarkable. William J. Hardy and his family's contributions to West Michigan should be acknowledged, but their story is often only shared within a small circle--until now.

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We stand up for the community. We want to make life better for everyone. We celebrate all that makes West Michigan unique. We are 13 ON YOUR SIDE.