Rev. Lyman S. Parks | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mayor ofGrand Rapids, Michigan | |
| In office 1971–1976 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Boelens |
| Succeeded by | Abe L. Drasin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1917 |
| Died | (2009-11-04)November 4, 2009 Lisle, Illinois, United States |
Rev. Lyman S. Parks (1917 – November 4, 2009) was the mayor ofGrand Rapids, Michigan from 1971 to 1976. He was the firstAfrican-American to serve in the position.[1] He was also the first African-American elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission in 1968. Recognizing his contributions to the city of Grand Rapids, a statue in his honor was dedicated in 2013 in front of the Grand Rapids City Hall.
Parks grew up in southernIndiana atLyles Station. He graduated in 1944 fromWilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary.
He served as pastor to congregations inMarion, Indiana;Richmond, Indiana;Ann Arbor, Michigan; andRiver Rouge, Michigan. He moved to Grand Rapids in 1966, where he took a position as pastor of First CommunityAME Church. During his tenure at First Community A.M.E. he grew the church membership and mentored many who continued on into future ministry roles. Supportive of families, Rev. Parks encouraged parents to bring their children to church and participate in the many activities of the church. His sermons were both informative and effective in inspiring people to be involved in the life of their communities. After retiring from First Community A.M.E Church, he was asked to return as pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago where he concluded his pastoral career.
In 1968 he ran for City Commission representing the city's Third ward, and was elected. In June 1971, he was selected by his fellow commissioners to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of mayorRobert Boelens. In 1973, he ran for the office. Grand Rapids mayoral elections are non-partisan, but Republican U.S. RepresentativeGerald R. Ford (who would shortly be appointed Vice President and then become President) encouraged businessman and Republican activistPeter Secchia to support Parks' campaign. Parks was elected, defeating 10 other candidates. With his election, Parks became the first African-American mayor of Grand Rapids. Parks' granddaughter Lauri credits him with quietly persuadingAmway foundersRich DeVos andJay Van Andel to purchase and renovate thePantlind Hotel, the first of many investments to revitalize downtown Grand Rapids.
Parks lost his bid for re-election in 1976, toAbe Drasin, and returned to full-time ministry. GovernorWilliam Milliken appointed him to the State Officers Compensation Commission in 1982. He retired from First Community in 1985. He moved toChicago, where he resumed ministry at Greater Institutional AME Church. He moved back to Grand Rapids in 1999, but lived the last year of his life inLisle, Illinois. He died on November 4, 2009, following a stroke a few days earlier.[1][2][3]
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by Robert Boelens | Mayor ofGrand Rapids, Michigan 1971 - 1976 | Succeeded by Abe L. Drasin |
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| National | |
