/ Professor Gertrude G. Croom

The Griot of Grand Rapids

Bringing 30+ years of educational excellence and authentic Civil Rights Movement experience to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Book Speaking Engagement

Learn More

A Living Voice of History

Professor Croom attended Knoxville College more inspired than ever - taking on her political science courses, she continued in her scholarly and socially conscious work, joining the first Black Greek Sorority, The Gamma Eta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and became Vice President of the student body.

Civil Rights Activism

At just 16 years old, Professor Croom joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Birmingham, Alabama. She participated in the historic Children's March (Children's Crusade) and was imprisoned alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the same time he wrote his famous "Letter from a Birmingham Jail."

Early Life & Education

Gertrude G. Croom was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 18, 1946 to Charles and Leola Grant. Growing up in a deeply segregated city, Professor Croom was determined to succeed – both for herself and her community.

Family & Faith

In 1969, she and her college sweetheart James Croom moved to Grand Rapids, where they built a life together spanning 56 years of marriage until his passing in February 2025. They raised three daughters: Gwenavivre, Gayturnera, and Gelasia, and have three grandchildren: Imani, Gabriel, and Gabrielle.

Community Involvement

Professor Croom has been an active member of two faith communities: Messiah Missionary Baptist Church and, for the past 25 years, Brown Hutcherson Ministries, where she curated a youth banking program helping over 40 young people learn about financial literacy and the value of saving and investing.

Learn More

Generational and Intersectional Learning and Care.

Professor Croom discusses the importance of generational and intersectional learning and care.

/ A Living Voice of History

Professor Croom's Story is Our Story.

Professor Croom is a sought-after speaker on civil rights history, contemporary justice movements, and the global systems that shape equity today. As a young person, she marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a formative experience that shaped her life, scholarship, and lifelong commitment to justice.

Highs and lows, wins and losses, fear and faith – she connects the past to the present, translating history into insight and action for those committed to meaningful change.

Educational Excellence

— Civil Rights Legacy

— Community Leader

— Youth Mentor

/ Gallery

Photo Gallery

A visual journey through Professor Croom’s life of service, family, and community impact

All Professional Family

View Gallery

/ Events

Perfect For Your Event

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua erat libero condimentum metus.

01.

Higher Education

Universities, colleges, and academic confeences seeking authentic voices on civil rights history and educational excellence.

02.

Faith Communities

Churches and religious organizations looking for inspiring speakers on faith, justice, and community service.

03.

Organizations

Community groups, nonprofits, and civic organizations focused on diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

04.

Corporate Events

Businesses and corporations seeking speakers for diversity programs, leadership development, and cultural awareness.

/ Professor Croom's Story

Watch Professor Croom's Story

Hear directly from The Griot of Grand Rapids about her journey from Birmingham to Grand Rapids

Impacting The Soul

"Sharing stories is how we preserve our history and inspire future generations."

/ Get in Touch

Experience Professor Croom's Inspiring Message

Bring decades of Civil Rights experience and educational excellence to your next event