Local nonprofit launches project to change image of Grand Rapids' southeast side FOX17 and last updated 2021-05-10 08:21:12-04 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. â Born and raised in the the cityâs Southeast side, Ericka âKyd Kaneâ Thompson says this is her home. âWeâre doing beautiful things,â said Kane. However, the way in which she thinks of her community doesnât always align with the way in which other people think of it. Grand Rapidsâ southeast side, which is majority minority, has long been associated with violent crime and other issues related to inequality and inequity. âWhen you leave a neighborhood behind and isolate them from opportunities, quality education, and something that so many areas of the city have, you will see more things like crime and poverty⦠something thatâs going to breed less-than-optimal things,â said Kane.