Abstract: A retaining wall block including a body having a front face, a rear face, opposing side faces, a top face, and a bottom face, and an elongated channel located in a surface of the bottom face preferably extending substantially between the opposing side faces. At least one pin aperture is located in a surface of the top face. A retaining pin is located in the pin aperture, extending vertically a predetermined distance above the surface of the top face. The block includes a cut-out portion defining a hollow extending from the top face through the body to the bottom face. The cut-out is located in the top face between the pin aperture and the front face and in the bottom face between the channel and the front face. A hand grip is provided within the forward upper portion of the cut-out.