From left to right holding the banner: Board Vice Chair Beth Leeson, Board Member Fridah Kanini, Mayor Bliss, Mary Dailey Brown, & Board Chair Mita Fitzjohn.
SowHope hosted its 2nd annual International Women’s Day (IWD) march in downtown Grand Rapids on March 8th. To celebrate women around the world, 60 people gathered in the pouring rain. “When they told me that people in West Michigan were hardy they weren’t kidding”, Mary Dailey Brown said in her opening speech. “I couldn’t have imagined this many people enduring this type of weather!”
Despite the bad weather, nothing could rain on our parade! The event began with an IWD-themed song
Grace Theisen & Carolyn Koebel
release from Chicago musical artist and West Michigan local Elysia Marie. SowHope then honored the first woman mayor of Grand Rapids, Rosalynn Bliss, and SowHope Board Member and Founder/CEO of A Glimpse of Africa, Fridah Kanini, who both gave thoughtful remarks about International Women’s Day and the importance of celebrating the global holiday in our local community. Under the cover of many umbrellas, the rugged group then completed a 1-mile triumphant walk around the city, beginning and ending at Calder Plaza.
Finally, the group was met with hot cocoa, coffee, and homemade treats while local musicians Grace Theisen and Carolyn Koebel performed. Spirits were high throughout the event and many volunteers came early and stayed late to help make the event great. “We were disappointed in the weather”, said SowHope Administrative Director Aaron Hoxworth, “but we were delighted in the group that came to support the cause. We hope to continue to build momentum for this event for years to come.” Thank you to everyone who attended the event and to those who were able to make it happen. See you next year on a sunny Saturday! Photos by Alex Comben.
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