Murals Honoring Local Women
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Over the past few years, several murals honoring women have popped up around Grand Rapids. Local artists have been painting murals that celebrate some of the local women whose work, service, and accomplishments have added immense value to the Grand Rapids community. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), through their Women's Way Initiative and Dwelling Place, has committed to lifting these women's voices and visibility. This work is being done in collaboration with other organizations, including the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council, the City of Grand Rapids, and Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts.
One of the murals is in celebration of Ethel B. Coe. Ethel moved to Grand Rapids to live with her aunt and uncle when she was young. Her campaigning for human rights began early; when Ethel was a teen, she won a civil rights case after being refused service at a local ice cream parlor. Coe was active in the Grand Rapids Study Club, the Pierian Club NAACP, Urban League, and Family Life Council, to name a few of her afflictions. In 1951 she ran for the Grand Rapids Charter Commission. Then at the age of 68, as a VISTA volunteer, Coe taught English to Latino and Vietnamese children. She was also a noted singer and actor.
She performed at Civic Theater and St. Cecilia Music Society, etc. Her works were so well regarded that there is a Giant Award name in her honor. Ethel was not only a humanitarian; she was a trailblazer who paved the way for me and you.
Harriet Woods Hill is also honored on a mural. In 1955, Hill became the first African American female police officer in Grand Rapids, and she began her career in the Juvenile Division.
Harriet was active in the community, and in 1951, she was the first African American Woman to run for the school board. She broke the glass ceiling again in 1977 when she became the first female detective on the police force. Hill was active in the Grand Rapids Study Club and the NAACP.
Other women honored memorialized this way include Angeline Kelsey "Naw Kay o say" Yob, Maurilia Ortiz Blakely, and Ella Sims. The Grand Rapids Chicks, the allwomen baseball team active during and just after World War II, was also remembered with a mural. Among other roles, Yob was also was a community activist, educator, and native citizen of the Grand River Band of the Ottawa Indians. Blakely is described as a role model, champion for the poor and women's rights, and advocate for higher education. Blakely has many achievements and accomplishments, including organizing the first Mexican Festival in 1970. The Dwelling Place sponsored a mural to honor Ella Sims, who was awarded the Giant among Giants Award in 2005. Sims was a mother, educator, community organizer, and columnist for the Grand Rapids Press. She was instrumental in establishing the Women's Resources Center and planning for the Kroc Center.
Our lives are better because these women knocked down walls and broke ceilings, thus giving us access and opportunity.
This Women's History Month, let's celebrate them and learn more about their lives and work by checking out these murals. You can find the murals at the following locations: Ethel Coe: Located in the alley off Monroe Ave NW on the north side of 20 Monroe Live Harriet Woods Hill: Located in the alley off Louis St. NW at the northwest corner of GRPD headquarters Angeline Kelsey "Naw Kay o say" Yob: Located in the alley off Sheldon Blvd NE between the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and The Apartment Lounge.
Maurilia Ortiz Blakely: Located in the alley off Fulton St. W next to San Chez Bistro Grand Rapids Chicks: Located in the alley off Newberry St. NW behind Auto Fixit Body Shop at 805 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI Ella Sims: Located at 21 Weston St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Sophia Brewer (M.L.I.S.) Is Collection Development And Serials Librarian, Grand Rapids Community College; Co-president Of The Greater Grand Rapids History Council; Member Of The Grand Rapids Study Club And Serves On The Grand Rapids Public Library, Board Of Library Commissioners (Elected 2016-2021). She Is A Former Head Of Programs, Grand Rapids Public Library And Former Branch Manager, Madison Square Branch, Grand Rapids Public Library Congresswoman
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