The Lakeshore

Michael McDermott performs at Seven Steps Up in 2019.

Community rallies behind ‘beloved’ music venue owners

Donations have come from near and far to keep Seven Steps Up afloat until the listening room can reopen. One musician even wrote “The Song Will Rise” about what makes Michelle and Gary Hanks' historic venue so special.

Gloria Lara is the Executive Director of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.
LEDA launches weekly conversations on racial inequalities

The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance has launched a series of weekly Facebook Live events, leading up to the virtual 2020 Summit on Race and Inclusion: Vision & Voices on July 21.

Anisa Reynolds believes protests will be key to long-lasting change.
Seeing Unity Demonstration diversity ‘powerful’ for local youth

Growing up black in Holland, a pair of 20-year-olds talk about the optimism they felt after thousands turned out for the community's Black Lives Matter protest. 

A protester carried this sign during the George’s Peaceful Unity Demonstration in Holland on June 7.
How I came to take a stand against racism

Dave Edmonds shares why he thinks it took so long for him to understand his role in racial inequality and why he is determined to make up for lost time.

More than 3,000 people lined Unity Bridge on June 7 to show their solidarity in standing against racism in America.
Thousands line Unity Bridge, ‘standing together’ for justice

“We choose unity. We choose peace. We choose togetherness,” co-organizer Shutaveya Ward says. “We can enact change by standing together.”

Protestors walk along Douglas Avenue to the Unity Bridge.
Unity march surpasses expectations

Photo essay and video capture the sounds and sights of George’s Peaceful Unity Demonstration march in Holland on June 7. 

Lucia Rios at a work event.
Accommodating remote work during pandemic helps shift conversation about access, inclusion

Lucia Rios hopes that once we’re out of quarantine, we don’t stop making access and inclusion an important topic. She, along with others who are disabled, don’t want to go back to business as usual.

Rebekah VanZegeren is a former college athlete turned physical therapist.
Finding new ways to support health and fitness during COVID-19

Former athlete Rebekah VanZegeren shares how physical therapists are providing a safe environment for recovery during the pandemic.

‘Short-lived hobby’ turns into a Rotary Project to provide PPE to fight pandemic

What began as a little project by Sue Franz to help a friend in need quickly grew into the Rotary Fabric Mask Maker Club. Now, the group needs volunteers and donations to keep up with the demand.

Expanding online presence can help businesses succeed now, come back stronger

With many people staying home, working from home, and social distancing, they are spending a lot more time online. That’s why now is the perfect time for businesses to expand their reach online, says Liz Hoffswell, a certified business consultant.

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