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Panel discussion around women supporting women in Grand Rapids shows leadership growing stronger

Submitted 04-01-2016 under OPINION

There were a lot of women-centered events in our city during the month of March, not only because March is Women’s History Month, but also because getting women together for lunch and discussion is just a really good idea. This past Tuesday...

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Standing ovation for Snyder in Grand Rapids shows gross disconnect with people of Flint

Submitted 03-22-2016 under OPINION

Yesterday The Economic Club of Grand Rapids reminded me how thoroughly disconnected they are from the pulse of the community. Let me rephrase that. The Economic Club of Grand Rapids reminded me that they have no desire to assess a pulse, as a matter...

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Women, politics, Grand Rapids: a chat with Tami VandenBerg

Submitted 03-22-2016 under OPINION

Local business owner and force of nature Tami Vandenberg has never been one to be shy about the issues that matter most to her, which are often of a controversial nature. The co-owner of Grand Rapids’ much loved Meanwhile Bar and The Pyramid...

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Album review: 'Promise Land' by Vox Vidorra

Submitted 03-21-2016 under OPINION

It would be tempting for Vox Vidorra listeners to focus entirely on singer/frontwoman Molly Bouwsma-Schultz. She is a quite a personality—her powerful voice and commanding stage presence demand the attention of a crowd. But to ignore the other...

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Review: comedian Ron Funches slays Pyramid Scheme crowd

Submitted 03-21-2016 under OPINION

Wearing a hoodie and jeans, with one hand in his pocket and standing nearly motionless, Ron Funches delivered a fantastic set touching on everything from the WWE to masturbating with coconut oil. The California-born comedian is known for his muted...

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Author of Mayor's Book of the Year returns to Grand Rapids to talk race, equity

Submitted 03-08-2016 under OPINION

Todd Robinson is the author of the book, "A City Within a City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan." Robinson is a specialist in African-American history, and his book provides an account of the African-American history...

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How I learned to stop worrying and love citizen journalism: A farewell to Managing Editor Holly Bechiri

Submitted 02-26-2016 under OPINION

I first met Holly Bechiri, who departs from The Rapidian today, when she asked to hold a “Story Fort” at a downtown space managed by my at-the-time employer. I didn’t know much about The Rapidian then, or citizen journalism, for...

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Education workshop seeks to build community for better schools at Neighborhood Summit

Submitted 02-23-2016 under OPINION

It takes a village to raise a child. Congress Elementary is putting that thought into action. Five years ago, a handful of neighbors and community leaders met with then Congress Principal Bridget Cheney and Grand Rapids Public Schools...

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Strength in our community: Final words from our Managing Editor at The Rapidian

Submitted 02-22-2016 under OPINION

As exciting new career opportunities prompt my departure from my role at The Rapidian, I wanted to talk to you about what this means for The Rapidian. In essence, I believe it means just this: very little. In my five years at The Rapidian, I've...

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Alligator wrestling act in town this week shows urgent need for ordinance

Submitted 02-18-2016 under OPINION

Imagine you’re on a walk through Grand Rapids. On your walk, you start to hear a commotion in the distance; lots of cheering, and yelling. The closer you get, the louder the cheers and chants, and you quickly realize this is all happening just...

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