Rocking Chair Experiences Connect Women
On Saturday, March 13, 2023, The Rocking Chair Experience returned to in-person after a virtual hiatus due to the COVID Pandemic. Guests gathered at LINC-Up for the annual luncheon and program which featured Dr. Cathy Large, Edye Evans- Hyde and Cheryl LaMar as storytellers. It was the fifteenth. Sixteen years ago, the Grand Rapids Club of the Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. was planning a Women's History Month Event. "Club Sister Vernita Perry reminded us about how as children we used to sit at our Grandmothers' knees and listen to their stories as they rocked in their rocking chairs," said Dinah Britt, as she explained the genesis of the annual The Rocking Chair Experience. The storytellers are women from the community. The themes vary. The stories are theirs. Britt said, "This has been our most popular event. We have had Mrs. Mary Ella Sims who shared her grandfather's Bible that she had continued to read over the years. Mrs Ruth Patterson told us that she remembered riding in a Model T car and a Hummer. Through the years, various storytellers presented barriers, obstacles and struggles that we all had experienced at one time or another showcasing our gifts, talents and skills. They shared personal inspirational stories that we all can relate to as Women in pursuing their dreams and fulfilling their God given purpose for the betterment of our communities and the world." As we have listened to our storytellers over the years, they helped us to realize how much we have in common as African American Women." Mary Thompson, president, put it this way, "The Rocking Chair Experience Storytellers presented barriers, obstacles and struggles that we all had experienced at one time or another showcasing our gifts, talents and skills. They shared personal inspirational stories that we all can relate to as Women in pursuing their dreams and fulfilling their God given purpose for the betterment of our communities and the world."
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