Ruth Crowe is an alumni of Allendale High School here in west Michigan, a multi-media artist, a former soldier and police officer, an athlete and collegiate coach, a USA National team handball member, a business owner, an activist and a Proud Gay Women. She has excelled in all aspects of her athletic and professional career.
Ruth’s art has been exhibited in a group show at CultureVerse in Ann Arbor and she recently had a solo show - The Journal Project - at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts where she courageously shared 43 years of her personal journals in a unique art form. This collection reflects back on moments of bigotry, injustice, trauma, relationships, celebrations and new experiences. The Journal Project is now exhibiting in Chicago. Ruth, and The Journal Project recently offered programming and workshops to area schools including her alma mater, Allendale High School in Ottawa County where Ruth was a member of the Allendale High School’s Hall of Fame. Despite being that member and with all of her achievements a few Allendale school affiliated officials deemed her work not wanted because she is gay. Ruth stood tall and proud when she addressed their board …“The school does not have the right to hold me up on one hand as a pillar of pride, and push me down with the other as a pillar of shame, especially by school board members who are at the forefront of policy and leadership at the school.” And with that, Ruth withdrew her name from its historical Hall of Fame position at Allendale High. Community Pride is proud to recognize Ruth Crowe: For Bravery in the face of discrimination and commitment to equality. |
Ruth E. Crowe2023 Champion
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