Profiling the pioneering progressive African American women of Grand Rapids with Sophia Ward Brewer (02-22-25)

WYCE's Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

On this episode, host & WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Sophia Ward Brewer, Serials and Collection Development Librarian at GRCC and Vice President of the Greater GR Women's History Council.

Sophia recently gave a presentation at Grand Rapids Public Library titled Tracing the Steps | African American Women During the Progressive Era in Grand Rapids

Sophia’s done a significant amount of research on early African American women’s clubs and the remarkable women who led these organizations here in Grand Rapids.

She spoke with us about the progressive era and what it was like for women living in Grand Rapids during that period.

Online: The Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council