Headwater Fund "Walk for Justice"
Sunday, July 17, 2000
The fifth annual headwater fund walk for justice began from Boom Island Park on Sunday September the 17th. The walk began with Olympic-like lighting of a torch at Boom Island Park. The flame burned all afternoon symbolizing the energy and altruism of the over 1000 or more participants.
The headwater fund is organized to help raise money for the over 100 grassroots organizations participating in the walk. The headwater fund manages and organizes the logistics of the walk. The walkers provide matching funds for the participating grassroots organizations. This collaborative effort is beneficial for all groups involved, financially and as a motivational force. Enthusiastic organizers and participants shared the enjoyment of the sunny warm September day as well as the stories of the successes and challenges of the organizations.
Under the leadership of Steve Newcom, the headwater fund director, the 5k or 3.5-mile walk began on the path over the bridge to Nicollet Island. We passed RiverPlace and St. Anthony Main along the banks of the Mississippi River. There were two rest areas with water stops, and plenty of walk marshals cheering and encouraging us on. As we crossed the Stone Arch Bridge we walked by the milling district and observed the redevelopment of the riverfront building projects. I could not help but wish that as we work so hard to beautify and make functional the physical infrastructure of the city, that we also take time to heal and provide justice for the people who live in our city. Attractive structures can be awe-inspiring but healthy, humane caring communities can lay the groundwork for a decent society. And that in fact is what the walk for justice is about.
Especially heartening was to observe the variety of multi-cultural organizations participating. They included some groups St. Joan’s has long been working with such as Women Against Military Madness, Project Peace, Friends for a Non-violent World, and the Clean Water Action Alliance.
Walker's were of all ages including mothers with infants and those who were wheelchair bound. It was inspiring to see the turnout and the spirit of the walkers. Human beings everywhere want many of the same things -peaceful, healthy, humane, caring communities. On the walk, they were celebrating their contribution in some small way to this great vision.
As we ended our walk back at Boom Island Park, the smell of good food and music greeted us. The Olympic type flame still burned but instead of trying to win trophies and metals these participants chose to encourage and celebrate the many acts of justice compassion, sacrifice, and kindness performed during the past year.
If you want to join this effort and get involved, there are many good causes for justice with grassroots groups needing your support. The Headwater Fund and Steve Newcom (879-0602 Ext. 13) is a resource for those groups participating in the fifth annual Headwaters Fund Walk for Justice (next year there will no doubt be a sixth). For more information, visit the Headwaters Fund Website.
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