Thank You For Sharing Your Story!
Family Voices is collecting the memories, experiences, people, places, creativity, traditions, businesses, organizations, and hopes that help make Southeast Grand Rapids what it is.
Tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Southeast Grand Rapids.
When you think about Southeast Grand Rapids, what people, places, traditions, businesses, events, sounds, foods, art, routines, or relationships make the community feel like what it is to you?
STORY THEMES
ROOTS & ARRIVALS
Why did you/your family choose to live or set up a business in Southeast Grand Rapids?
As you answer, you might think about:
What was happening in your life then?
Who or what influenced that decision?
What did the Southeast Side look and feel like when you arrived?
What's the same, and what's changed since then?
GROWING UP ON
THE SOUTHEAST SIDE
What was it like growing up there? What has it been like for your children/grandchildren?
As you answer, you might think about:
You might describe an ordinary day: where kids went, what you did for fun, and who looked out for you. If you grew up here, what were your teen years and transition to adulthood like?
FAVORITE PLACES & SACRED SPACES
Thinking about your childhood and adulthood, where were or are your favorite places to gather, and why?
As you answer, you might think about:
Who gathered there?
Does the place still exist?
What lasting impact did it have on you?
NEIGHBORS & UNSUNG HEROES
Who is a neighbor or community member who makes Southeast Grand Rapids feel like home, and why?
As you answer, you might think about:
What do they actually do that people may not always notice?
What neighbor or community member made a significant impact on your life or your family's life?
ARTISTS & MAKERS
What is your medium or creative practice, and how did you get your start? Who or what influenced your talent and what you pursue?
As you answer, you might think about:
Where did you learn, perform, create, or share your work?
What sustains your interest and your ability to continue as an artist/maker? What advice would you give other artists or makers?
A Few Tips Before You Begin
We want an honest, respectful picture of the community.
Specific stories are especially helpful. Instead of only saying what something was like, tell us about a moment you remember. Names of people, places, businesses, schools, churches, parks, events, organizations, traditions, and landmarks help bring the story to life.
Feel free to include both positive experiences and difficult changes or challenges. Moments of insight or resilience and times you overcame a challenge are welcome! There is no perfect length. A few sentences may work for some questions; others may bring up a longer story.
