By Sonya Hollins, editor
editor@comvoicesonline.com
*Photos provided by Girls on the Run-Kalamazoo. For more information visit: www.girlsontherunkazoo.org/
KALAMAZOO COUNTY (MICH.)-Retired Judge Carolyn Williams never had any daughters. So, after she retired as Kalamazoo County probate judge, she decided to do more to inspire young girls to dream. In 2005, she, and other members of her Links organization, became sponsors and mentors for the Kalamazoo area Girls on the Run program at Edison Environmental Science Academy in Kalamazoo.
The nationwide program allows girls in grades 3-6, to participate in a 5K walk/run event, while learning important health, and self esteem. This year’s local event will be held May 24 at Western Michigan University’s Waldo Stadium.
“I believe strongly that, the earlier you start talking to girls about having goals and aspirations for their future, it helps them understand that people have high expectations for them, and they should have (aspirations)for themselves,” Williams she in a phone interview.
She said some girls have talked about becoming lawyers, judges, and doctors, and Williams believes it’s in them to do so; as long as they don’t get too distracted in life.
Williams, a native of Washington D.C., graduated from George Washington University with undergraduate and law degrees.
A week after graduation in 1968, she married her husband, Sid, who is currently a patent attorney. She has two sons, Marty (assistant to the mayor of Southfield, Mich.); and Chris (senior sales associate for Astellas Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. in Maryland); and one granddaughter, Marley who was born in 2010.
Providing a role model for young girls is something Williams said she is passionate about. While she admits, she is not a runner, she walked with the girls during their practices and said the involvement helped some girls who were overweight and needed to have some encouragement.
“We walked together, and I told them, if they push, they can complete in the event…they just have to put one foot in front of the other,” said Williams who did not participate as a coach this year.
Girls on the Run in Kalamazoo will have more than 2,000 girls, and nearly 3,000 volunteers and others participating in the 5K walk/run event on May 24. Williams hopes in the future, more African American mentors take part to inspire young girls toward success.
“It’s important for young African American girls to have someone of color to have as part of their coaching team…there aren’t many black coaches participating,” Williams said.
Statistically, more African American girls are overweight at a young age. Programs like Girls on the Run provide a healthy outlet to getting fit.
“(GOTR) was a learning experience for me, too. I have run into some of the girls in public settings and they are happy to see me,” Williams said.
