Author: johnrothwellblog

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By John Rothwell

Walker, MI – Thirty-seven seconds into her debut boxing match, Grand Valley State University freshmen and member of the GVSU Boxing club Sarah Rae Batenburg became a part of the University’s history books. On Saturday April 8, 2017 Batenburg defeated Rayne Pacola of the Wolverine Boxing Club by knockout, or Referee Called Fight, in the first round on the main stage of the Deltaplex Arena.

“She’s a champion on many levels because of getting onto that ring, having the courage to do that, having the courage to throw punches, and to get hit by punches, and then win that fight,” GVSU Boxing coach Dennis Shimmell Jr. said.

Batenburg, 19, a Criminal Justice major from Howard City, Michigan is the first female boxer from GVSU to compete in a match. She is also the first GVSU club boxer of either gender to win a fight, to record a RFC or TKO, and to win a championship medal. Batenburg began her boxing career in October of 2016 when she discovered the GVSU Boxing Club, and has been rolling with it ever since.

“I was just really surprised that the referee called it,” Batenburg said of the fight. “I didn’t think I was really whaling on her that hard but I guess I was.”

Batenburg was scheduled to enter the West Michigan Golden Gloves in the Sub-Novice division but Shimmell noticed her talent and decided to move her up to Novice. The fighters she would face would have more experience.  A boxer is considered a Novice until about their 11th fight.  Pacola had fought three times before stepping into the ring with Batenburg. Coach Shimmell had seen Raebatenburg’s opponent fight before and was sure that Batenburg would hold her own in the fight.

“I thought Sarah Rae would do fine with her (Pacola),” Shimmell said. “Was I one-hundred percent sure she was going to win? No, but was I one-hundred percent sure she would do ok.”
By winning the West Michigan Golden Gloves Championship Women’s Novice 165, Batenburg will advance to the State Finals April 21 and 22, at Deltaplex Arena. Fights start at 7:00 P.M. Tickets are available at the DeltaPlex box office.  

Individuals held signs and chanted out slogans “No ban, no wall, this country is for all” and “Show me what democracy looks like – this is what democracy looks like,” as a student led sit-in, to protest President Donald Trump’s recently signed executive order barring citizens from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the United States took place at Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof Center on January 31, 2017.

GRAND HAVEN MI– A high wind advisory was issued Wednesday March 8, 2017 for a majority of the state of Michigan, including the shores of Lake Michigan. With the winds gusting out of the west, at times over 60 mph, the great lake was churning with lots of angry energy. Some waves swelled over fifteen feet tall as they crashed the pier of the light house in Grand Haven, Michigan. Blues skies and huge waves accompanying each other are a rare occurrence, making it a great day to head over to Grand Haven State Park and grab photos of this amazing event.

High winds and waves turn Lake Michigan angry video.

On Saturday March 4, 2017 backers of President Donald J. Trump gathered on Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The voices recorded are from several people out of the hundreds on the plaza that day, expressing their support for the 45th President of the United States.

Grand Rapids, Mi.- February 11, 2017 was a day of scheduled protest around the country for those  calling upon the government to defund Planned Parenthood. Pro choice supporters took to the streets as well to show their solidarity and standing with Planned Parenthood. Both sides clashed with words and beliefs outside the Planned Parenthood building. These are the sounds of the protest.

Since being sworn into office on January 20, 2017, President Trump and his administration have riled up a portion of the American public.  Whether it be changing immigration policies, healthcare, women’s rights or environmental issues, these groups have coalesced and taken to the streets in protest.  Many bring along signs expressing their views.  These are the signs of protest from rallies held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Images taken by John Rothwell.

Calls for Impeachment of Putin’s Puppet at President’s Day protest, Grand Rapids, MI

“Not my President” President’s Day Rally, Grand Rapids, MI

Counter protest supporting “Right to Choose”at “Right to Life” rally at Planned Parenthood, Grand Rapids, MI

“Not my President” President’s Day Rally, using Trump’s famous catchphrase, “You’re Fired”, Grand Rapids, MI

“Not my President” President’s Day Rally, protesting administration’s immigrant ban, Grand Rapids, MI

“Not my President” President’s Day Rally, in protest of Besty DeVos’ nomination for Secretary of Education, Grand Rapids, MI

“Not my President” President’s Day Rally, uniting counter protesters, Grand Rapids, MI

“Not my President” President’s Day Rally, “Dump Trump”, Grand Rapids, MI

Protest rally of repealing the Affordable Care Act, Grand Rapids, MI

Counter protest demanding a woman’s right to choose be recognized at “Right to Life” rally at Planned Parenthood, Grand Rapids, MI

Graphic hand-made posters in support of Planned Parenthood at the “Right to Life” rally, Grand Rapids, MI

Protest rally of repealing the Affordable Care Act, “America, Before We Were Great Again”, Grand Rapids, MI

Protest rally of repealing the Affordable Care Act, “Don the Con”, elected without the majority of the popular vote, Grand Rapids, MI

Protest rally of repealing the Affordable Care Act, concerned citizens they won’t be insured under President Donald Trump, Grand Rapids, MI

Protesters supporting “Right to Choose”at “Women’s March” rally, Grand Rapids, MI

Individuals held signs and chanted out slogans “No ban, no wall, this country is for all” and “Show me what democracy looks like – this is what democracy looks like,” as a student led sit-in, to protest President Donald Trump’s recently signed executive order barring citizens from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the United States took place at Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof Center on January 31, 2017.

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Republicans in Congress took steps to repeal the Affordable Care Act, spurring rallies against the decisions nationally and in Michigan on January 15, 2017.  Hundreds of people filled Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids in solidarity.  

The “Save Our Health Care” event and attendees overwhelmingly promoted repairing the ACA rather than repealing without a replacement.  Because of ACA coverage, millions more are now covered by the Medicaid expansion.  While there concerns about rising premiums and deductibles, more are concerned about losing coverage or being denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions.

Gretchen Whitmer, Democratic gubernatorial candidate spoke to supporters in Grand Rapids.  “Until they’ve (Republicans) done their homework and have that kind of a plan we can debate and scrutinize and see what it means to people. They shouldn’t change something that’s helped so many,” Whitmer said.  “We need to make sure people in congress know that their decisions have real consequences to people in this state.  I think people are going to be absolutely stunned when they find out what the real ramifications will be if the ACA is repealed, including the massive impact on jobs lost in Michigan.”

Spectrum Health emergency medicine doctor Robert Davidson also spoke out against the repeal.  “I’m a physician who thinks we need universal health care.  To repeal the ACA would be a nightmare.  We need to go further and enact a single payer universal health care system” said Dr. Davidson.  He believes the conversation is shifting because some are admitting that a national health system is necessary.  Before the ACA Dr. Davidson acknowledged that many “didn’t have insurance or primary physicians.  Because of that they don’t get the proper care and they come in with diseases that have been long untreated” adding a greater burden on emergency medicine.   

Grand Rapids rally attendees take to the streets to protest attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Local resident Tom Leonard was emphatic about political education and that he believes the ACA needs repair rather than repeal.  “Republicans have nothing to replace it with anyway so I am here to support the health care as it stands. We need education. Robert Kennedy Jr. says that 80% of republicans are actually democrats in policy support, they just don’t know what’s going on when it comes to social issues” said Leonard.  

Frank Lynn, Chairperson of the Kent County Democratic party started a free clinic at St. Alphonsus church twenty years ago.  “Today I wanted to be here and be supportive of the event” said Lynn.  “Taking away healthcare from twenty million people nationwide is just not the direction that the United States of America should be going. I would be supportive with any changes to the ACA as long as it provided better services to people throughout this country.”  He echoed the concern about repealing health care for twenty million people if there is not a replacement ready to go.  

Earlier this week the Washington Post reported an audio leak from the congressional Republicans retreat that confirmed the same concerns exist within the party.  “Repeal and replace” was a great campaign slogan, but the concern of leaving 20 million without insurance is shared on both sides of the aisle.  

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Lansing –  Several thousand people of all ages, races and genders took to Michigan’s capitol lawn  to show solidarity in a sister march that coincided with the National Women’s March that was being held on Washington D.C.

Being publicized as a peaceful demonstration in opposition to the hate crimes,  violence and discrimination that is taking place in America.The event was held the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony, on Saturday January,21 2017.

While addressing the crowd Democratic candidate for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said,“I accept that this new president won Michigan, but I do not accept that the voters chose him because of his hateful rhetoric.”

Dr. Farha Abbasi, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Michigan State University and a Muslim woman gave a crowd pleasing speech on the rights of all Americans.

The large crowd of like minded people brought unity and a sense of togetherness for many in attendance.

“I feel like I’m less alone,” said  Shannon Gillespie (Traverse City) .” I feel like I’m a part of people who feel the same way as I do in this country. And with that strength in numbers we can make changes and demand that our new President represent us.”

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States

John Rothwell currently resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he is a freelance photojournalist and reporter. In December, 2017, he finished his Communications Degree at Grand Valley State University and added a second degree in Multimedia Journalism in December, 2018 . In addition to his academic work, he contributes photos, photo essays and local news coverage to The Rapidian, a hyperlocal citizen journalism platform, powered by the people of Grand Rapids.  

John believes that everyone has a story to tell and that their story needs to be told in a medium that best suits the situation, either in photos, video, audio, word or a combination of all.  People must be informed on events happening in and around their lives. There is a need for people to have their voices heard and the stories they share to be documented.