A representative from Never The Same (NTS) Harvey Elgersma approached the Marshall County Commissioners during their regular meeting on April 1 to request approval for The Justice Walk on May 18.
According to Elgersma, organizer for this event, Jeff Ecker, walked the Trail of Death in 2020 starting at the Chief Menominee Monument in Marshall County all the way to Kansas. It had such an impact on his life and his perception of justice that he organized a one day walk that will begin May 18 and offer a three, 10, or 21 mile option. Participants will be bussed from the Plymouth Wesleyan Church to the Chief Menominee Monument at 12380 Peach Road in Plymouth which is the beginning of the Trail of Death.
The goal is 900 to 1,000 participants. According to Elgersma, the walk is an opportunity for participants to reflect on the removal of the Potawatomi Nation and what justice means to them in present day. Some examples on the brochure include racial injustice, the end of Human Trafficking, access to clean water and those in poverty.
The event is also a fundraiser to support a documentary film on The Justice Trail Walk which will be released in the fall. The proceeds will help offset some of those costs.
Not only did Elgersma request permission to hold the walk, but also permission to position portable restrooms along the route.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department will position units at vulnerable high traffic crossings. Water and protein bars will be available at certain stations.
Elgersma confirmed that Never the Same has full liability insurance covering the event.
The Commissioners approved the request to walk the route and place portable restrooms along the route in the County Right of Way; the organization will be required to coordinate with the Marshall County Highway Department on the locations for the portable restrooms.
Register online at TheJusticeTrail.com/Walk.
