Women’s Way: Harriet Woods Hill
Year: 2020
Medium: Exterior Latex
Artist Statement: Harriet Woods-Hill was resilient and humble. Symbolism flows through this piece as waves pay ode to Harriet’s hometown leading to the old-time Grand Rapids cityscape. Uniform honoring her service as the first, black female officer at GRPD. Lotus flowers symbolize her growth out of muddy waters, all the while soaring above.
Partners: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Grand Rapids Police Department, Women’s History Council of Grand Rapids + Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts
Harriet Woods Hill 1922-2006
Located in the alleyway off Louis St. NW; at the northwest corner of the Grand Rapids Police Deptpartment Headquarters
Harriet Woods Hill in 1955 became the first African American female officer in the Grand Rapids Police Department. Her career began in the Juvenile Division, and she later trained new recruits about the challenges faced by children. Hill, in 1977, was named the first female detective in the department’s 106-year history.
“I came there to do a job, and I wasn’t going to allow [anyone] to force me to quit working because [of their] prejudices; Once the door was opened, I never allowed it to become closed.”
