Kimberly P. Denmark, an African American woman, has been walking for seventy one months for a cause she feels needs to be heard, and Florida will be her 16th state thus far. “This movement is important to the nation,” said Latoya Dewalt, road assistant to Denmark. “I have been with Kim Denmark for eight months, and the first time I met her, she changed my life.” As an activist/motivational speaker and founder of Kim’s Spiritual Walk Across America, her a plight that began in 1999-in about 3-4 feet of snow in her hometown of Dayton, Ohio. She is walking for the poor, working poor, homeless, welfare reform, education, health care, and for all those in America who feel they have no voice. “I feel we [Americans] do a lot for other countries, which is a good thing, but we have a lot of issues right here in America that need to be addressed,” Denmark said. “We need to start in our own backyard. The time is now to make a change for the betterment for all the people of this country.” Her goal is to acquire data, testimonies and present 1 million signatures from people across 48 states, then present these petitions to the United States Senate. Denmark will ultimately introduce, and be instrumental in supporting a bill for legislation to pass-the same non-working HR bill former president Bill Clinton signed in 1996.
This reform bill mandated a 5-year time period for recipients to vacate the cash assistance programs. “Awareness is essential in order for progress to happen,” Denmark said. “Presenting these petitions to the Senate can help make a change, and there needs to be a change in our current situation.” Denmark supporters feel her efforts will be productive for everyone in America if only they will listen. “Her work is inspirational and needs to heard,” said Ketia Felix, a senior pre-physical therapy student from Orlando. “What Denmark is walking for should be of the utmost importance to everyone. I’m just surprised Denmark’s message is not being heard on a national level.” With the help and support of local businesses and community and faith organizations in Tallahassee such as the Golden Corral Corporation on Monroe Street and the Holiday Inn off of Tennessee Street, Denmark is reassured her mission is becoming a reality. “I give thanks to all the wonderful people who help me along my journey,” said Denmark. Denmark will be in Tallahassee for the next week or two to talk with city officials and other community members. She is also meeting with FAMU’s SGA president to discuss issues, and hopes to set up a time to conduct a forum to talk with other FAMU students about her mission and how they can be instrumental in the mission of public awareness. For more information she can be reached at Kdenmarkwalks@hotmail.com and Latonyadewalt@hotmail.com.
Contact Katrelle Simmons at simmons_katrelle@yahoo.com