Kanye West: Special Guest at Southern Maryland Walk for Water

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Major songwriter, producer, and hip hop celebrity, Kanye West, visited Southern Maryland on the weekend of the 23rd to support the pressing issue of water around the world.  He was the special guest for the Southern Maryland Walk for Water Day on Saturday, March 24th. 

Many locals showed up to support the Walk for Water and see Kanye West, who also walked during this event.  Beginning shortly after 8 am at Chancellors Run Park in Great Mills, Kanye West, Senator Roy Dyson, Paralympic runner and medal winner Wardell Swann, motivational speaker, vocalist and drummer Gaynell Colburn, St. Mary’s County community coordinator Gwen Bankins, and Good Water Store & Café owner (and Kanye’s father), Ray West, all spoke to kick off this event. 

The event drew attention toward one of the largest public health issues today.  Walk for Water Day took place in 26 cities throughout the United States and Canada.  Participants walked to show support for those in the world who must journey three to six miles every day to reach clean and safe drinking water in water.  There is a scarcity of clean water and Good Water Store and Café along with all of those individuals who showed up were able to support the cause.

“The resolution was signed and sealed on March 18th to start Maryland Water Week,” said Dyson, stating the importance of this day.  “All human beings have the right to clean and safe water.”  Dyson presented both the senate resolution and the governor’s proclamation addressing the issues of water.  The UN General Assembly designated March 22nd as World Water Day so international attention will be drawn to the critical lack of safe and clean drinking water worldwide. 

Kanye West, who also spoke to start the event said, “You are all a part of history.  So let’s kick it off.”  Stephanie Chapman, A Leonardtown High School graduate and current junior at Towson University sang the National Anthem just before the public began their walk. 

During the walk, Kanye West shared his thoughts on the issue with The Bay Net.  “It’s important that people know about the water epidemic,” he said.  Both of West’s parents are educators, which perhaps helped him be more knowledgeable toward pressing issues like global water conditions.  “I’m happy to do what I can to support,” said Kanye West.

Walking in the park, Kanye West was able to get a sense of the area.  Since his father lives in Lexington Park, Kanye visits St. Mary’s County quite often.  “[The area] is laid back.  You can relax,” Kanye told the Bay Net.  “It’s good to get away from the city.”

When discussing Kanye’s music he told The Bay Net that he might incorporate material on the water epidemic into some of his music.  Kanye West and his new fiancé left the event early, but others continued walking to be a part of this good cause.

Motivational speaker, vocalist and drummer Gaynell Colburn is very supportive of the water issue and walked laps around park’s road with the rest of the participants.  “I support many great things this county does and this is a great thing,” Colburn told the Bay Net.  “You see, it’s not just about good water, but starting good, healthy habits.”

Water is obviously essential to everyday life, especially to the southern Maryland area, where the Chesapeake Bay is the heart and soul of the Mid- Atlantic region.  The Potomac River, a very local waterway, provides 90% of drinking water to the Washington area.  “We need to look at the quality and quantity of the water,” Senator Dyson told the Bay Net.  “It’s important just to see how much water we do have.”

Ray West, owner of Good Water, thanked the public and special guests for attending the walk considering it was sponsored by the Good Water Store and Café.  “Water is a critical, critical issue,” said Ray West.  “We need to be aware of conserving water.”