The concept for Black Classical Origins began 13 years ago when Richard King accepted a challenge from Dallas Dort, who was then chairman of the Flint Institute of Music, to think of more effective ways for the Flint Symphony Orchestra to reach out to Flint’s black middle class residents. Lennetta Coney soon joined the steering committee for what was then called, “The Black Classical Music Family Festival.” Although the name has changed, the goal has remained the same. “We wanted to be certain that it was inviting to get the African American community to pay attention to what we were doing,” Lennetta explains. “It’s a two-way process,” Richard adds. “We’re getting the community interested in the Symphony, but we need to recognize the fact that a lot of minority composers have also contributed to classical music. That’s why we call it Black Classical Origins.”
For Craig Williams, Director of Bishop International Airport, 2015 was a busy year. He was appointed to the position in August 2014 by the Bishop International Airport Authority Board in a unanimous vote. Craig replaced long-time director Jim Rice, who retired after many years of service. “The first year went by so fast!” he exclaims. He describes it as “a year of discovery.” “I spent a lot of time learning about the community and the people at the airport. The staff here is great and it is a great facility.” Craig said it was a well-run airport before he got there, for which he gives credit to his predecessor. He believes he has learned more about himself and about being a leader. The airport director spent some time on a wintry afternoon talking with My City Magazine about his background, his family and his vision for the future.
The Flint River Watershed Coalition’s 2016 Voice of the River Annual Celebration was held on Thursday January 28 at Sloan Museum. The fundraiser included hors d’ oeuvres, a raffle and silent auction, as well as a priority viewing of Sloan Museum’s newest exhibit “Water’s Extreme Journey.”
The Humane Society of Genesee County celebrated a milestone today – its 90-year anniversary. In honor of the occasion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the shelter by the Burton Chamber of Commerce.
Even though the local disaster of the Whaley Historic House Museum’s roof catching fire was over a month ago, the discussion of restoration is still relevant. Luckily, no one was injured, but an artifact of Flint’s history has been significantly damaged and will take time and money to repair.
It’s a New Year and a new day for the newly elected mayor of the City of Flint, Karen Weaver. As the first woman in the city’s history to hold the position and facing the challenges of her first year in office, Karen took some time out of her busy day for an up close and personal interview with MCM.
On December 2, cancer survivors and families of those who lost their fight against cancer gathered to remember loved ones and celebrate the lives of cancer survivors at the first Tree of Love Event. Hosted by Genesys Health Foundation in partnership with the Holly community, the event was held in the atrium of Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc Township. The evening included music from the Holly Dickens Music Festival, a brief program, more entertainment from the Holly Dickens characters, and refreshments.
The sensation of culture shock, by definition, is a feeling of disorientation a person may feel when experiencing an unfamiliar social environment. Communities First, Inc. of Flint enhances that definition by provoking, stimulating, and inspiring new perspectives within community families through this nationally recognized program. Culture Shock provides families with the opportunity to experience different aspects of local culture, with pop-up performances, workshops, and other events.
Flint & Genesee shoppers are encouraged to start the holiday shopping season by patronizing some of the region’s small businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. From food to fashion, there are a variety of shops and businesses from which to choose.
The 4th Annual Vehicle City Fashion Week has included a Creative Meetup, a Workshop and a Fashion & Style Brunch, and will culminate in a Runway & Trunk Show on Friday, November 20. This year, the show has moved to an all new location: Signature Chophouse in Flushing. For $30 ($40 VIP), guests can enjoy a remarkable runway fashion show, a red-carpet pre-party, a gift bag and tasty food. The event will be hosted by celebrity stylist, GooGoo Atkins.
If there’s one thing Flint City Police Chief James Tolbert is sure of, it’s his philosophy that a police department must strive for positive interaction with the community it serves. “Our goal and mission is to let the community know we’re here for them,” says Chief Tolbert, who was appointed to his position in the fall of 2013. “I think we’re fortunate in Flint, because we don’t have the strain other cities have.”
