AC Spark Plug has been referred to as “one of the most iconic auto parts names in history,” and is a big part of Flint’s and General Motors’ past. The manufacturing facility underwent many name changes over the years, originally called Champion Ignition after its founder, Albert Champion. GM purchased it in 1909 and in 1922, it became AC Spark Plug Company. The Flint factories extended from Dort Highway, along Robert T. Longway Boulevard to Center Road, and the operations survived many highs and lows. In its heyday, AC employed as many as 14,000 workers. Last known as Flint Delphi East, the factories produced numerous automotive components such as instrument panels, instrument clusters, spark plugs, filters, air meters and fuel pumps. In 2006, AC Spark Plug closed its doors and in 2013, Flint Delphi East (Plant 43) ceased operations and relocated the bulk of its work to Mexico.
Do you know someone who performs community work in the city of Flint? Do they help with issues regarding youth, safety, economic opportunity, neighborhoods, or the Flint water crisis? Their efforts can be appreciated, thanks to the Ruth Mott Foundation’s new award – an award that will recognize the exceptional leadership of someone making a difference in the lives of Flint residents.
On February 10-11, the 2017 Chrome & Ice Indoor Car Show will take over the entire Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, featuring over 100 vintage and classic cars, sports cars, muscle cars, hot rods, and trucks with live entertainment and special guests. Presented by Back to the Bricks, Farm Bureau Insurance and Buick, this year’s larger and more spectacular event theme is “MORE.” Hours are Fri. until 9pm and Saturday 9am-9pm. Don’t miss it!
Valley Area Agency on Aging has partnered with Mott Community College Department of Dental Hygiene to provide free oral health cleanings to local seniors in Genesee County and the city of Flint, thanks to $1,500 from Delta Dental Foundation.
In this three-part series, MCM will highlight GM’s early years, the company’s ups and downs during later, more tumultuous times, as well as what the future may hold for GM in Flint and at a national level.
The Ruth Mott Foundation has made a significant commitment: to redirect their focus to north Flint neighborhoods. With the Community Engagement Office’s new location at the Christ Enrichment Center in north Flint, they are on the front lines of economic and social change. Through a centralized, place-based approach, their philanthropy – as always – is geared toward community support; their strategic plan will span from 2016 to 2020, and is based on research and reflection from the community, in an effort to create safe, healthy and financially secure neighborhoods.
With its Roaring 20s, “Great Gatsby” theme and cozy atmosphere, Café Rhema has become more than a Downtown coffee shop to its patrons. It’s not only a place to relax and enjoy a really good cup of coffee and some high-quality food, it’s a place to meet, study and socialize in a warm, safe environment. Josh Spencer, owner of another Downtown business, The Spencer Agency, was born and raised in Flint and attended the University of Michigan-Flint. Three years ago, he purchased what was then the Brown Sugar Café, in order to be part of the Downtown revitalization efforts … and because he loves Flint.
Even as a seven-year-old, Drew DeRidder was displaying the maturity and courage to trust his instincts and recognize when a change was needed.
Sam and Enaya Jawhari are well-known for the delicious food they prepare and serve at Beirut Restaurant & Grocery located in the Flint Farmers’ Market, where they greet their customers with warm smiles. Having celebrated 20 years of marriage last November, they still share a deep and profound love for each other and for their family.
The strength and grace that comes from generations of oppression is manifested in local women who love their community. In the Flint Institute of Arts’ latest exhibition, Women of a New Tribe, photographed by Jerry Taliaferro, display the essence of black women in one black and white photograph; a photo intended to capture each one’s physical and spiritual beauty.
