Dear Readers,
As I wrote this, winter had finally decided to make an appearance in Michigan and created the beautiful, frozen slushy-slop we all enjoy so much. But it didn’t keep Greater Flint residents from turning out to celebrate at an abundance of January events in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The MLK observances kick off February as Black History Month, and we’re proud to feature the influential African Americans who were honored in Flint this year. Also profiled are Carrie Edwards-Clemons, Deputy Chief of the Flint Fire Department, Kuungana African Drum and Dance Company and Dream League Music Mentoring – all using their talents to make Flint a better place.
Flint will soon welcome a new educational institution – construction of the Flint Cultural Center Academy (FCCA) continues. I’m proud to have been involved in the project early on, and excited about what it will mean for our city. We talked with veteran educator and FCCA CEO, Eric Lieske, about plans for the Academy and the truly unique things it will offer to kids who attend – tuition-free. Read “It’s a Different Kind of School”.
I attended the January 16 world premiere of “Ring of Silence,” a film directed by Nicole Bowers Wallace to raise awareness of human trafficking in Genesee County. The entire community was involved in making the film – Yours Truly even had a bit role, along with many Flint notables – and the turnout for the film’s premiere at the Capitol Theatre was phenomenal. The project’s sponsors and community members donated $10,000 to support Voices for Children, a new organization focused on helping kids who are victims of abuse or human trafficking – Voices for Children is profiled.
On a lighter note, the “My Eats” feature highlights area candy shops – just in time for Valentine’s Day. And in honor of President’s Day, we have a piece on the George Washington Club in Holly, celebrating 124 years of existence. It’s believed to be the oldest one in the U.S.! Who knew? And who knew that so many people are still having fun skating at Rollhaven? It’s been open since 1955 – check out “My Fun”.
We’re also looking back with Part II of “Flint Through The Decades”– our history pieces are still some of our most popular. And, we’ve got over ten pages of faces our photographer snapped at local events. If it’s happening in Greater Flint, My City is there!
Thanks for reading,
