A four-month Our African American Film Series that begins with Toni Morrison’s acclaimed “The Pieces that I Am” in November and ends with the emotional film “Mr. Church” on Feb. 13 will celebrate the artistry of African Americans in entertainment. The series, designed to “inspire, inform, empower and entertain” attendees, is hosted by Communities First […]
Almost a decade ago Flint’s Coolidge Elementary School closed its door forever, a move that showed the changing reality of the neighborhood. Dropping attendance coupled with high cost closed that chapter in the neighborhood in 2011, but a new one was written by the non-profit Communities First Inc., which bought the property from the Flint School […]
It seemed a peculiar setting for a discussion about affordable housing. Traverse City is better known as a community that boosts Michigan’s tourism than one that attracts low- and moderate-income residents. But some took notice when a young man attending a public meeting spoke up about his daily, 45-minute trip from work into town, saying […]
Community developer Glenn Wilson will travel to New Castle, Australia, following his selection as a participant in the Next City Vanguard Conference that brings together notable young, urban innovators. Wilson, president and CEO of Flint-based Communities First, Inc., was chosen from 220 applicants who’ll assemble with a range of other professionals including architects, artists, urban […]
Some people are that good. And for Glenn Wilson, the president and CEO of Communities First, Inc. being “good,” is never quite good enough. It’s a part of his DNA. He always strives to do better, particularly for Flint’s hardest hit residents. With the announcement of his election to the role of board chair for […]
For years, Jorain Hardman was homeless and battling a heroin addiction. Her travels took her past a shuttered apartment building called Swayze Apartments, a decrepit place that couldn’t provide decent shelter from the cold. Even after she got sober her options were limited. “I was right here, looking at this building, wishing it could be […]