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 […]
If you live in the city you might have noticed some positive changes. More Flint businesses are setting up shop downtown, home values are rising and neighborhoods are buzzing with new life. Even national perception of the city is changing: Flint was recently named one of U.S. News and World Report’s “125 Best Places to […]
Mayor Karen Weaver is being celebrated for her leadership in the midst of Flint’s most significant public health crisis, but she isn’t resting on her laurels. Weaver recently attended the yearly Congressional Black Caucus Conference in Washington, D.C. where she received the Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.’s Health Award. She also was recently named a member […]
When the last big-box grocery store left Flint, about 100,000 residents were left with one less major shopping option for affordable, fresh food. The void punctuated by Kroger’s closing on Davison Road in 2015 left residents, community leaders and local government to seek solutions, but the effort has grown into something bigger. Several independent retail […]
Helping address housing challenges is the goal of an organization now in need of help from the city it serves. Communities First, Inc. is eligible to receive $5,000 in grant funds through a statewide Investing in Communities program, sponsored by Independent Bank, but winning the award depends on votes. Communities First is responsible for affordable […]
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 […]
Flint sparks with potential. It has an enviable kind of “can do” spirit that just cannot be manufactured. It was born here. At its center is a remarkable group of resilient citizens who never ever give up. It’s that kind of community spirit that buoys the interest and investment of Flint-based organizations like the C.S. […]