There is growing synergy in the community for lifting the history of Flint.

Stories shared among Flint neighbors, the impact of Fair Housing legislation, and urban renewal efforts that bulldozed neighborhoods shine a light on our complex past. Partners include the City of Flint, Sloan Museum, University of Michigan Flint, the Neighborhood Engagement Hub, and Flint residents. All of the projects seek to advance truth, racial healing, and transformation in Flint.

Flint Neighborhood Oral History Project

Through a grant from Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand as part of its Black Community Commitment Grant Program, the Flint Neighborhood Oral History Project was formed. Partners included CFGF, Sloan Museum of Discovery, Neighborhood Engagement Hub, and the University of Michigan-Flint.

The grant forged a partnership of two existing efforts focused on the collection of neighborhood oral histories of Flint residents. Neighborhood Engagement Hub worked with the University of Michigan Flint to provide outreach to residents and convene community storytelling activities. The Sloan Museum of Discovery and the UM-Flint created systems to archive the stories and create exhibitions and platforms to highlight the stories through the community as well as the Sloan Museum.

St. John Historical Neighborhood Plan

St. John Street is a historic Black neighborhood that was bulldozed in the 1960s by the development of I-475. Since that time, former neighbors have continued to share stories and stay persistent in efforts to memorialize the site. Through an existing relationship with the City of Flint Planning Department and TRHT, a series of conversations were held to implement a development plan.

With funding from the City of Flint, the St. John Street Memorial Park is under development. Area markers and statues will recognize the history of the St. John Street Neighborhood. A community gathering space, walking trails, and a playground are included in the plan.

Truth-Telling Workshops

Four virtual community conversations were conducted by leaders from the Sloan Museum of Discovery and the City of Flint Planning Department. Topics focused on the impact of structural and systemic racism in the areas of fair housing and segregation, land valuations, and neighborhood displacements. Opportunities like this, to reflect on our complex history, move our community from one of silence, inattention, and even denial to engaging for racial equity.