My time in Flint has come to an end. Flint found its way into my heart through the warm laughs, shy smiles and strong voices that I encountered there. Every day I witnessed the resilience of this community and the love of its people. They found ways to encourage one another in the midst of difficulty and they welcomed me to be a small part by sharing their stories. It was hard to leave that vibrant community, but Flint will always be close to my heart.
Lastly, please enjoy one of my favorite tunes featuring Flint Councilman Eric Mays:
- QUESTIONS -
Ariyal Mays, 10, of Flint, attends a Veterans Day Salute with her class from Doyle-Ryder School to honor veterans and their service on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 at McFarlan Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Flint. "Veterans Day...is a day where we get to celebrate people who served for us, and people who cares about people's family and like to keep America free," Mays said. "All these veterans around me are just like my family members."
From left, Rylan Tedford, 7, of Fostoria, and his sister Emersyn Tedford, 5, of Fostoria, look at deer hanging at the buck pole outside Ray C's Extreme Store on the first day of firearm deer hunting season Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016 in Lapeer.
Local media records former President Bill Clinton as he visits Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church during an unannounced campaign stop for his wife, presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016 in Flint. The former president reminded the congregation of his wife's involvement and on-going commitment to Flint throughout the water crisis.
Patricia Brewster, of Flint, sits in with her 10-month-old grandson Amari Thompson while talking to a friend at the Morris Peterson Foundation's meal box distribution on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 at Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Flint. The Morris Peterson Foundation helped to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to families in Flint for the third consecutive year. "It's just great to see the smiles on people's faces when they come in to pick their boxes up," Peterson said.
Rachel Vaughn, 11, of Ortonville, brushes snow from veteran grave markers Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Wreaths Across America Program helped to provide about 7,000 wreaths to be distributed.
Fans leave after Flint Powers Catholic High School beat Lansing Catholic High School during the boys soccer semifinal game on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016 at Howell Parker Campus in Howell. Flint Powers defeated Lansing 1-0.
A parked jeep sits parked caked in mud after going off-road driving at the Mounds ORV Park on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 in Mount Morris. Hundreds of mud enthusiasts started off their Thanksgiving with a little excitement in their Jeeps, trucks, four-wheelers, dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles. "[Off-roading] brings my family together," said John Armstead, of Holly, while he spent the morning with his family at the Mounds.
Veteran Chris Hunt, of Bay City, says a prayer after placing a wreath on a veteran's grave marker Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Wreaths Across America Program helped to provide about 7,000 wreaths to be distributed.
Students from Farmington Hills Mercy High School cheer on their friends swimming in the MHSAA D1 girls championship swim meet on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 at Oakland University in Rochester. Farmington Hills Mercy High School placed second after Rockford High School was named the MHSAA D1 girls swimming champions.
Malik Ellison, a senior at Beecher High School, left, talks with Jordan Roland, a senior at Beecher High School, while attending basketball practice on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 at Beecher High School in Flint.
Wayne Price, 60, of Otisville, talks about the 4650 square foot unfinished concrete monolithic dome he is selling for $150,000 Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 in Otisville. Price bought the empty property in 2000 and has invested about $200,000 in the building project over the last 16 years.
Eli Karrer, 4, of Flint, takes a break to drink water while ice skating on opening day of the free community open skate at UM-Flint Ice Rink on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 in downtown Flint. The rink is open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays weather permitting.
George Harris, with Post 3087, of Flint, holds the flag during a Veterans Day Salute honoring veterans and their service on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 at McFarlan Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Flint.
Deer hang after being tagged at the buck pole outside Ray C's Extreme Store on the first day of firearm deer hunting season Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016 in Lapeer.
Corunna High School players Taylor Jackson, no. 42, left, and Cam Welte, no. 11, celebrate after winning the D4 district championship playoff football game against Flint Powers Catholic School Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 at Corunna High School in Corunna. Corunna beat Flint Powers 20-14.
Tracy Palmer, of Flint, watches as her daughters Zahria Palmer, 17, and Myracle Palmer, 16, right, help Kaya Grair prepare for a professional photoshoot with photographer Donnell Carr on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 in Flint. Tracy Palmer, owner of Trendsetters Production, decided to help make Grair's wish to be a model come true.
Corunna High School art students sit and pose for the living sculpture displays during the 11th annual First Frost Arts and Fine Crafts Fair on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 at the Flint Institute of Arts in Flint. The event offers an opportunity for guests to enjoy live music, living sculpture displays and to purchase a range of artwork from local artists.
From left, Ray, 9, Jy'Aire, 13, Jordan, 7, and Jamairan, 11, watch television at their home on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016. Their mother, Aeisha Vann, 33, was reunited with her children after completing Baby Court in six months.
Rockford swimmers celebrate after being named the MHSAA D1 girls swimming champions on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 at Oakland University in Rochester.
Dei'on Wright, of Flint, hugs his father Moe during a free holiday portrait on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 at The Flint Journal in downtown Flint. To them, the holiday season means family and sharing.