East Village Magazine - March 2023
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East
Village
Magazine
March 2023
Photograph By107 W. Kearsley St.
Downtown Flint
Open Monday-Saturday
Facebook.com/consolidatedbarbershop
2Commentary
MSU, Mass shootings, and guns.
Will anything change? What’s next?
By Paul Rozycki
T
wo days. were present and weren’t physically
Vol. LIX No. 13 March 2023 That’s all it took for the injured will carry the trauma of the
horrific shooting at Michi- shootings for a long time.
Founder Gary P. Custer gan State University to become old What is the lasting impact
news and be replaced by the newest on those students who regularly
Managing Editor Tom Travis shootings. In the two days follow- go through ‘shooter drills’ in their
Consulting Editor Jan Worth-Nelson
Consulting Editor Ted Nelson ing the Feb. 13 shooting that killed classrooms, knowing they could be
Reporters Harold C. Ford three MSU students, sent five to the the next target of a mass shooting?
Patsy Isenberg hospital, and dominated the state and What is the impact on everyone else
Columnist Paul Rozycki local news, the nation saw four more who goes to a shopping mall or any
Photographer Edwin D. Custer
mass shootings --- three on Feb. 14 public event, wondering where the
and one more on Feb. 15. By the end next mass shooting will take place?
Distribution Staff of the weekend there were ten more It’s changed a lot of routine
Director: Edwin D. Custer. Staff: Kim Bargy,
Connor & Ruby Coyne, Casey Custer, Nicholas reported mass shootings. behavior as well. A few weeks ago,
Custer, Marabeth Foreman, Nick & Jeni Godlsky,
Charlie, Linda, Patrick, Terrance, Christan &
Jillianne Goldsberry, Patsy Isenberg, Stephen &
Carol Larzelere Kellermann, Jo Larzelere, Mary
LeRoy Striler, James, Lillian & Livia Londrigan,
Alan & Julie Lynch, Ron & Mary Meeker, Robert
& Nancy Meszko, Ted Nelson, Dave & Becky
Pettengill, Julian Rodriquez, Paul Rozycki, Mike
Spleet, Kim, Ronan & Jude Streby, Holly West,
and Karen Wilkinson.
Board of Trustees MSU’s logo
• FaLessia Booker • Edwin D. Custer (Photo source: MSU’s website)
• Robert MacDonald • Paul Rozycki
• Jan Worth-Nelson
720 E. Second St. On the first day of 2023, New as I was entering the “Chrome and
Flint, Mich. 48503
(810) 233-7459 Year’s Day, there were seven mass Ice” car show at the Dort Event Cen-
shootings, and by Feb. 20, there ter, security asked if I was carrying
Website: were at least 82 mass shootings in a gun. (Since I hadn’t planned on
eastvillagemagazine.org
the U.S. machine gunning a ’69 Corvette, I
E-mail: Internationally, the U.S. dra- answered no.)
eastvillagemagazineflint@gmail.com matically exceeds most other nations
in mass shootings and suicides. What can be done?
Layout by Patsy Isenberg. Printing by PrintComm
Inc., 3040 S. Dye Rd., Flint, MI 48507. Like the sports and weather
reports, it seems the daily mass In the past the typical public
East Village Magazine is a program of the Village
Information Center Inc., a nonprofit corporation. shooting story has become a stan- reaction to mass shootings has been
We welcome material from readers, but all submis- dard part of the nightly newscast. predictable.
sions become the property of the publication and if
published will be edited to conform to the editorial First, we hear of the shooting.
style and policies of the publication. All inquiries
about the publication should be mailed to East Vil-
Impact on students Then, we offer ‘thoughts and prayers’
lage Magazine, Village Information Center, 720 E. (and everyone else) to those affected. Then, there is a brief
Second St., Flint, Mich. 48503. Distribution is the
first Thursday of each month. Display advertising discussion of ‘doing something’---
rates are $34 a column-inch plus any other costs. The impact of this on all of us perhaps stricter gun control legisla-
Unclassified ads are $2.50 a printed line or part of a
printed line. Rates subject to change without notice. is overwhelming. Obviously those tion. Then, everything is forgotten
The deadline for advertising is 10 days before each who have been shot or injured and as the next news story --- perhaps
publication date.
their families will have their lives another shooting --- takes place, and
© 2023 East Village Magazine
altered forever. But even those who (Continued on Page 6)
Cover: “Star Pointer” sculpture by John R. Henry at Flint’s cultural center
3Photo of the Month: Arch above entrance to St. Matthew Church (Photo by Edwin D. Custer)
Education Beat Analysis
Flint Ed Board badly divided on two “safety” issues:
clear backpacks, legal reimbursement
By Harold C. Ford
“Enhancing safety measures, such as a clear backpack policy, should not need debate,
nor should it take months to implement.”
– Bruce Jordan, Michigan Education Association UniServ director, reacting to a Flint Board of Education vote
rejecting a clear backpack policy
“I think we’re basing this on emotions and not evidence-based research.”
– Laura MacIntyre, Flint Board of Education trustee, during discussion of a clear backpack policy, Feb. 15, 2023
At its Feb. 15 regular meeting, began the Feb. 15 meeting calling for a Terae King, Treasurer Dylan Luna, and
the seven members of the Flint Board moment of silence for the MSU victims Trustee Melody Relerford – to reimburse
of Education (FBOE) found themselves – three dead and five others fighting for Green’s legal fees. With raised voice,
badly divided on two issues of “safety” their lives in Lansing-area hospitals. Perkins declared, in part:
– one involving the district’s approxi- Also at the Feb. 15 meeting, a “Safety …. We have an obliga-
mate 3,000 students, the other focused second issue of “safety” was raised by tion as a board to protect everybody up
primarily on one member of the board. FBOE Secretary Claudia Perkins near here [pointing to FBOE members on the
On the very day tens of thou- the meeting’s end. Perkins clearly refer- auditorium stage at Accelerated Learn-
sands rallied across the state and the enced the safety of FBOE members, spe- ing Academy] … I am an advocate for a
nation mourning the victims of the Feb. cifically that of Trustee Laura MacIntyre victim over an abuser.”
13 mass shooting at Michigan State after an alleged assault on MacIntyre by “It’s a matter of safety … ethics
University (MSU), Flint’s education former FBOE member Danielle Green … morality,” MacIntyre said in support
board defeated a motion to require clear on March 23, 2022. of Perkins.
backpacks for the district’s approximate Perkins and MacIntyre excoriated [A fuller accounting of com-
3,000 students. the decision one week earlier by four ments by Perkins and MacIntyre is
FBOE President Michael Clack FBOE members – Clack, Vice President (Continued on Page 5)
4Education ... backpacks, adding additional build-
ing-level security personnel, investing
the board getting in the way of good
policy.”
(Continued from Page 4)
in more entryway metal detectors for
found online.] all buildings, or providing districtwide Research
Earlier in the same meeting, both bookbag scanners at all entrances,
Perkins and MacIntyre voted against the is the issue. The Flint Community “I think we’re basing this on emo-
proposed clear backpack measure intro- Schools’ central administration … tions and not evidence-based research,”
duced as a safety measure for students; the United Teachers of Flint, and the MacIntyre claimed.
the proposal was supported by, among building administrators are in lockstep Research on the effectiveness of
others, Flint Community Schools (FCS) with this issue.” clear backpacks is scarce and endorse-
Superinten- ments are less than
dent Kevelin ringing as suggested
Jones and in a Nov. 6, 2019
Bruce Jordan, piece by Bloomberg
Michigan News’s Sarah Holder:
Education “Since the
Association 1990s, transparent
UniServ plastic book bags
Director have been promoted
representing Flint Board of Education meets in the Accelerated Learning Academy as a security solu-
(Photo by Tom Travis)
the United tion after school
Teachers of shootings and terror
Flint (UTF). Feedback attacks. But their true effects are hazy
… Along with active-shooter drills,
Safety Issue #1 Critics of the clear backpack pro- metal detectors, and visitor’s badges,
posal cited lack of input by stakeholders, the transparent accessories are now
A motion by Luna, supported especially parents: familiar elements in the security theater
by King, to require and provide clear • Perkins: “We needed to hear that laces the American public education
backpacks for the district’s approximate something from them (parents).” experience … But what, if anything, do
3,000 students confirmed the emergence • Relerford: “I don’t think we’ve these (clear backpacks) accomplish to
of voting blocs on Flint’s newly-formed heard from every teacher and every improve public safety?”
school board following the November, parent.”
2022 election. But this time, Relerford Luna said FBOE members had Cost
became a swing vote that led to the nearly a month to seek input from the
defeat of Luna’s motion. community since the issue of back- FCS Assistant Superintendent
“We’ve been talking about this packs came before the board on Jan. Keiona Murphy told board members the
[backpack policy] for weeks,” Luna 19. Since then, Luna said, he’d met cost to provide backpacks to the dis-
said. “It’s just one [step] to keep our with parents, teachers, and principals trict’s approximate 3,000 students would
schools, staff, and community members on the matter. be $36,000 and that government funding
safe … The unfortunate incidents at was available to cover the cost.
Michigan State highlight the need for us Relerford and Perkins questioned
to be proactive.” that cost of providing 3,000 clear back-
“This is about safety,” said Jones, packs.
himself a parent of a sixth-grader at Luna estimated the cost at
Doyle/Ryder. “This is a concern for .00024 percent of the district’s nearly
teachers and this is a concern for prin- $150 million in COVID relief funds.
cipals … The teachers are saying to us, “There’s no price tag on keeping schol-
‘Yes, absolutely, we want this.’” ars safe,” he said.
FBOE Treasurer Dylan Luna
A statement provided East Village (Photo by Tom Travis)
Before the clear backpack policy
Magazine (EVM) by Michigan Educa- was voted down, Clack said, “I would
tion Association UniServ Director Bruce “Get in the community, get hate to have to be the one to have to ex-
Jordan read, in part: in the schools, and ask these ques- plain to one of the parents if something
“I do not believe that this is tions,” said a frustrated Luna while were to happen that, ‘We just wanted to
merely a ‘backpack’ issue. Increasing rapping repeatedly on the table with save money.’”
safety measures, whether it be clear his hand. “This is a clear example of (Continued on Page 7)
5Rozycki Commentary ... might become law. But she can’t
afford to lose a single Democratic vote
or national governments to restrict or
ban guns. Based on those two cases,
(Continued from Page 3)
and Republicans and pro-gun lobbyists many legal challenges have been filed
the process repeats. It’s easy to be cyni- have already said they would initiate against gun control laws in the last
cal about prospects for any meaningful recall campaigns against anyone who decade.
change in our gun culture. votes for the gun control measures.
That could be a real threat for Demo- The National Rifle Association:
crats in marginal districts. Will some NRA
Republicans support her measures,
particularly if they include some pro- One of the most powerful lob-
visions for dealing with mental health by groups opposing any gun control
issues? It’s possible, but gun control legislation has been the National Rifle
has been a hard sell for many years. Association. Composed of nearly five
Yet, even if all those measures million members, it has been the most
become law, will they change the powerful lobbying group against
pattern of gun violence? gun control legislation. But it wasn’t
always that way. Founded in 1871,
Guns in the United States, the 2nd for many years it was a non-parti-
Amendment, and the NRA san hobby group of gun enthusiasts
and hunters who simply wanted to
Except for a few nations in the improve their skills and share their
midst of civil wars, the U.S. is unique interests.
in our gun culture. We have more
guns in the country than people---
One of the several outdoor kiosks perhaps 400 million guns in a nation
painted green by UM - Flint students of 330 million. Every time there is a
to honor MSU’s victims of the
recent mass shooting serious attempt at gun control sales
(Photo by Tom Travis) of guns shoot up. We also have more
gun deaths due to murder, suicide or
It’s possible that will be the sto- accidents than most other nations.
ry of the shooting at MSU. But there
is a little hope that things just might The 2nd Amendment
be different this time. Students, facul-
ty, and staff have organized protests at The 2nd Amendment to the U.S.
the capitol in Lansing, and they seem Constitution says, “A well-regulated
serious about keeping the pressure on. militia, being necessary to the security
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proposed of a free state, the right of the people
The Michigan Capitol building in
several pieces of legislation on gun to keep and bear arms, shall not be Lansing seen from the State Senate
control. After the MSU shootings infringed.” building. The flag is half-staff a day
she said, “The time for thoughts and In recent years, that amendment after the MSU shooting
prayers is over” as she called for has been interpreted to guarantee a (Photo by Tom Travis)
action on the gun issue. wide-ranging individual right to own
Support for stricter gun laws firearms. But it wasn’t always that It even supported a number
was part of her reelection campaign way. For most of American history, the of gun control laws up through the
last year and she is supporting what 2nd Amendment had been interpret- 1960s. But beginning in 1975, it
she calls “common sense” gun laws ed to give states the power to create evolved into a major lobbying group
that would include universal back- armed militias for their own protec- on gun rights and became increasingly
ground checks when buying a firearm, tion, not an individual guarantee. aligned with the Republican Party. It
red flag laws that would remove But that all changed with two was listed by Fortune magazine as one
guns from those who might harm cases in recent years. In the cases of of the nation’s most influential lobby-
themselves or others, and safe storage District of Columbia v. Heller (2009) ing organizations. The NRA’s political
requirements for those who own guns. and McDonald v. Chicago (2010) the committees spend tens of millions of
With a slim Democratic major- U.S. Supreme Court ruled that there dollars in most elections, supporting
ity in the state House and Senate, it’s was an individual right to own arms candidates who oppose gun control.
possible that those modest measures and limited the ability of local, state, (Continued on Page 7)
6Rozycki Commentary ... Education ... and I’m gonna move on,” King added.
“Trust, transparency, I don’t see it.”
(Continued from Page 6) (Continued from Page 5)
They have been a major factor Voting against the clear back- Perkins and Ellis-McNeal charged
in blocking significant gun control pack proposal: Perkins; Ellis-McNeal; violations of policy and Michigan’s
legislation. Today many critics see MacIntyre; and Relerford. Open Meetings Act from which Perkins,
the NRA as a lobbyist for gun manu- Voting for: Clack; King; and in part, recited:
facturers as much as gun owners and Luna.
hunters.
Safety Issue #2
Beyond gun control “We support criminality.”
As difficult as it might be to At the Feb. 15 FBOE meeting,
pass any meaningful gun control legis- Perkins, newly-elected FBOE trea-
lations, it would be great if that would surer, seemed incensed by the board’s
totally solve the problem. It’s more four-vote decision a week earlier to pay
complex than that. $6,000 for the legal expenses taken on FBOE Trustee Melody Relerford
Certainly more needs to be by former member Green following her (Photo by Tom Travis)
done in dealing with mental health. alleged assault upon MacIntyre.
More than a few of the mass shooters “I was not in favor of paying for “A board may not meet infor-
have exhibited serious mental health someone that assaulted somebody,” mally in advance of a public meeting to
issues. Some policies aimed at im- Perkins said. “If anyone of us are hurt determine what will be decided formally
proving mental health services might in any way, shape, or form, we should at the public meeting.”
find bipartisan support. “Do you have proof that there’s
Passing laws doesn’t always been a meeting you haven’t been invited
guarantee they will, or can be, en- to?” Clack quickly asked.
forced. A city can pass tough gun “Obviously, something hap-
control measures (as Chicago has) pened,” Perkins shot back. “In my mind,
but if someone can step over the city someone met and talked.”
boundaries or cross a state line to buy King responded: “Terae King
a gun, it may mean little. With 400 Jr., that was elected, did not meet
million guns in the country, it’s unlike- informally. I was elected to be a
Claudia Perkins being sworn in as a
ly that any government can oversee Trustee of the Flint Board of Education. person of integrity … I make my own
every garage sale, flea market, or sale (Photo by HC Ford) decision … I’m disappointed I’m
out of a car trunk. accused.”
Finally, it is worth remembering be protected,” she said, pointing to other Perkins claimed a two-thirds
that, for all the attention mass shoot- board members. “I saw the previous vote of the board was needed to re-
ings receive, they are a small portion board unanimously remove that lady scind the previous action of the board
of the gun deaths in the nation. In a [Green] from the presidency because when it voted not to pay Green’s fees.
typical year, in 2022, there were over they all witnessed the beatdown [of Ellis-McNeal additionally argued the
44,000 gun deaths, more than 24,000 MacIntyre] … The precedent was set board violated Robert’s Rules of Order
were suicides and more than 20,000 that we support criminality.” and FBOE Bylaws.
were murders. Only about 750 of Relerford, who made the motion Referencing the vote to pay
those were the result of a mass shoot- at the board’s Feb. 8 meeting to pay Green’s legal fees on Feb. 8 with-
ing incident. Green’s fees, defended the move: “I out mentioning the amount, Perkins
We can only hope that the reac- wanted to get it off the district … This charged: “Trust, transparency -- I don’t
tion to the Michigan State shootings district needs to move forward … I’m see it.”
can be a first step in dealing with the just asking that we move on and stop
gun issue that sets the United States rehashing the past.” “How can you even look me
apart from all other industrialized Luna echoed Relerford’s senti- in the eye?”
nations. ment: “I’m going to focus … on students
and scholars and driving them forward The critical comments by Per-
EVM Political Columnist Paul Rozycki and not rehashing old battles that we’ve kins and Ellis-McNeal about payment
can be reached at paul.rozycki@mcc.edu. already moved on.” of Green’s legal fees preceded a verbal
“I’m going to vote my conscience (Continued on Page 11)
7Village Life ... be gone forever. a prominent attorney. Davis, looking
(Continued from Page 16) It is powerful and deeply mean- at Gates said, “To be a white, educated
ingful in knowing your roots, where southern attorney you had to belong to
That Mayflower passenger you came from and who your people a group like the Ku-Klux-Klan or other
was Gov. William Bradford, a Puritan are. Genealogy has allowed me and white supremacy groups. Davis conclud-
separatist who came to the U.S. desir- my family to be connected to our past ed, still looking shocked, “It’s good to
ing to loose the grip of The Church by learning the names of our ancestors know my genealogy history. It’s good to
of England. It is said that on the trip who served in World Wars I and II, the know my ancestry. Even though they’re
Bradford led prayer meetings for the Spanish American War, the Civil War, not necessarily my people.”
102 passengers. Eventually, he became the American Revolution. We’ve learned I confess, as I look back on my
the Governor of the Plymouth Colony. which ancestors had religious affiliations family’s lineage, I too don’t know quite
Another ancestor through my father’s and which ones had none. We learned what to say as Davis struggled to find the
line landed on our shores a few years about those who were prominent and words. While I don’t know the thoughts
after the Mayflower. helpful people in their times and others and philosophies my ancestors operated
So my family, my people, have who were, well shall we say, not so from, one thing is almost certain, they
been in the United States for a long time. helpful. were white.
An ancestor of my great-grandmother The Mayflower arrived around
Helen, through my father’s line, arrived Activist Angela Davis’ ancestors and the time the 1619 enslaved shipping
on the Mayflower in 1623. An ancestor mine came over on the Mayflower trade routes were established. When
of my great-grandmother’s side through I think about the Black Lives Matter
my mother’s line, Bertha, landed in My sister in her research is not protests that erupted in 2020, some
Boston from England in 1637. alone. It seems that in recent years that I marched in and others I reported
According to DNA testing, my there has been a push calling for people on as a community journalist, it makes
family line is 79% from England, North- to research their roots and build a me cringe to think that my ancestors
western Europe, Channel Island, Wales, family tree. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. could have, and most likely did, play a
Switzerland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, has made discovering one’s ancestry part in the advancement of the evil of
Isle of Man, Germany, France, Belgium, popular with his PBS show “Finding slavery.
Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Rus- Your Roots.” As the host, Gates invites
sia, and Slovenia. Conclusion: I’m white! a celebrity or public figure to sit with Resources genealogy research
More interesting to me, rather him at a table. The guest will discover
than which countries my people came what Gates has uncovered about their African-Americans often find
from, are some of the unique and quirky ancestors and family tree. Sometimes roadblocks in following their ancestry
names my ancestors had, like: my the revelations are intense and dumb- because the records of enslaved people
great-grandparents’ names were Isaac founding or even outright unbeliev- didn’t survive over the years or weren’t
Newton Smith and Bertha Alvaretta able. Like when it was revealed that ever recorded. A helpful link for Afri-
Hart, then in 1685 there’s my eighth Actor Larry David who has famously can-Americans to search for their family
great-grandfather Sampson Mason who portrayed Senator Bernie Sanders on records is enslaved.org.
named his son Palatiah; he married SNL and other venues that David and If you get the urge to discover
Hapzibah and they had two daughters Sanders are actually related. your family tree which can be an often
named Bethia in 1665 and Thankful Recently, in a more poignant and overwhelming and never ending task,
(Travis) in 1672. Bertram Round, my sobering episode, famed civil rights my genealogist sister suggests to begin
fifth-great-grandfather, was born in activist Angela Davis was Gates’ guest your journey at the Flint Public Library
1741. More of my ancestors’ names on the show. Davis has spent her life genealogy department. Also, the Flint
include Eliphalet, Philoathia, Jerusha, fighting for equality and against white Genealogical Society (FGS) has many
Content, Israel Dwinnel, Flavia, Submit supremacy. Davis was shocked to learn resources for genealogy beginners
Pineo, Return Babcock and my favorite, that some of her ancestors came to such as flintgenealogy.org. The FGS
Freelove Harrington. America on the Mayflower. meets regularly and invites beginners to
There are roadblocks in doing As Davis turned the pages of attend to learn more about searching for
genealogy research. Records are lost the book prepared by Gates she was ancestors. Another genealogy resource
or destroyed in fires and floods. Court- shocked to learn that her ancestry includ- is familysearch.org which offers free
houses, churches and family bibles ed several White men who had enslaved resources.
are common places for important people. One ancestor was a white
documents to be stored. If these key attorney in the south. Speechless, Davis EVM Managing Editor Tom Travis can
documents are destroyed linking the sat looking at the evidence that she had be reached at tomntravis@gmail.com.
present to the past family’s stories can an ancestor that who was white -- and
8Sen. John Cherry hopeful about legislative agenda:
“We can get that done”
By Jan Worth-Nelson and Tom Travis
When somebody texted John Cherry All of Cherry’s meetings that day languished in a house committee.
at home early in the morning after election were cancelled, but he came in from Flint He’s expecting -- or at least work-
night Nov. 8 to tell him the Democrats had anyway because, he said, “ I can’t afford to ing toward -- a repeal of the retirement
taken the majority in the Michigan Legisla- lose a day” -- the raw tragedy of the night be- tax; an expansion of the Working Families
ture, he says he “literally started crying.” fore, he asserted, sure to propel Gov. Gretch- Tax Credit including earned income tax
The next morning, he hurried from en Whitmer and the newly empowered credit; inflation relief checks; and semi-per-
Flint into his Lansing manent funding source
office as a state representa- for the Strategic Outreach
tive, a position he had held and Attraction Reserve
since 2018. On the wall, (SOAR) the state’s eco-
there was a white board nomic development fund.
listing all the bills he had Cherry’s devotion
been proposing and hoped to public service has been
to pass. nurtured through a firm
“I went down that and longstanding family
list one by one and I said, tradition. He is John
“yeah, I can get that one State Senator John Cherry talks to EVM from his office that overooks Michigan’s Cherry III. His father,
done...We can do that... capitol building. The capitol’s flag is half-staff ordered so by Gov. Whitmer John Cherry, Jr., was a
to honor the victims in the mass shooting at MSU the previous day.
we’ll be able to do that” -- (Photo by Tom Travis)
state representative for
all the stuff I was working decades and the state’s
really, really hard to do, and the world of Democratic majority even more definitively lieutenant governor under Gov. Jennifer
possibility opened up.” toward a slate of “common sense gun reform Granholm. His mother, Pam Faris, also
It was a great moment after years measures” which Cherry strongly supports. was a state representatives from 2013
in the minority for Cherry, 37, newly As the new majority gets orga- -2018. And his aunt, Deb Cherry, is the
elected that same night to a four-year term nized, Cherry is taking multiple committee Genesee County treasurer.
as State Senator -- District 27 – replacing assignments, reflecting his background, His grandfather, John Cherry, Sr.,
his friend, neighbor and colleague James experience, and interests in both the policy worked for Bell Telephone but also was
Ananich. Ananich had term-limited out and appropriations sides. He is chair of the elected as the Montrose Township super-
and is now CEO of the Greater Flint Health Labor Committee, Agriculture and Natural visor decades ago. His grandson still has
Coalition. Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, the clipboard the senior Cherry carried in
The 27th District expands Cherry’s and the General Government Appropria- campaigning door to door -- Sen. Cherry
previous constituency as a state rep: it tions Subcommittee. himself carried it with him while campaign-
includes part of Burton and all of Clayton He’s also vice chair of the Natural ing last year.
Township, Flint, Flint Township, Flushing, Resource and Agriculture Committee. His family has always operated on
Flushing Township, Gaines Township, “I’ve been fortunate in my com- three basic premises: work hard, be honest,
Grand Blanc, Grand Blanc Township, mittee appointments,” he said, “in that and try to help the folks you represent.
Mount Morris, Mount Morris Township, they align with a lot of the things that I’m “I think I’m very lucky in the sense
Mundy Township, and Swartz Creek. concerned about.” that I was born into a family whose per-
In an interview in his new office in There are many bills pending with spective on public service is as mature as it
the State Senate office building in Lansing, hopeful prospects. With other Democrats, is: there are just a few basic things that you
surrounded by artifacts of his hometown he’s eager to see Senate Bill 4, amend- go by. It all boils down to those same three
and the multi-generational political family ing the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights act to things, he said.
he comes from, Cherry said he’s embracing include LGBTQ citizens in civil rights “There’s a lot of political scandals
“a very full schedule” as things ramp up in protections. (Cherry’s staff said a vote that pop up, but if you follow those three
the new legislative era. is expected in the Senate any day.) He’s things, a lot of the silliness goes away -- you
That particular day, Valentine’s Day, co-sponsoring bills establishing univer- don’t get into problems when you hold onto
was haunted -- the building and the seat of sal lead screening and furthering a Jim those things.
state government almost empty following Ananich proposal requiring schools and Initially, Cherry came to politics
the mass shooting at Michigan State the day care centers to install lead filters -- reluctantly. As a University of Michigan
night before. that bill made it through the Senate but (Continued on Page 11)
9Sen. Cherry ... involvement. and 500,000 live in manufactured hous-
(Continued from Page 9) He said, “If you have the ability to ing communities in the state, many fixed
-- Ann Arbor student, he started out as a his- have an impact and you don’t, then there is or low income people. They don’t have
tory/political science major but “hated it,” a degree of responsibility there.” high-powered lobbyists, or big PACs, but
he says with a smile, and switched to natural In his new office, there isn’t a white they are people who need help. he said.
resources and the environment, getting his board yet. But he can tell you several He’s also eager to get to work on
degree in natural resources. Eventually, he things that were on it and which are of legislation to arrange for state conservation
got a masters in public policy from Ann particular concern to him. One involves and corrections officers to be on a “defined
Arbor as well. manufactured housing reform and another, benefits” schedule -- a pension plan, in oth-
“I told myself I would never run for a proposal to facilitate pension benefits for er words, instead of a 401K arrangement as
elected office,” he says. He and his wife Te- state corrections officers. most of them are now.The proposal would
resa started a coffee business, Flint Coffee He described how, his first year in equalize benefits to those of state troopers.
Company, importing from her family in her office as a state rep, during coffee hours Cherry says the reasoning is serious
native Peru. at Swartz Creek senior center, he learned and sound: corrections officers in partic-
But then, with an evolving taste that a company out of Utah called Haven ular “have one of the hardest jobs in state
for policy matters, he got interested in the Park had purchased some mobile home government,” and many have shortened
Flint City Charter revision process, and ran communities and was “engaging in unsa- life expectancies or retire early -- not giving
for election to the charter commission in vory business practices and really jacking them enough time through a 401K program
2015. He was the top vote-getter and as up rent.” . to assure a secure retirement. Cherry’s staff
vice-chair of the commission helped steer At many manufactured home parks, confirmed they plan to introduce these bills
the charter revision through to the voters, the residents own their own homes, but by the end of February.
who approved it 2-1. It took effect in 2018, not the land they’re anchored on -- making And as he plunges with renewed
the first revisions of the charter in more than them vulnerable to the property owners. In- hope into the life of a legislator, Cherry is
40 years. “That was a generational thing, vestigating further, he found that same firmly bonded to his hometown, where his
and it involved policy minutia,” he said. “I company had purchased communities in family recently added a new member, baby
like that.” Fenton area and his colleague, Republican Ben, who joins six-year-old Diana. Diana
Following that, he ran for state repre- State Rep. Mike Mueller, was hearing the attended day care at Mott Community
sentative in a race that drew wide attention same things. College and takes dance lessons at the Flint
because his competition in the primary was Cherry and Mueller brainstormed School of Performing Arts.
Dayne Walling, Flint’s former mayor, who possibilities and developed a bi-partisan Cherry goes home every night
after getting defeated during the water crisis bill package detailing “the most significant to his house in Flint. He does all the family
was trying to edge back into politics. But reform in manufactured housing regulation grocery shopping and might commonly be
Walling’s painful and decisive defeat by the in decades. He and his colleague ended up seen in blue jeans at the local Rite-Aid.
new kid wasn’t the only way the water crisis getting consumer advocacy groups, indus- “It’s true -- I genuinely live in my
propelled Cherry’s further entry into politics. trial association supporting it, got it through community,” he says. And as a member
The water crisis, after all, burst the house overwhelmingly-- but it died last of the new majority in state politics, he calls
unwelcome into the scene while the charter year in the Senate. for an era of civility.
revision was going on. He said private equity firms have He concedes that being in the major-
“Watching stuff, in a way I felt been buying up manufactured home ity calls for somewhat different skills than
ashamed -- maybe that’s the best term -- communities, and “if you don’t have regular those exercised by the minority. He recalls
because that event was an event of govern- oversight, very easy to exploit people...the advice from his friend David LeGrand
ment mismanagement. name ‘mobile home’ implies more mobility (D-Grand Rapids), narrowly defeated for a
“Because of the circumstances that than exists -- many have a compromised state senate seat in November, about perils
fate dealt, I have the ability to be more ability to move your house, and if you of majority rule.
impactful than other people -- because I un- can’t afford the rent on the land, you can be “When you get in the majority, you
derstand politics. Even if I swore off of it, I evicted. can get arrogant, you can abuse power...
understand government, I was surrounded The bi-partisan reform pack- if we want to get stuff done, we’re going
by everything -- but I had decided to not age, proposed last term (HB4296-HB4304) to have to be humble, we’re going to have
involve myself in that.” which Cherry expects to reintroduce to plead...we have to be better internally in
Yet he couldn’t escape the reality of and strengthen in a more comprehensive the minority if we want to achieve what we
what was happening. His own neighbor- package, increases licensing requirements, want to achieve ... That has stuck with me.
hood was affected, and he knew people weeds out bad actors, and would require fair So, we’re in the majority and we should do
personally directly hurt by the water crisis market compensation to the owner if there’s what we think are good for the people of
damage. At the end of the day he felt a title transfer. the State of Michigan, but I don’t want to be
compelled to take the next step in political Cherry said between 300,000 (Continued on Page 11)
10Sen. Cherry ... UM - Flint ... Education ...
(Continued from Page 15) (Continued from Page 10) (Continued from Page 7)
abjectly vindictive or bad to the folks on the In summarizing the presenta- broadside from MacIntyre directed at
other side of the aisle who may have good tions, Feist-Price continued, “We the top two FCS administrators and
things that they want to do, and dismiss it will become the destination of choice the four new board members who ran
because of the party that they’re in. for today’s students by offering degree as a coalition in the November, 2022
“There are people in our commu- programs that are in demand by busi- election – Clack, King, Luna, and
nity who have always been represented by ness and industry. We will.” Relerford.
Democrats, and because of it being so parti- “We will answer the call for a
san, some of the issues that they faced were highly skilled workforce in health relat-
not addressed, and that’s not right. If people ed disciplines, polytechnic fields, busi-
in Lapeer have a major issue that needs to ness and industry, teacher education
be addressed, I don’t want to stop because and so much more. We will.
they’re being represented by a Republican.” “We will graduate students who
But he’s also prepared to keep his are critical thinkers as a result of inter-
head on straight, unflustered and unmoved disciplinary dynamic programs using
by cynical political manipulations. experiential learning, flexible delivery
“One of the things my dad told and stackable credentials FBOE Trustee Laura MacIntyre.
(Photo by Tom Travis)
me when I got elected in 2018,” Cherry “We will help to transform the
recalls, “was, just remember, your real Flint community with the support of our “Four of you voted for some-
friends are the ones you had before, faculty, our students, and our staff, and thing that was not proper,” MacIntyre
and who live at home -- not the ones in in doing so, “We will positively impact alleged “How can you even look me in
Lansing.” families, communities, and ultimately the eye and justify your support of this
the State of Michigan,” she prom- [payment of Green’s legal fees]?”
EVM consulting editor Jan Worth- ised, “We will.” “I’m at a loss why the assaulter
Nelson can be reached at janworth [Green] … is getting any legal consid-
1118@gmail.com. Managing Editor EVM Consulting Editor Jan Worth-Nel- eration,” MacIntyre continued. “You all
Tom Travis can be reached at tomn son can be reached at janworth1118@ saw what happened; it was completely
gmail.com. one-sided.”
travis@gmail.com.
“I’m ashamed of this district”
MacIntyre also charged Jones and
Assistant Superintendent Keiona Mur-
phy with being “silent and complicit.”
MacIntyre continued: “We
already have an atmosphere that’s
charged with violence and threats and
harassment and to make [this] decision,
whether explicitly or tacitly, is … send-
ing a horrible example to the district
and to the students.”
“I’m ashamed of this district,”
MacIntyre said. “Shame on all of you
for sitting here and being complicit
with this.”
The Flint board then quickly
voted to end the meeting.
EVM Education Writer Harold C.
Ford can be reached at hcford1185@
gmail.com.
11Promise of a “bold, strategic, transformative” future laid out
by deans at UM - Flint town hall
By Jan Worth-Nelson
“Here at the University of Those problems include a $7.3 built on “market-informed opportunities,
Michigan - Flint, we dare to dream million budget deficit, plunging enroll- UM - Flint’s unique strengths and syner-
big. With market analyses, stakeholder ment, a 35 percent six-year graduation gies, and mission driven imperatives.”
engagement, and program econom- rate deemed “unacceptable,” a struggle More detail on the Huron ap-
ics, we have envisioned a bold, strate- to fill some humanities courses, and proach, along with a YouTube video
gic and transformative future that is like urgent unmet workforce needs in educa- of the entire town hall are available at
nothing this university has ever experi- tion and nursing. umflint.edu/strategic-transformation/.
enced before here at the University of The process has been shaped While fears among some fac-
Michigan - Flint. We will.” around research conducted by the Huron ulty on the campus have centered on
With that determined affirma- Group, a huge national consulting firm predictions of program and faculty cuts,
tion, at a town hall Feb. 17 at River- based in Chicago but with global influ- Friday’s town hall was all about what
front Center, University of Michigan ence that specializes in higher education could be added to address the campus’s
- Flint Provost Sonja Feist-Price fiscal woes and stem declining
introduced presentations by all enrollment. If program cuts are
six of the university’s deans on under consideration, there was
plans for “Strategic Transforma- no word of them.
tion” of the academic side of the Listening closely, one
downtown campus. could almost hear the notorious-
On a cold, snowy morn- ly hard shell of academia’s silos
ing when many schools and cracking. Three things stood out.
businesses were closed, about 75 First, university admin-
people, mostly UM - Flint faculty istrators clearly are calling for
and staff, joined the town hall in turns as quickly and strongly
person. Chancellor Debashish as possible to “alternate mo-
Dutta said an additional 213 were dalities,” creating flexible and
live streaming the event. SEHS Dean Beth Kubitskey, SON Dean Cynthia McCurren, hybrid accessibility options for
CAS Interim Dean Douglas Knerr, SOM Dean Yener
Noting that the next phase Kandogan, CIT Dean Chris Pearson
their students. Second, almost
of the Strategic Transforma- (Photo by Jan Worth-Nelson) everyone mentioned partner-
tion will address the students ships and interdisciplinary
services side of the institution, Dutta analyses for universities and colleges approaches -- both within the univer-
exhorted the audience, “The landscape -- most often, like the UM - Flint, those sity and outside. And third, as if to
is changing rapidly -- higher education, facing fiscal and institutional challenges. acknowledge repeated concerns from
the societal landscape, the needs of the For the town hall, Dutta said, many that the humanities and liberal arts
state and businesses and the country -- instead of listing what he said faculty are being targeted in talk of cost cutting,
we live in a fast-paced world. already would have heard from their almost everyone acknowledged the
“This strategic transformation deans and departments. his team de- contributions of the liberal arts as stand
process is a unique opportunity,” Dutta cided to take “a higher level view…we alone elements of higher education, for
said, “A once- in-50-years, maybe, want you to imagine what UM - Flint the community, and to their disciplines.
opportunity – for UM-Flint to trans- as an institution could be like after this Feist-Price said the academic
form itself for the future, such that we transformation. In this transformation, plans produced by the six colleges and
become programmatically competitive, you will see the contours of that institu- schools in the first six months of the
aligned with the needs of the state and tion, through the academic lens. Today, campus-wide effort, what she labeled
the community, and a vibrant institution try to imagine what this institution looks “proposed growth initiatives,” include
no matter what the enrollment is.” like academically.” “37 existing academic programs that
The work is happening in re- In a brief “synthesis” of their have potential to realize enrollment
sponse to a campus-wide process kicked work, two Huron representatives, Gena growth and 54 new programs suggested
off last September by then-UM presi- Flynn and Nick Bradley, said that in to be considered, launched, or tailored
dent Mary Sue Coleman, who asserted consulting with the university, they had to new audiences.”
UM - Flint’s problems are urgent and combined community engagement with She said those programs would
require immediate change. market analysis and course economics (Continued on Page 13)
12UM - Flint ... program is better, student demand is
trending toward the specialized models.
he said the college will “fully engage with
the digital humanities, creating a digital
(Continued from Page 12)
Nonetheless, he said the SOM is scholarship lab to expand the limits of
be “candidates for prioritization for designing programs emphasizing inter- traditional humanities and how it seeks
investment,” and that is how each dean sections between technology and busi- answers to questions about human culture.
concluded his or her pitch. ness, health and business. and offering Finally, he noted CAS is pursu-
The College of Arts and Sciences stackable credentials. Finally, he said ing a cultural justice and society major
(CAS), which has been the UM - Flint’s SOM recognizes workforce demands along with options for community jus-
largest, led the others in both existing for soft skills such as communication tice in sociology, anthropology, criminal
programs targeted for growth (6) and and presentation skills and general man- justice and women’s and gender studies,
new programs considered (20). The oth- agement skills, and that those needs are , a pre-law pathway, graduate options in
ers, respectively, are College of Health being addressed both through embed- mental health services.
Sciences, 8 and 10; ,School of Nursing, ding them within existing programs or
5 and 9; School of Education and Human offering certificate options. School of Education and
Services, 3 and 5; College of Innovation Human Services
and Technology (CIT), 4 and 6. College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Dean Beth Kubitskey affirmed
College of Innovation and Technology The longest list of specifics came that SEHS’s vision is to advance
(CIT) from Interim Dean Douglas Knerr, who social change, equity and social justice
asserted, “Politics, science, culture, and so- -- to increase righting inequalities and
Dean Chris Pearson of the UM ciety are thoroughly entangled. The liberal expanding the diversity of the student
- Flint’s newest college, opened 18 arts and sciences must be as well, thread- population.
months ago, said the newness of the ing like fine fabric through the disciplines. She stated community partner-
CIT is one of its advantages, allowing it “CAS will be the driver of an ships are the linchpin both to recruit
to be “focus on the future” and nimble ecosystem where the benefits of the lib- students and create strategic course offer-
in aligning its “polytechnic” approach to eral arts and sciences proliferate across ings -- as well as informing course and
the market and to offer career opportu- the institution and into our communi- program designs and courses usable in
nities, as he explained, in cyber security, ty,” he predicted. multiple majors, and multiple modalities.
chip manufacturing, automation tech- To accomplish that, he said, his Noting a huge need for teachers
nology, workforce development through staff and faculty have proposed “more and social workers locally and state-
experiential learning, authentic industry than 100 innovative ideas and proposals, wide -- and adding that the State of
partnerships. battery manufacturing, clustering around creating new modalities, Michigan has dedicated a half billion
artificial intelligence. concepts and program designs to meet dollars toward helping recruit and train
He predicted the CIT could well students not just where they are but where teachers, she said SEHS is beefing up
attract 1,000 additional students into its they want to be” and to graduate students dual enrollment for high school stu-
six proposed programs. He also noted who are “career ready and with career dents, teaching certificates for school
liberal arts elements in these programs sustaining skills across their lifetimes.” employees -- both face to face and
such as attention to emotional intelli- These would include programs online. Those partnerships include
gence, would necessarily be included. fusing “liberal and professional learn- arrangements with the Flint Community
ing,” in 3D digital design, arts and Schools and the Genesee Intermediate
School of Management (SOM) technology, computational media and School district, including special educa-
design, green chemistry. He said fully tion teacher programs, revised elemen-
Dean Yener Kandoğan reviewed online and hybrid programs are under tary programs, and new interdisciplinary
how “we cannot turn our backs” on consideration in psychology, econom- programs with CIT and SOM.
students who need online course ics, philosophy, communication, foreign Both locally and nationally, social
delivery or those who prefer different language and others He said CAS aims work has been identified as a critical
modalities. He said the SOM is pursu- to create a “Center for Outreach with need, she said, adding that the SEHS is
ing hybrid options so that students can Data Science” to provide data analytics designing an MSW program and look-
choose the modality that fits their learn- and essential data services to the cam- ing at concentrations and modalities to
ing styles and preferences. He noted pus and community. match student needs..
that within the growing market of adult He stated CAS is aiming to create
learners, most are in need of flexible “innovative, interdisciplinary collabo- School of Nursing (SON)
programs and an accelerated format. He rations in economics, political science,
said in light of the age-old question of music and art therapy with cultural Dean Cynthia McCurren said a
whether a general or specialized degree heritage and history and labor studies, and (Continued on Page 15)
13THIS MONTH IN THE VILLAGE
A selection of events available to our readers is highlighted — beginning after our publication date of March. 6. It’s a sampling
of opportunities in the city. To submit events for our April. issue, email info about your event to pisenber@gmail.com by March. 26.
Flint Institute of Arts Firebirds OHL Hockey The Simon & Garfunkel Story at The Whiting
Through April 16 the FIA presents “Expressions,” at Dort Financial Center Fri., March 24, 8 p.m.
works on paper which can still be seen in the Fri. March 17 the Firebirds battle the Hamilton With huge projection photos, original film footage
Graphics Gallery. Now through April 23 “Ways of Bulldogs and Sat. March 18 they will play the and a live band performing many of the duo’s hits.
Seeing: The Paul R. Jones Collection of American London Knights. Tickets are $27 to $58.50.
Art at The University of Alabama” continues In the Games are Wed, Fri. and Sat. at 7 p.m., The Whiting
Hodge and Henry galleries. Sun. at 4 p.m. 1241 E. Kearsley, Flint
The FOMA film series for March features “Cor- Cost $15, $18, $21 and $26 per person. For more info call 810-237-7333.
sage” March 10-12, “The Banshees of Inisherin” Dort Financial Center For tickets visit tickets.thewhiting.com.
March 17-19 and “Women Talking” March 24-26. 3501 Lapeer Rd., Flint
Buckham Gallery’s
Free blown glass demonstrations can also be seen For more info visit
ticketsmarter.com/p/flint-firebirds-tickets
B.Y.O.C. or Build Your Own Collection
on Saturdays and Sundays. Fundraiser and Party!
Flint Institute of Arts or call 810-744-0580.
March 24, 6-9 p.m.
1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint Leprechaun Hunt Food, drinks, live music, and on-site drawing wall.
For more info visit flintarts.org at For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum Cost: $15-$25
or call 810-234-1695. Sat., March 18, 10 - 1-3 p.m. Current exhibitions through March 18 are:
MW Gallery (MW) Guided Tours Search the grounds and try to discover who’s steal- “Tokens and Traces,” Jeanne Ciravolo, “Between
Weekly on Thur. Fri., and Sat., 12:00 p.m. ing the cabbage from the garden! Here and There,” Kimberly LaVonne, and
These are led by knowledgeable gallery staff. Learn Is it a Leprechaun or a critter? “A Reckoning in Pink,” Danielle Mužina
general themes related to current works on display. Discover WHO DONE IT! Buckham Gallery
Guided tours are limited to 10 people. Dress to be outside the whole time. 121 W. 2nd St., downtown Flint
MW Gallery For ages 7-12. For more info call 810-239-6233
111 E. Court St., Flint Pre-registration required by March 17. or visit buckhamgallery.org.
For more info call 810-835-4900. Cost $5 per student.
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum
Deidre McCalla Concert 2142 N. Genesee Rd., Burton
Sat., March 11, 7:30 pm. For more info visit exploreflintandgenesee.org or
“A dreadlocked singer-songwriter-guitarist for close call 810-736-7100 for more info.
to five decades Deidre McCalla, Black woman,
mother, lesbian, feminist, has long been in the fore-
front of the growing number of Black musicians
reconfiguring perceptions of how
Black folk do folk.”
Tickets are $15 at the door.
Unitarian Universalist Church
2474 Ballenger Hwy., Flint
For more info call 810-232-4023.
Ed Custer’s East Village Magazine logo
is reimagined for each issue by Patsy Isenberg.
14UM - Flint ... cultural shift in health care delivery.
She said nursing education has
of the health professions. She said UM
- Flint distinguishes itself as the regional
(Continued from Page 13)
always started with a foundation in the comprehensive university created in
nursing workforce shortage crisis has liberal arts -- and will continue to ensure this town to bring the quality Michigan
been worsened by the pandemic and student learning and clinical experiences degree to the residents of this region.
complicated by accelerated retirements dovetail with the realities of what they With that in mind, the college
of Baby Boomer nurses and increasing encounter in the workforce. is designing “career laddering” to
demands for nursing care by the nation’s She added the SON is pursuing facilitate potential students’ entry into
aging population. Nursing programs innovative modalities to create a balance UM - Flint’s health professions. Those
are in high demand, she said, but the of inperson and remote delivery. with “ladders” include partnerships with the
market is extremely competitive. cognates and certificates built into the Genesee Career Institute and Mott Com-
“We must distinguish our- nursing degree programs or stand alone munity College, for example, through
selves,” she said. “It’s not just about and allowing for specialization. The which students transfer in with an asso-
numbers, it’s about who we are: cre- school plans to add certifications in ru- ciate degree and complete a health care
ating a culture. Our vision is to create ral health, school nursing, and others. degree. The CHS also is launching new
a culture in which every student can programs in occupational and physical
say, you believed in me.” She said the College of Health Sciences (CHS) therapy graduate programs through
SON is seeking aspiration solutions -- to which they apply in their junior year and
improve equity and address systemic Dean Donna Fry noted that the can complete the full set of degrees in 6
inequities in nursing education CHS offers programs in public health, years instead of 7.
She described a new holistic ad- health care administration, radiation Fry also touted an emerging part-
missions model including a mentor pro- therapy, respiratory therapy, a health nership with the Greater Flint Health
gram and pipelines to promote diver- science pre-professional degree in pub- Coalition to help connect students with
sity, The SOM’s admission emphasis lic health, health care management, and health care work experience as they’re
shifts from determining how successful a physicians assistant program, completing doing their health care
a candidate will be as a student, to look- It also offers doctoral programs in degree and opening up job possibilities.
ing at the contribution that applicant can physical therapy, nurse anesthesia and CHS is proposing new special-
make to the profession, she stated. occupational therapy. ized programs at the intersection of
She called for intensive relation- She said the critical need for nurs- health care and technology, and health
ships with practice partners, reflecting ing services described by Dean McCur- care and business, Fry said.
the continuum of care and reciprocity. a ren expands across the whole spectrum (Continued on Page 11)
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