On May 29, 2018, The Michigan Humanities Council, together with the National Endowment for the Humanities, granted 15 different organizations $5,000 each to engage communities in conversations around the cultural, social, historical, and environmental impact that the Great Lakes have on Michigan residents.
Among those receiving the grant is Communities First, Inc. of Flint, Michigan. Communities First, Inc.'s Green Life program will use the grant to facilitate three different community conversations about the topic of Michigan water and shorelines. The conversations will explore the personal connections minority or underserved Flint residents may or may not feel with the Third Coast and the importance of Michigan's coastline to the entire state and its residents.
To accomplish this, an introductory conversation will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018. The conversation will include an overview of Michigan being the Third Coast, residents’ connection to water and information on the other two experiences. One experience will involve a trip to the west coast of Michigan and discussion of the importance of water in sand dune preservation. The other experience will focus on the east coast to deepen the understanding of how the Great Lakes play a role in Michigan’s history with a trip on a tall ship in Bay City. Those interested in participating should pre-register at Third Coast Sign Up to receive additional information.
“This grant allows us to combine aspects of our popular Culture Shock and Green Life programs to offer a unique experience for Flint families. We are excited to receive this grant and look forward to the dialogue this project will create,” said Communities First, Inc. CEO and president, Glenn Wilson.
Due to limited availability, residents will be selected based on their availability to commit to all three conversations. This free opportunity is open to families, as there will be children's activities also.
For more information on these events, please email info@communitiesfirstinc.org or go to communitiesfirstinc.org.