More than 100 people gathered at Flint Institute of Arts on Thursday, Feb. 11 to watch the independent film “Last Night.” The film, a romance drama starring Judi Blair, Danny Gavigan, Benton Greene and Nedra McClyde, was the last screening of Communities First, Inc.’s four-part African American Film Series at the FIA.
The event began around 5:30 p.m. with live music from a band led by Lynn Williams, catered food, and a chocolate fountain with accompanying dipping items. Attendees gathered in the Flint Institute of Arts Theatre at 7 p.m. to watch the film.
After the film, two Flint couples - Jimmy and Kathy Boles, and Dr. Samuel and Janice Dismond - spoke to their audience about how they keep their relationships going. Communities First, Inc. then had giveaways for gift cards, FIA memberships, and more for any attendee that entered the raffle with their $2 donation at the door.
Communities First Inc. is a Flint-based nonprofit community development corporation that focuses on affordable housing, economic development, green programs and quality of life programs. The African American film series is part of the organization’s Culture Shock program, which introduces arts and culture in unique ways to reach underserved populations. Previous Culture Shock events include free and low-cost performances by Flint Symphony Orchestra members at the bus station in downtown Flint, and “Movies Under The Stars” events that screen films and share snacks in the yard behind Flint City Hall.
Glenn Wilson, President/CEO of Communities First, Inc., said “This series allows us to connect with the community in a different way. Cultural institutions throughout the country might be open to the public, but they are not always accessible. It’s important to make sure people feel welcomed and invited, which we do. Last Night was the perfect way to end the series and we are looking forward to doing it again.”
Attendee Marquita Adams said Communities First, Inc. is fulfilling a need in the city. She wishes the organization was around when she was growing up in Flint.
“Culturally, in this community, there are a lot of things overlooked, whether it’s due to resources or getting the word out. I like that they’re exposing people to things they normally wouldn’t be,” she said.
“Other events at the Flint Institute of Arts cost $50 and up. A $2 donation, how could pass up the opportunity to have this environment?” she continued. “The fact that it’s [low-cost] is enticing, the fact that you get to network with people, and you get to see a part of Flint that you don’t see on the news or in your everyday life.
Flint resident Amy Freeman has followed Communities First, Inc. on Facebook since attending an event the organization presented about about waste and recycling. She is a big film fan so she attended the series at the FIA, and she also thought the low cost was a big attraction.
“The cost is very, very affordable for people to bring their families, or even gather their neighbors and ask their neighbors to come with them,” Freeman said. “It’s very low, and I think it will be great if we can build the community too. But the cost is very reasonable. That helps people to know (about the organization), to get them here.”
Marabeth Foreman didn’t know much about Communities First, Inc. as an organization, but her eyes lit up when she learned that they were behind the new housing projects in Oak School and Swayze Apartments for low-income and senior residents.
“The school was just boarded up and serving no purpose, and they turned it into the housing and updated the windows, and I loved it,” she said. “They’re making places for people to live, and there are always people who need a place to live. Instead of leveling those buildings, which most people would think of doing, they’re working with what’s already there and building them up again.”
The Dismonds said they spoke at the screening because they knew “what [organization founders] Glenn and Essence stand for: community development and uplifting of all people,” Dr. Samuel said. “This was outstanding, I’m very anxious for Communities First to grow and grow. The seeds they’re planting now for the total community are very good.”
“They’ll go down in history,” Janice Dismond added. “Glenn and Essence are so focused.”