Communities First, Inc. News Links

Ice skating for Swifties, ‘Freezefest’, Comedy Show and more to do in mid-Michigan this weekend (Flint Journal/mlive) – Jan. 23, 2026
Flint Native Bryan McCree is Headlining a Communities First Comedy Show at Flint Farmers’ Market January 24 (Flint Daily) – Jan. 22, 2026
‘A Champion of Flint:’ Janice Harden Remembered for Being a Constant Advocate for the Community (Flint. Daily) – Jan. 21, 2026
Good for the Soul Comedy Show Returns to Flint Farmers’ Market (Flintside) – Jan. 21, 2026
On the Move: Glenn and Essence Wilson Receive Awards (AND Magazine) – Jan 21, 2026
Flint Masonic Temple kitchen could reopen this year after $1.5M Mott grant (Flint Journal/mlive) – Jan. 18, 2026
Bull riding, Tupac documentary and other things to do in mid-Michigan this weekend, including African American Film Series (msn.com) – Jan. 15, 2026
Helping Flint Residents Set 2026 Goals (Flint Daily) – Jan. 13, 2026
Communities First, Inc. Brings Laughter Back to Flint with Good for the Soul Comedy Show 2 (The Flint Courier News) – Jan. 9, 2026
Smells like 90s music trivia: 4 weekend events in mid-Michigan, including Communities First, Inc.’s Vision Board Party (msn.com) – Jan. 8, 2025
2026 Vision Board Party taking place Friday, January 9 (The Flint Courier News) – Jan. 8, 2026
Communities First, Inc. to host free ‘Community Vision Board Party’ on Jan. 9 (East Village Magazine) – Jan. 8, 2026
What’s ahead for Flint in 2026: Major projects moving forward — and others in limbo (Flint Journal/mlive) – Jan. 7, 2026
Communities First, Inc. hosting vision board party | Good Morning Mid-Michigan (ABC  12) – Jan. 7, 2026
Communities First, Inc to host vision board event in Flint (Flint Beat) – Jan. 7, 2026
Community event helps residents visualize goals for the new year (WNEM TV 5) – Jan. 6, 2026
Families enjoy holiday party in Flint at Communities First, Inc. (Mid-Michigan NOW) – Dec. 22, 2025
Communities First, Inc. (CFI) hopes to bring festive cheer local residents of all ages Dec. 22 (The Flint Courier News) – Dec. 19, 2025
Funding cuts leave Flint development projects in limbo as Senate moves to restore money (Mid-Michigan NOW) – Dec. 18, 2025
Ice skating with Santa, African American Film Series and more to do in mid-Michigan this week -(Flint Journal/mlive.com) – Dec. 18, 2025
Flint redevelopment projects among casualties of $645M in cuts by House Republicans (Flint Journal/mlive.com) – Dec. 18, 2025
Communities First Holiday Party | Video (WNEM TV 5) – Dec. 17, 2025
Communities First Inc. Holiday Party | Video (ABC 12) – Dec. 16, 2025
Community Candor Live to address the challenges and opportunities shaping higher education (The Flint Courier News) – Dec. 5, 2025
Flint university leaders to discuss rapid changes in education landscape (Flint Beat) – Dec. 2, 2025
African American Film Series returns featuring Claressa Shields, civil rights history, and untold cultural narratives (Flintside) – Dec. 1, 2025
Local Heroes: Glenn Wilson – Giving back to help end homelessness (Mid-Michigan NOW) – Nov. 13, 2025
Community Candor Live Event Spotlights Women Leading with Authenticity in Detroit (The Michigan Chronicle) – Nov. 13, 2025
Communities First Inc. hosting African American Film Series (abc12.com) – Nov. 11, 2025
The Fire Inside to Show at African American Film Series (Flint Institute of Arts ) – Nov. 10, 2025
Flint’s African American Film Series Returns for its 11th Year! (Mid-Michigan NOW) – Nov. 10, 2025
Claressa Shields biopic kicks off African American Film Series at Flint Institute of Arts (mlive.com Flint Journal) – Nov. 8, 2025
Art of Achievement Awards celebrates Genesee County’s top business, hospitality leaders; Communities First receives DEI honor (Flint Journal/mlive.com) – Nov. 6, 2025
Flint’s African American Film Series Kicks Off 11th Season (Mid-Michigan NOW) – Nov. 4, 2025
Communities First, Inc. Co-Founder Essence Wilson honored with Michigan State University Alumni Service Award (The Flint Courier News) – Oct. 31, 2025
Communities First Inc. offers financial education class for our troubled times (The Flint Courier News) – Oct. 31, 2025
Communities First, Inc. Co-founder Essence Wilson Honored With Michigan State University Alumni Service Award (Detroit Regional Chamber)  – Oct. 30, 2025
Communities First, Inc. president and CEO honored with Excellence in Homeless Service Award (Swartz Creek View) – Oct. 30, 2025
Levitt AMP Flint receives three-year renewal, expanding a music series that’s redefining public space (Flintside) – Oct. 23, 2025
Communities First, Inc. President and CEO Glenn Wilson Honored With Excellence in Homeless Service Award (Detroit Regional Chamber) – Oct. 22, 2025
Communities First, Inc. President and CEO Glenn Wilson honored with Excellence in Homeless Service Award (The Flint Courier News) – Oct. 22, 2024
Flint Neighborhoods Take Big Steps Toward a Cleaner City in 2025 Step-Up, Pick-Up Challenge (The Flint Courier News) – Oct. 17, 2025
Flint neighborhoods see over 13.5k pounds of trash removed in 2025 ‘Step-Up, Pick-Up’ competition (East Village Magazine) – Oct. 16, 2025
This Flint festival is bringing together global cultures through the universal language of food (Flint Journal/mlive.com) – Oct. 9, 2025
Communities First in Flint hosting ‘A Taste of Culture’ | Good Morning Mid-Michigan (ABC 12) – Oct. 8, 2025
Global flavors, music, and traditions return at ‘A Taste of Culture’ in Flint (Flintside) – Oct. 8, 2025
A Taste of Culture Community Celebration is Oct. 11 in Flint (Explore Flint & Genesee) – Oct. 1, 2025
A Taste of Culture event to return to Flint after pandemic hiatus (Mid-Michigan Now) – Sept. 30, 2025
A Taste of Culture Community Celebration (Flint and Genesee Chamber) – Sept. 24, 2025
A Taste of Culture (Flint Daily) – Sept. 19, 2025
Community Development Mixer at Flint Farmers’ Market | (Good Morning Mid-Michigan – ABC 12) – Sept. 18, 2025
Communities First Inc. hosts community development mixer at the Flint Farmers Market (Mid-Michigan NOW)– Sept. 18, 2025
Mexicuba kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month in Flint (Mid-Michigan Now) – Sept. 16, 2025
Flint and Genesee County Community Development Mixer set for Sept. 18 (Flintside) – Sept. 16, 2025
Community Development Mixer taking place Sept. 18 at Flint Farmers’ Market (The Flint Courier News) – Sept. 12, 2025
Communities First, Inc. Upcoming Events, including Levitt AMP Flint Music Series and Flint Mixer (WNEM TV 5) – Sept. 11, 2025
Step-Up, Pick-Up competition in Flint Starts Sept. 14 with $1,000 Top Prize (WNEM TV 5) – Sept. 3, 2025
Michigan Communities Tackle Housing Crisis with Zoning Reform and Collaboration (Second Wave) – Aug. 27, 2025
Ukrainian band Kommuna Lux to perform in Flint on Aug. 26 (East Village Magazine) – Aug. 25, 2025
Leaders from MEDC, SBAM speak on Small Business and Economic Development – (Flint Township View)– Aug. 14, 202
Communities First, Inc. to Host Community Candor LIVE! (Mid-Michigan NOW) – Aug. 6, 2025
Communities First, Inc. to host public discussion focused on economic development and small business growth in Michigan (The Flint Courier News) – Aug. 1, 2025
Levitt AMP Concert Series and Movies Under the Stars (WNEM TV 5) – July 14, 2025
Movies under the Stars returns for 12th season (Mid-Michigan NOW) – July 11, 2025
Movies Under the Stars Returns to Flint for Summer 2025 (The Flint Courier News) – July 4, 2025
Flint’s Free Movie Series Returns for 12th Season (Cars 108) – July 2, 2025
Levitt AMP Concert Series (WNEM TV 5) – July 2, 2025
Flint families can enjoy these popular movies for free under the night sky this summer (mlive.com/Flint Journal)– July 1, 2025
Previewing the next concert in Levitt AMP Flint Music Series (WNEM TV 5) – June 18, 2025
Prayers, Property, and Purpose the Story of Glenn Wilson (Detroit is Different Podcast – YouTube) – June 11, 2025
Levitt AMP Flint Music Series brings global sounds to Totem Books’ back lawn (Flintside) – June 3, 2025
Levitt AMP Flint Music Series concert coming up June 10 (WNEM  TV 5) – June 2, 2025
Communities First to Host the 2025 Levitt AMP Flint Music Series (Grand Blanc View) – May 29, 2025
Levitt AMP Music Series hosted by Communities First Inc. to bring free concerts to Flint (Mid Michigan-NOW) – May 27, 2025
Here’s the complete lineup for free concert series starting next week in Flint – (mlive.com/Flint Journal) – May 24, 2025
2025 Levitt AMP Flint Music Series (ABC12.com) – May 23, 2025
Communities First, Inc. to Host the 2025 Levitt AMP Flint Music Series (Mid-Michigan NOW) – May 22, 2025
On Stage in Flint: Levitt AMP Music Series (WNEM TV)– May 22, 2025
IN THE NEWS: Levitt AMP Flint Featured in The Flint Courier News (Levitt Foundation Now Blog) – May 16, 2025
The African American Film Festival coming to Detroit on May 24th. (FOX 2 Detroit) – May 15, 2025
Communities First, Inc. to Host the 2025 Levitt AMP Flint Music Series: A Celebration of Free Live Music and Community Connection (The Flint Courier News) – May 9, 2025
Communities First Inc. hosting job and trade fairs for their new construction project (Mid-Michigan NOW) – April 30, 2025
Communities First, Inc. to Host Job Fairs for Major Flint Housing Project (Flint Beat) – April 26, 2025
CFI Holding Job Fairs April 30 and May 7 (Flint Township View) – April 24, 2025
Local Contractors Sought for Flint Redevelopment Bringing Residential and Commercial Space (mlive.com/Flint Journal) – April 24, 2025
Communities First, Inc. Seeks Trade Contractors and Job Applicants for Major Flint Development Project (The Flint Courier News) – April 23, 2925
Flint’s Marian Hall added to National Register of Historic Places (msn.com) – April 22, 2025
Flint Building Added to National Register of Historic Places (ABC 12) – April 22, 2025
Communities First, Inc. Seeks Trade Contractors and Job Applicants for Major Flint Development Project (Flint Neighborhoods United) – April 22, 2025
‘Good for the Soul’ Comedy Show promises laughter and support for Communities First, Inc. (Flintside) – April 21, 2025
Good for the Soul Comedy Show comes to Flint (Flint Beat) – April 18, 2025
Good for the Soul Comedy Show: A Night of Laughter to Benefit Communities First, Inc. (The Flint Courier News) – April 11, 2025
No Name Podcast Episode 002: 15 Years of Impact (YouTube) – April 2, 2025
The second GatHERing brings together a diverse group of women in Flint (Mid-Michigan NOW) – March 15, 2025
Communities First, Inc. among organizations to get grants from FlintNOW fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (Grand Blanc View) – March 13, 2025
The GatHERing: A place for all women (WNEM TV 5) – March 10, 2025
Communities First, Inc. celebrates the diversity of women in Flint & Genesee County (Mid-Michigan NOW) – March 7, 2025
Women’s event taking place March 15 (Flushing View) – March 6, 2025
Communities First, Inc. to host workforce development discussion in Flint (Flintside) – March 5, 2025
Julia Zaher Joins Communities First, Inc. as Fund Development and Events Manager (Detroit Regional Chamber) – March 4, 2025
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the GatHERing: A Place for All Women event to take place March 15 (The Flint Courier News) – March 4, 2025
Communities First, Inc. to host Women’s History Month event in Flint (Flint Beat) – March 4, 2025
FlintNOW Fund announces over $1.5m in grants to support the Flint community (East Village Magazine) – March 3, 2025
Communities First, Inc. to host discussion and public Q&A with local community leaders (The Flint Courier News) – Feb. 28, 2025
FlintNOW Fund awards $1.6 million in grants to help strengthen Flint community (Flintside) – Feb. 19, 2025
Communities First, Inc. among groups to receive FlintNOW Fund grants (Mid-Michigan NOW) – Feb. 18, 2025
Black History Month kicks off with the FIA’s 18th Annual Community Gala (The Flint Courier News) – Jan. 24, 2025
Communities First, Inc. is Presenting Sponsor for Feb. 1 FIA Gala (Grand Blanc View) – Jan. 23, 2025
MTA Flint to Host Two Public Townhall Meetings on 2024 Route Study (The Flint Courier News) – Jan. 14, 2025
10th Annual African American Film Series Engaging the Community Through Cultural Outreach – My City Magazine (My City Magazine) – Jan. 2, 2025

Communities First, Inc. hosts annual African American Film Series (Flint Beat) – Dec. 11, 2024

African American Film Series returns to Flint Institute of Arts with powerful lineup (mlive.com) – Dec. 4, 2024
Uplifting and educational series continues to create spaces for African American creatives (The Flint Courier News) – Dec. 4, 2024
Celebrating a decade of storytelling: Flint’s African American Film Series returns (Flintside) – Dec. 4, 2024
Three Flint organizations win cash prizes for clean-up (ABC 12) – Nov. 18, 2024
The African American Film Series Returns for 10th Season in Flint (Mid-Michigan NOW) – Nov. 11, 2024
Flint Neighborhoods unite to tackle litter and beautify their communities in 2024 Step-Up Pick-Up Competition (The Flint Courier) – Nov. 11, 2024
Event held to discuss how philanthropy impacts Flint community (wnem.com) – Oct. 15, 2024
Communities First, Inc. to host discussion and public Q&A with Ridgway White on philanthropy’s impact and perspective – The Courier News (theflintcouriernews.com) – Oct. 11, 2024
Flint Organizations to Host City and State Candidate Forums – Flint Beat – Oct. 4, 2024
Essence Wilson selected for prestigious Community Development Voice Initiative – The Courier News (theflintcouriernews.com) – Sept. 27, 2024
Communities First, Inc. President and CEO Glenn Wilson Named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Black Business Leaders – Detroit Regional Chamber (detroitchamber.com) – Sept. 24, 2024
Essence Wilson of Communities First, Inc. Selected for Prestigious Community Development Voice Initiative – Detroit Regional Chamber (detroitchamber.com) – Sept. 24, 2024
GM’s Flint-area plants award $270,000 in grants to local nonprofits – Davison Index (mihomepaper.com) – Sept. 19, 2024
Flint mobilizes for National Voter Registration Day with multiple sign-up locations (midmichigannow.com) – Sept. 17, 2024
Eight Genesee County nonprofits share in $270,000 in GM Community Impact Grants – mlive.com – Sept. 13, 2024
GM awards Genesee County non-profits $270,000 in grant money | News | abc12.com – Sept. 12, 2024
Communities First President and CEO named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Black Business Leaders – Flint Beat – Sept. 9, 2024
Glenn Wilson | Notable Black Business Leaders 2024 | Crain’s Detroit Business (crainsdetroit.com) – Sept. 9, 2024
Construction could start in 2025 on $45M Marian Hall project in Flint – mlive.com – Sept. 8, 2024
Nonprofit receives $1.5M to redevelop historic Flint building into housing, commercial space (wnem.com) – Aug. 13, 2024
Flint’s historic Marian Hall to be transformed into mixed-use development (midmichigannow.com) – Aug. 13, 2024
Classes start highlighting the importance of financial literacy, nutrition and more – The Courier News (theflintcouriernews.com) – July 12, 2024
Movies Under the Stars kicks off Friday in Flint with Disney’s ‘Wish’ – mlive.com – July 4, 2024
Solving Michigan’s Housing Crisis – Detroit Regional Chamber (detroitchamber.com) – May 28, 2024
Food Trucks and Fun: Food Truck Event Opening May 1st – The Courier News (theflintcouriernews.com) – May 1, 2024
Project underway for 74 unit apartment complex in Flint (wnem.com) – April 10, 2024
Communities First, Inc. breaks ground on $25M apartment developments in Flint area – mlive.com – April 9, 2024
$25M apartment developments break ground in Flint-area (midmichigannow.com) – April 9, 2024
Six Genesee County projects funded in new federal spending bills. Here’s the breakdown. – mlive.com – March 18, 2024
Addressing the affordable housing crisis in Flint & Genesee – AND Magazine (flintandgenesee.org) – March 11, 2024
Communities First Inc. hosts 9th annual African-American Film Series | Entertainment | abc12.com – Feb. 9, 2024
Communities First receives grant money to renovate two Flint buildings | Local | abc12.com – Jan. 2, 2024
Mott Foundation aims to save two condemned landmark buildings in Flint with $3.5M grant – mlive.com – Jan. 2, 2024
Mott Foundation grants $3.5M to renovate 2 Flint buildings (wnem.com) – Jan. 2, 2024
New apartments bring $16.7 million investment to Carriage Town Neighborhood – Grand Blanc View (mihomepaper.com) – Dec. 28, 2023
Ribbon cutting opens The Grand on University apartments in Flint | Business | abc12.com – Dec. 20, 2023
New $16.7 million Flint apartment promises affordable pricing, fills housing need – mlive.com – Dec. 20 2023
Photo Gallery: The Grand on University Apartments celebrate ribbon cutting – mlive.com – Dec. 20, 2023
Here’s what happened at the Flint City Council meeting on Nov. 27 – Flint Beat – Nov. 29, 2023
Developers ask Flint for tax breaks to create 132 new downtown apartments – mlive.com – Nov. 27, 2023
Statewide housing plan works with stakeholders across region to address housing needs (secondwavemedia.com) – Nov. 14, 2023
African American Film Series returns to Flint for a ninth season – Flint Beat – Oct. 30, 2023
African American Film Series in Flint kicks off in November – mlive.com – Oct. 29, 2023
I would just say collectively the experiences have been valuable and rewarding because it brings the community together. It really speaks to helping others.”

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