Flint, Michigan – In honor of Black History Month, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley plans to recognize the remarkable contributions of four individuals in the lives of African Americans. The City of Flint is very excited about the upcoming African American History Program & Awards event, which will honor people for their lifetime of work, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the community. This event will take place at the historic Berston Field House on Wednesday, February 28, at 1 p.m., and is free for everyone.
The community is invited by Mayor Neeley to celebrate the groundbreaking work of the honorees, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Flint. The Keys to the City award is the highest honor given by the city to recognize people whose actions have had a big effect on the lives of Flint residents.
Paul Newman is one of the honorees. He is praised for his work as the Board Chair of the Mass Transportation Authority and for his time as an executive at General Motors and a member of the Flint Board of Education. Newman’s dedication to progress and ability to lead have had a big impact on the future of Flint’s school and transportation sectors.
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David Munerlyn is another respected recipient who is known for his long career as a teacher and administrator in Flint Community Schools. His induction into the Greater Flint Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame shows how much of an impact he had on young people through coaching basketball. This shows how sports can be used to make things better.
Dewayne Harrington is recognized for the creative ways he helps the community, especially the way he mentors young people and uses his barbering skills to help people in need. Harrington’s work shows what can happen when people are personally committed to making their communities better.
Mayor Neeley will also posthumously honor John Hightower. Hightower was a respected labor and civil rights leader and also ran a successful business. The legacy of Hightower shows how advocacy and business can work together to fight for social justice and economic opportunity.
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The African American History Program & Awards event seems to be a powerful celebration of what African Americans have done and what they have given to the City of Flint. It shows how strong, resilient, and spiritful the Flint community is.