Featured photo: Councilman Eric Mays, whose father was the pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist on McClellan. They were the sponsoring non-profit of the Shiloh Housing Development between McClellan & Pasadena, where the old Nothern and Emerson schools used to be! Photo by L.M. Land
Written by Tanya Terry
A nationally known member of the Flint City Council and an advocate for Flint, and its north side in particular, Councilman Eric Mays was found dead in his home. On Feb. 24, Mays died of natural causes at age 65. He was found in his home on Russell Avenue, near Martin Luther King Avenue.
Mays was serving a three-month suspension from the council at the time of his death. Despite sometimes being at odds with other council members and even members of the city’s administration, leaders and Flint residents alike are remembering the heart he had for the people of Flint. This heart led to profound action.
Representing the 1st Ward of the Flint City Council for more than 10 years, Mays frequently received the most votes of any of his colleagues on the council during elections. He also attempted to run for mayor in 2022.
He was one of the first leaders to raise questions about the quality of Flint’s water. Mays hosted a public meeting in 2015 through which hundreds of Flint residents were given a platform and discussed the city’s water.
Like many people within and outside of the Flint community, Former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver said she was in a “state of shock” when she learned of Mays’ death.
Weaver pointed out she attended Northern High School with Mays.
“So, I knew him before politics,” she added. “But we stood on the same side of so many causes. So, we were fighting for the same things. He was an outspoken voice for the people. Some people have called him controversial. But that’s OK. He knew where he stood, and the people had a voice…Eric was that loud voice, especially for Black people and those who felt unrepresented and unheard.”
Weaver vividly remembers fighting with Mays’ because of the Flint Water Crisis, the Flint Water Settlement and its “injustice,” the use of federal ARPA dollars, as well as speaking up against an emergency manager in Flint.
“We were on the same side of matters. I think it’s the side of right and the side of the people…We fought differently, but we fought for the same things.”
Weaver talked to the Courier about how she and Mays always referred to each other as “the honorable.”
On a much lighter note, Weaver also reminisced with the Courier about how every time there was an event, she and Mays always danced together. Her husband and kids also adored Mays.
Weaver explained that earlier in the day, the day of Mays’ death, she was telling the Lord there were things she didn’t understand. She was prompted to go to the Word of God. Yet, she describes learning of the death of Mays, who was the son of a pastor, that night as “crazy.”
“Not only will the people in the 1st Ward not feel like they have a voice, there will be many people in this city that feel like they’re not going to have a voice and a fighter in that city hall chamber, speaking up, fighting for them.”
Weaver hopes Mays’ legacy will live on.
“Sometimes it’s up to others to make someone’s legacy live on. That can be done. But you’ve got to have some strong people and people that aren’t afraid, and there aren’t many people around that are unafraid. Eric was truly unafraid….I will be one of those people trying to uphold his legacy.”
“Councilman Mays will be dearly missed, but his contributions to Flint will forever be remembered with gratitude and respect,” said Council President Ladel Lewis.
Lewis also stated: “…His unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community has left an indelible mark, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him….”
Mayor Sheldon Neeley issued a statement about Mays that read in part: “A third-term councilman, he was beloved for his bold and courageous service on behalf of Flint’s First Ward, and his strong presence will be deeply missed.”
The flag at Flint City Hall will be lowered to half-staff in Mays’ honor beginning Monday, February 26.
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08), who graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1976 with Mays, said the following after the death of Councilman Mays:
“I am saddened by the death of my friend Eric Mays…Councilman Mays loved serving Flint on the City Council, and his constituents continuously re-elected him because of his bold and unwavering voice. Our lifelong friendship always sustained through the politics of the day…”
