Featured photo: Mama Sol, who will provide a unique storytelling experience at the upcoming Black Nights, Brown Hope event
GENESEE COUNTY, MI (July 18, 2023) – The Greater Flint Health Coalition recently announced that Flint and Genesee REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) and Flint ReCAST (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma) are working collaboratively to host a special, one-night event: Black Nights, Brown Hope. This event will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 21, at The New McCree Theatre.
This event intends to honor of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month, formerly recognized as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. BIPOC Mental Health Month intends to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness in the United States.
Flint ReCAST project manager, Kristin Stevenson, shares, “Every single one of us should be taking care of our mental health. This month, we get to focus on the mental health of a community that has been historically overlooked. This event is a moment for BIPOC people especially to prioritize their own wellness in an entertaining and thoughtful environment.”
Black Nights, Brown Hope will utilize storytelling to provide a sense of togetherness and healing. Nationally renowned hip-hop and spoken word artist Mama Sol will provide a unique storytelling experience before the evening concludes with a question and answer session with mental health professionals from Flint.
Flint and Genesee REACH project coordinator, Amarachi Wachuku, states, “Whether you’re a health professional or a concerned community member, we hope this event will empower you and equip you not only to share your story, but listen and heal from the stories of others overcoming mental health challenges. This evening of compassionate storytelling will hopefully bring forth lasting healing and transformation within the BIPOC community.”
Tickets for this event are $10 and will be available at the door. Concessions will also be available and all proceeds will go towards supporting The New McCree Theatre, the only Black-owned and operated theatre in the city. Mark your attendance via the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/604127135044858
About the Greater Flint Health Coalition
Established in 1996, the Greater Flint Health Coalition is a Flint, Michigan-based nonprofit organization and partnership between Genesee County hospitals, physicians, businesses, insurers, public health professionals, policymakers, government leaders, educators, organized labor, community organizations, residents and all those concerned about the well-being of our community and its residents. The two-fold mission of the Greater Flint Health Coalition is to improve the health status of Genesee County residents
and the quality and cost-effectiveness of the health care system in the community. For more information on the Greater Flint Health Coalition, visit www.gfhc.org.
About Flint and Genesee REACH
The Flint and Genesee REACH program works to ensure that at-risk families within Genesee County have increased access to healthier food, breastfeeding resources and chronic health community programs through clinical community linkages. This work is done collaboratively with various partners to ensure the best outcomes within the community. For more information on Flint and Genesee REACH, visit www.gfhc.org/racialand-ethnic-approaches-to-community-health-reach/.
About Flint ReCAST
The Flint ReCAST program aims to assist high-risk youth and families by supporting the recovery and rebuilding of Flint’s vibrant community. While many needs remain unmet within the city of Flint, one truth remains: the residents are resilient and have the ability to cultivate change. Therefore, the City of Flint and its partners are collaboratively reshaping the narrative surrounding Flint through efforts towards improved behavioral health, empowered community residents, reductions in trauma and sustained community
change. Flint ReCAST is developing opportunities, activities, practices and policies that seek to promote resilience and equity in a way that will change the way residents view and interact with their city. For more information on Flint ReCAST, visit www.flintrecast.org.
