Featured photo: Linda Kay Boose, provided by Ms. Boose
Written by Tanya Terry
Linda Kay Boose, age 70, is a lifetime citizen of the city of Flint who has demonstrated a heart to serve. Boose, who retired from a role as a caseworker from the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has volunteered her time in the community for over 40 years!
Boose is currently the vice president for Motherly Intercession, an approximately 20-year-old grassroots organization which serves children of incarcerated or previously incarcerated parents to help break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration. Boose has been on Motherly Intercession’s board for over 10 years.
“I also serve on the Flint Ethics and Accountability Board,” said Boose.
That board’s main functions include appointing an ombudsperson to hear citizen complaints and hearing resident concerns the ombudsperson is not able to hear. According to Boose, the board often hears concerns about trash dumping and blight. Other complaints tend to be about pipe replacement and high water bills. In addition to “giving the citizens a voice” the board is intended to hold the ombudsperson and other public servants accountable for maintaining the ethical standards outlined in the charter.
Boose has served on this board for over eight years.
“I was appointed by Bryant Nolden,” Boose said.
Boose was recently reinstated to the Ethics and Accountability Board by 3rd Ward City Councilman Quincy Murphy, who died September 29, 2024.
Both Nolden and Murphy were known for long-time community service, as Boose is.
Boose stated the internal rewards to volunteering are knowing she’s serving God’s people and knowing she’s helping others get through the difficulties of life.
She has previously served on the board for Families of Murdered Children, Human Relations Commission for the City of Flint, the Planning Commissions and the Citywide Advisory.
She also helped hold job fairs at the Broome Center and New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church.
As a public servant, Boose has had many jobs, but she stated one of her most memorable and meaningful jobs was working for FACED, Faith Access Community Economic Development, which was run by the Concerned Pastors for Social Action.
“I’ve lived in Flint all my life, and I do have a passion for the Flint community. My main areas of focus have always been education, health and community development. I have always served on boards that address those areas.”
Boose is seeking to be elected to the Flint Community School Board on November 5.
She said she has not sought out paid positions outside of her regular work to support herself. She currently receives no financial compensation and no stipend for serving on the Ethics and Accountability Board or the Motherly Intercession Board, and she would receive only a stipend for attending meetings if elected to the school board.
“I would like to continue making a very healthy community and help individuals with their places in the community – whether that means being a student or a parent, or just a regular citizen,” stated Boose. “I like supporting others who are out doing some of the things similar to what I’m doing, For example, I like supporting female candidates who run for office. I just like serving my community and helping individuals to also be active in the community. I like volunteering in my community to help my community.”
