Written by Tanya Terry
GENESEE COUNTY, MI —President of the Black Lives Matter Flint conference DeWaun E. Robinson recently launced his campaign as the 70th district state representative. A press conference was held at Black Lives Matter- Flint Zone, where the BLM Mural is located.
Robinson said Flint residents can’t wait on anybody do things for them, and he would love to be part of the resurgence of Flint. This resurgence, he said, will take vision, economic development and investing in the people through education, training, systemic programs, information and access.
“We’re not looking to complain about our circumstances, but we are looking to find resolutions,” Robinson stated.
Robinson pointed out the Flint community had been through many transitions and had a number of disinvestments. He said some of the main things he liked to speak about were unity and solidarity.
Robinson said the Flint community would deliver things it collectively planned together. He urged residents to help him take their plans to Lansing.
Robinson also stated he thought there needed to be clear communications and also straight reporting on behalf of the elected officials to the community.
“What we would like to do is hold town hall sessions in the community that really relay what’s going in the community, as it relays what’s going on in Lansing and how it’s affecting residents,” Robinson said.
Robinson wants to be able to establish small businesses and entrepreneurs.
In addition, he said healthcare is a very important thing in this city when we’re talking about being impacted by the water crisis. According to Robinson, this should be the number one priority when going to Lansing to talk about accountability and resources that will impact Flint families.
“If we can build a $30 million detention center, then we should develop mental stations and structures all around the community that are going to help and assist our young people as they develop in life…”Robinson stated.
Robinson addressed the importance of community safety-the community taking ownership of itself and the neighborhoods by working together to minimize crime.
“Our senior citizens want to be comfortable. We need to provide access to information and resources to our senior citizens, while at the same time bridging the gap with our young people.”
Another priority Robinson said he would focus on was education.
Claudia Perkins was friends with Robinson’s grandfather and his father. He’s her pastor’s cousin.
“DeWaun is an activist like I am,” Perkins explained. “He’s out in the community. He runs the Oak Center, on the north end of Flint. He’s the head of Black Lives Matter. He’s showing leadership. He also runs the Right of Passage, on Southwestern High School.”
Some of the things Perkins hopes Robinson can advocate for if elected include Medicare for all and a water affordability plan. Perkins is particularly concerned about the north and east side of Flint.
Jonnie Peters said he supports Robinson because he believes in the change he is going to do for the city. Peters works at Home at Last as a project manager to help men who recently got out of prison. He hopes Robinson can help bring more hope and opportunity to returning citizens as well.
“I know he’s going to be productive; he’s going to be positive and he’s definitely going to make a change here in the city of Flint,” Peters said.
Robinson is also endorsed by Dr. Karen Williams Weaver, who also attended the press conference.
