Photos by Jenn Alexander, staff photographer for Flint Institute of Music
Written by Tanya Terry
Connie Edwards, a member of King Avenue PLUS, is one of many Flint community members who enjoyed a performance from the Flint Institute of Music Troubadours that recently took place at MLK Peace Garden. The Troubadours performed a mixture of familiar songs and other fun songs. They were able to perform about eight songs before the weather started to look stormy and the rest of the show was cancelled.
“As an entertainer and teacher, I have seen Troubadours over 30 some years in different capacities,” Edwards said. “I thought that was awesome to bring it into the community and to utilize that space we have created there because we have tried very hard to honor Dr. King by cleaning up that area. The garden has been stable for the last three years. We’re starting to notice that people have taken notice of it and started to respect it by not throwing trash on it or destroying the flowers and things like that. So, to have the Troubadours come out and utilize it, that was a plus for us…”
Sharon Boome of the Troubadours told a story about Harambee during the August 29 performance. The word “harambee” means “all pull together” in Swahili, and it is the official motto of Kenya.
Edwards said of the Troubadours: “I loved the way they engaged the audience to keep them focused and to make it more interesting.”
Edwards and many others also enjoyed hearing the Troubadours play their instruments. She said it was “relaxing.”
King Avenue PLUS members also have obtained grants to place murals on King Avenue.
Edwards and other members of King Avenue PLUS hope the MLK Peace Garden continues to get support from the city and other entities that have helped them.
They have a goal-to maintain the garden and stretch it along Martin Luther King Corridor to honor Dr. King.
“Then, when we get it the way we want it, we want the community to be able to utilize it.”
Jane Richardson, another member of King Avenue PLUS, said the land is owned by the Genesee County Land Bank.
“We lease it and care for it,” she explained. “Nearly every Wednesday and on some other days there is a clean-up.”
All the plants in the garden are perennials and could return for years in the future if cared for properly.
“Applewood came and worked with us on the design a long time ago,” Richardson said. “We wanted something that said “you’re on King Avenue” because people did not notice that necessarily.”
There were about 12 people who met at the garden on Wednesday, August 24. A representative from Genesee County Conservation District came to work with attendees on which hardwood trees should be added there. A representative from the City of Flint also came to work with them on sidewalk replacement.
A day in which community members can get advice and learn to plant is currently being planned for October.
Two wedding have already been held at the garden, and storytelling took place there every Friday during the summer months. The Neighborhood Engagement Hub nearby has games people can borrow as well.
A rule board is placed in the garden with contact information for those wishing to utilize the garden for large gathering. They can also contact the Neighborhood Engagement Hub at 810-789-6787.
King Avenue PLUS meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at MLK Peace Garden. All are welcome to attend and can volunteer their time. Peace Garden is located at W. McClellan and King Avenue
