Event focuses on envisioning democratic futures in Flint and beyond
FLINT, Mich. (October 30, 2025) — The University of Michigan-Flint will host “Cracks in the Pavement,” a free community symposium on November 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event kicks off the research the institution is conducting in connection with the $495k Mellon Grant UM-Flint received last year.
“This event reflects UM-Flint’s dedication to fostering dialogue and collaboration across our campus and the Flint community,” said Abby Parrill-Baker, provost and vice chancellor of Academic Affairs at UM-Flint. UM-Flint. “By bringing together diverse voices, we can deepen our understanding of how everyday civic practices shape democracy in meaningful ways.”
Keynote speakers will include Joe Guinan, president, The Democracy Collaborative; Esteban Kelly, executive director, U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives; Thea Lee, former president of the Economic Policy Institute and former undersecretary of the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (2021-25); Dan Kildee, former representative, U.S. House of Representatives, and president of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint; and Jenna Bednar, professor of political science and public policy and co-chair for the Presidential Initiative on Democracy, Civic Empowerment, and Global Engagement at U-M.
“The speakers represent a diversity of views on how we might elevate everyday forms of democratic engagement — from those working on a more democratic economy at the national level to community members building local journalism platforms, to everyday residents who have created sites of
remembering Flint’s past,” said Jacob Lederman, associate professor of sociology and the principal investigator on the Mellon Grant. “I’m particularly excited about the first session on community wealth building and cooperative models of economic development, as our speakers have been part of some of the most innovative initiatives to build a more people-centric economy, including in other Midwestern cities such as Cleveland.”
Activities related to the grant will take place through 2028, as an interdisciplinary team of UM-Flint faculty and students engage with the local community to examine how democratic cultures flourish in places like Flint, where communities creatively respond to challenges and reimagine democratic participation beyond traditional institutions.
“This symposium is a great opportunity for students, faculty and staff to make deeper connections with our community,” said Kimberly Saks, associate professor of political science and one of the event’s organizers. “I am really excited about the ways this symposium allows students to learn all about the community and issues of democracy. The word ‘democracy’ is often used as a noun, even though it requires action and dedication. I hope our students take that away from the symposium.”
“A comprehensive university and the communities it serves always have the potential to engage each other as co-authors of a shared future,” said Theodore Rippey, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences & Education. “I want our college to be fully engaged in UM-Flint’s efforts to realize that potential, and in this symposium, I see our CASE faculty, students, staff and community partners taking meaningful steps in that direction.”
To learn more and register, please visit go.umflint.edu/cracks
About UM-Flint College of Arts, Sciences & Education
The College of Arts, Sciences & Education at the University of Michigan-Flint transforms lives through the power of a comprehensive education rooted in theory and practice. The College is the home to UM-Flint’s programs in Education, Fine & Performing Arts, Language & Communication, Psychology, Social Sciences &
Humanities, and Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice. For more information, please visit umflint.edu/case
