Author

Xandr Brown

Xandr Brown is the editor emeritus of Flintside. She also served as project editor for Flintside's inaugural On the Ground series in the Civic Park neighborhood and is a lifelong resident of Genesee County. A graduate of Powers Catholic High School, she went on to the University of Rochester in New York state, where she earned a bachelor's degree with a dual major in English/Communications and History and minor in Environmental Humanities. Xandr especially loves photography and is also a classically trained pianist. 

Xandr Brown's Latest Articles

A child tries on firefighter equipment during a previous UM-Flint Touch-a-Truck.
UM-Flint’s annual Touch-A-Truck celebration to include helicopter landing

Featuring big red trucks, fire fighters, helicopter landings, badges, uniforms, and lots of children in awe — Touch-a-Truck is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at UM-Flint.

City of Flint Neighborhood Planner Dequan Allen leads a focus group beside Civic Park residents Ernest-C Martin, 72 (left) and Arthur Port, 77, (right) on September 7 for the neighborhood planning workshop.
Civic Park becomes 15th Flint neighborhood to create action plan for improvements

Civic Park residents are in the midst of a six to eight month process with City of Flint planners to identify their neighborhood priorities and create an action plan for moving forward. It is one of 15 neighborhood collaborations conducted so far as part of the implementation process of the city's master plan. 

An example of the merchandise that will be available at Reclaimed, a downtown Flint boutique benefitting Whaley Children's Center.
Downtown Flint boutique Reclaimed to offer eclectic options — supporting Whaley Children’s Center

Reclaimed plans to sell goods donated to Whaley Children’s Center, raise money for the unique home for children, and provide job opportunities to young adults who grew up in foster care. The new downtown Flint storefront expects to open Oct. 1.

Ubuntu Village extends out in a 3-block radius from the Urban Renaissance Center offices at Joy Tabernacle Church
See inside Ubuntu Village — Flint’s unique community-building effort

Ubuntu Village is a revitalization effort within Flint's Civic Park neighborhood inspired by the African proverb and philosophy often translated as “I am because we are.”   

A look at a portion of the city of Flint's zoning map.
Second meeting set to develop plan for Civic Park beautification

City of Flint planners expect to host seven meetings with neighborhood residents, leaders, and business owners to develop an agenda for the future of the historic neighborhood. 

St. Luke NEW Life Center's annual community baby shower is set for Sept. 20, 2019.
Every new mom deserves a baby shower — and can have one at St. Luke NEW Life Center in Flint

Open to expecting moms and those with infants age 6 months and younger, St. Luke’s Annual Baby Shower arms moms and moms-to-be with all the essentials as well as resources and education.  

Flint woman founds national women’s group Pretty TOUGH, pens anthology ‘Not Damaged’

Esha Wooten, 22, a woman, mother, author, and creator of Pretty TOUGH Women's Empowerment Group, published 'Not Damaged' earlier this year. The anthology includes 13 women sharing tragic stories of their past and reflections on how their lives have changed for the better. 

Hill Harper presents community awards at Haskell Community Center.
Actor Hill Harper joins activists to equip Flint’s Haskell Community Center with new water filter

Live water hoses, water dunk tanks, and pool slides were the main attraction for swarms of kids that Saturday, but it was symbolic of a greater celebration: A new water filter at Haskell Community Center.

Volunteers gather on the playground equipment at Bassett Park for its grand opening July 27, 2019.
Another massive volunteer effort in Flint builds city’s 12th new playground

The renovation in Bassett Park including the playground installation on July 27 is the result of a partnership between Community Foundation of Greater Flint, United Way of Genesee County, the City of Flint, Make and Impact Foundation, and Keep Genesee County Beautiful.  

Bothered by the portrayal of her generation, Ashley Sanders launched "The Millennial Showcase" two months ago as a way to highlight young people's talent, achievement, and dedication and buck the millennial stereotypes. 
Flint millennial is teaching the world to see her generation differently

Ashley Sanders, 25, launched "The Millennial Showcase" two months ago as a way to show millennials are more than their stereotype. The website features poets, bloggers, fitness gurus, rappers, and videographers, many of whom she grew up with in Flint.   

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