Author

Xzavier Simon

Xzavier V. Simon is a native of the Beecher community. When he's not writing articles, books, or working on his indie publication, The Modern Queer Magazine, you can find Xzavier listening to K-pop, cooking, playing video games, diving deep into Japanese culture, and being a spiritualist. 

Xzavier Simon's Latest Articles

FIM's President and CEO, Rodney Lontine, sits pensively onstage inside the Capitol Theatre in downtown Flint on June 18, 2025.
The FIM expands its vision, community outreach, and creative partnerships in new season

Under the leadership of CEO Rodney Lontine, the Flint Institute of Music is undergoing a powerful transformation guided by a new strategic framework centered on accessibility, education, and community wellness.

Flint-Genesee Job Corps, which serves as a beacon of hope for Flint students, is being threatened with closure by the Trump Administration.
“An oasis in the ruins”: Flint-Genesee Job Corps students brace themselves during uncertain times

The potential closure of Flint’s Job Corps has left students and community members reeling and unsure of what comes next. As legal battles unfold in federal court, Flint’s youth face a ticking clock and an uncertain future.

Flint artist and now community organizer G-S tha DreaM stands with his arms wide open during his closing performance at a Juneteenth festival on June 8, 2025.
G-S tha DreaM leads Civic Park’s Juneteenth with music and a mission to give

Led by local artist G-S tha DreaM, Civic Park’s Urban Renaissance Center hosted a Juneteenth event that blended high-energy performances with a mission to uplift and give back.

Neighborhood kids enjoy an evening game of basketball.
Real Stories, Real People: Flintside relaunches its ‘On the Ground’ series

Flintside relaunches its "On the Ground" series for a two-year run, dedicated to uplifting Flint’s neighborhoods and voices. The initiative will highlight local leaders, youth, small businesses, and grassroots efforts driving change.

On Wednesday, May 21, Pop-R&B duo BFF, with special guest Taylor Tatum, will take the stage at FIM's 'Flint Under the Stars' concert series.
‘Flint Under the Stars: Pop’ showcases local talent at FIM Capitol Theatre

On Wednesday, May 21, Pop-R&B duo BFF, with special guest Taylor Tatum, will take the stage at FIM's 'Flint Under the Stars' concert series.

Bloodsuckers of Bushwick is a horror short in which privilege wears fangs and bedbugs symbolize creative drainage, directed by Flint native Layla Bird Revoldt.
Layla Bird Revoldt gets candid about her journey and new film, ‘Bloodsuckers of Bushwick’

Flint filmmaker Layla Bird Revoldt channels her personal journey and industry critiques into Bloodsuckers of Bushwick, a horror short in which privilege wears fangs and bedbugs symbolize creative drainage.

Flint creative GGGGG is breaking barriers and making space for a new era of visual artistry. 
How Flint artist, GGGGG, is redefining the rules of art and identity

Flint artist, GGGGG, blends visual art, fashion, and digital media to uplift Black identity and youth. His work reflects his roots and celebrates resilience, community, and faith.

Four local DJs will bring a night full of beats, energy, and friendly competition to the FIM Capitol Theatre on Wednesday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m.
Turntables & Talent: Flint DJs bring the heat to FIM Capitol Theatre on 4/16

Four local DJs will bring a night full of beats, energy, and friendly competition to the FIM Capitol Theatre on Wednesday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m.

The Mid Michigan I-75 Hardwood Classic brings 20 of the top high school basketball players from Genesee and Saginaw for a celebration of sports.
A Hardwood Classic Is Born: Mid Michigan’s top basketball talent faces off in Flint

The Mid Michigan I-75 Hardwood Classic brings 20 of the top high school basketball players from Genesee and Saginaw for a celebration of sports. The action takes place on Saturday, April 26, at Flint Hamady High School.

'A Driving Beat' tells the story of a mother-son road trip unlike any other.
A mother-son road trip of identity and self-discovery hits the Flint Rep stage

'A Driving Beat' is a high-energy, music-filled play premiering at the Flint Repertory Theatre. It follows a young Mateo on a cross-country journey with his mother, Diane.

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