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

Rory Phelan and Craig Winberry star as George Michael in the concert-style show 'The Life and Music of George Michael.'
The music of George Michael comes alive for one night only at FIM Whiting Auditorium

Flintside caught up with New York actor and singer Craig Winberry to discuss his role as George Michael in the one-night-only concert-style show, 'The Life and Music of George Michael.'

Flint native Keyon Lovett pictured inside his garage-turned-art studio on Jan. 29, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)
The painting, artwork, and lifestyle of Flint’s ‘Artschool Dropout’ Keyon Lovett

Flint native and self-professed 'Artschool Dropout' Keyon Lovett opens up about his artwork, religious faith, the Flint art scene, and his goals after becoming the latest recipient of Buckham Gallery's Emerging Artist Fellowship.

Award-winning playwright James Anthony Tyler's new play, Into the Side of a Hill, is a tale of six Black fraternity brothers at an HBCU.
The introspection of ‘Into the Side of a Hill’ by playwright James Anthony Tyler

Award-winning playwright James Anthony Tyler talks about his new play 'Into the Side of a Hill' which tells the tale of six Black fraternity brothers at an HBCU in 2004.

Award-winning actor and content creator Brandon Houston poses in front of the Capitol Theatre in downtown Flint on Jan. 30, 2024.
Inside the life and heart of award-winning actor Brandon Houston

“I put the work in solely because I wanted to be a better person.” Award-winning actor and one of Flint’s emerging content creators Brandon Houston discusses his love for acting, life's challenges, and the pursuit of improvement.

Bada Bing Pizzeria's owner and head chef Anthony Ijames pictured on Jan. 18, 2024, spinning their signature pie, Little Italy.
“Supporting those who support us” with Anthony Ijames of Bada Bing Pizzeria

“I want this as a legacy. We can do big city things here.” Bada Bing Pizzeria owner and head chef Anthony Ijames discusses all things Bada Bing, the pizza business, and concerns about keeping Bada Bing in downtown Flint.  

Jeff Skigh, known as Big Jeffrey, has created a new event series called 'Wine and Rhymes' to showcase Flint's diverse talent in an intimate setting.
Jeff Skigh’s new event series ‘Wine and Rhymes’ showcases Flint’s diverse talent

“Shining a positive light on the city is something I’ve always wanted to do.” Flint music artist Jeff Skigh has created a new event series called 'Wine and Rhymes' to showcase Flint's diverse talent in an intimate setting. 

Kirsten Kaufmann poses outside Queens' Provision in downtown Flint on Jan. 18, 2024.
Connecting through the human experience with Kirsten Kaufmann of ‘Say Your Piece’

Flintside's Xzavier Simon caught up with Kirsten Kaufmann of the free local event series 'Say Your Piece' to talk about her life, the transformative power of vulnerability, and what’s next on the horizon.

Photographed on Dec. 20, 2023, BAMS African Market on South Ballenger Highway hosts West African organic “foodstuff sourcing, products, fashion, and various home needs.”
Keeping the community healthy with BAMS African Market

Tucked in a small plaza on South Ballenger Highway, BAMS African Market offers the community a vast and diverse selection of imported food, herbs, oils, and holistic essentials from West Africa.

Flint residents Billie Dantzler, Jerimiah Whitehead, and Michell Thompson participated in Flintside’s Community Correspondent Journalism Workshop as a part of our 'On the Ground' story series.
Meet Flintside’s Ballenger Highway Community Correspondents

Get to know Flintside's Ballenger Highway Community Correspondents. The participants recently completed our journalism workshop which equips new writers with the skills to write about what's going on in their community.

Pictured on Dec. 27, 2023, Ballenger Park sits on the corner of Dupont and Flushing Road, holding space for community events, basketball games, and picnics.
In Pictures: Ballenger Highway Neighborhood & Park

A look at the Ballenger Highway neighborhood through photos that capture the beauty of the community and the spirit of its history.

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