FLINT, Michigan — On Sept. 12, the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association held a meeting at their community park on Home Ave. with delicious food and ice-cold refreshments. The park was once an area with abandoned homes, but the association worked hard to demolish those homes and transform the space for the community to reserve and use.

The association is passionate about eliminating blight in the neighborhood, and this was one of the many solutions it implemented.

During the meeting, the attendees addressed several important topics, including the need to update their bylaws which have yet to be revised in the past decade and identified as a top priority to be completed soon.

The group also discussed upcoming programs and events such as police officers reading to children and the Champions of Excellence event for learning support students scheduled for May 2025.

Participants enjoy painting and other festivities at the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association event on Sept. 12, 2024. (Jerimiah Whitehead | Flintside.com)Jeanette Edwards, president of the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association, is highly esteemed by both Flint residents and those outside the city. Even when the spotlight is on her, she consistently redirects the attention to her support system.

Additionally, Edwards collaborated with The North Flint Action Council to organize a successful meeting and event. She actively engaged with community members, sharing meals and dancing, creating a warm and familial atmosphere. 

Jeanette Edwards is all smiles, serving food and enjoying a good time amongst Brownell-Holmes community members on Sept. 12, 2024. (Jerimiah Whitehead | Flintside.com)On the day of the meeting, the neighborhood was adorned with vivid colors as cheerful chatter and laughter filled the air. The event was a fun amalgamation of live music, food, and art, all offered to the public free of charge.

Saxophonist Antwain Kirkland rendered covers of soulful classics and paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Franky Beverly.

The event drew a diverse crowd of all ages, and was a powerful demonstration of unity, sending a resounding message that Flint is a welcoming community thanks to the unwavering dedication of its residents and advocates.

Saxophonist Antwain Kirkland dazzles the neighborhood with a serenade on Sept. 12, 2024. (Jerimiah Whitehead | Flintside.com)Since the remodeling of Brownell and Holmes schools, the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association has had to be creative in finding a place to meet which was the primary reason for conducting their meeting in the park.

Thankfully, they will return to the schools to host their meetings after the renovations are completed. Their next meeting will be on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. They are anxious and proud that both school buildings have been updated and better equipped to serve their students.

“She’s like a grandma to me,” said resident Jordan Barnett about Edwards. “She knows my parents, she’s known me for a long time. She’s the woman you want to model when it comes to fighting for your neighborhood and being the voice of your neighborhood.”

The members of the board are gathered, savoring a serene day in the vibrant Brownell/Holmes neighborhood on Sept. 12, 2024. (Jerimiah Whitehead | Flintside.com)
It’s a heartwarming account of how Edwards expressed gratitude for the support of her neighborhood association. She emphasized the importance of their gestures, such as comforting touches and friendly teasing, in showing her appreciation for the team.

“I think this is amazing. It’s a dangerous area. Nobody would want to do anything over here. [Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association are] some brave people. It shows how much things have changed and the growth,” said resident Marjai Childress. “It’s showing that they’re not letting nobody scare them out of their community. They are teaching us how to stand and not run. That’s a powerful woman. She doesn’t need to be just here. She needs to be running for something for the whole city.”

“There’s been a lot of camaraderie since then, and the neighborhood is a little safer,” said the neighborhood association’s treasurer, Fredricka Gist. “I feel like I can depend on and go to my neighbor’s house and ask for help. As an association, we’re able to get things done such as getting houses demolished, and there is more of a police presence.”

For more information and to stay connected with the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association, follow their Facebook page.