Flintside: Our favorite people of 2018
These are the people who inspire us. These are the people we were honored to meet and to introduce to the world. These are our favorite people of 2018.
As we celebrate the coming of another year, we here at Flintside also wanted to take a moment to look back at some of the amazing people we met in 2018.
Flintside launched less than two years ago with a commitment to telling the stories of Flint that too often go untold. We are proud to tell the world about the people working every day to make a difference in the community they love. The community we love. With your support, we tallied a remarkable 53 percent increase in readership last year and consistently rank as the fastest growing local news outlet on social media. There are so many more stories to tell, so many more voices to hear. We look forward to more success in the coming year.
People. News. Neighborhoods. This is our side. Flintside.
These are our 18 favorite people of 2018. To each of them, we say thank you. You deserve this accolade and many more.
Marjory Raymer, Flintside
Publisher and managing editor
Keysa Smith
Spectacular Spudz nabs Business of the Year award
A Flint native whose heart is filled with passion and determination. She is serving up her popular Chicken Alfredo potato and a whole lot of inspiration.
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Sandra Johnson
See inside the $1 million investment cleaning up Flint’s northside block by block
The project manager for the Hamilton Community Health Network’s $1 million federal grant to reduce crime.
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Joe Garza
With a bit of innovation and a lot of elbow grease, Flint’s shoe shine man still busy after 36 years
These days you can find him greeting travelers at Bishop International Airport.
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Tracy Palmer
Flint fashion show ‘This is Me’ celebrates diversity with special needs models
Founder of “This is Me” fashion show. It celebrates all people, combats bullying and promotes acceptance. And, it walks the walk.
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Johnny Edmond
Welcome to Bedrock Diner, home to mom’s cooking — just a little bit better
An entrepreneur serving up the foods he learned to make back home in Chicago.
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Keishaun Wade
Watch out world: Here comes Keishaun Wade, an 18-year-old from Flint already getting Ivy League nods
The Flint Southwestern Classical Academy senior was one of 15 high school students nationwide honored by Yale University.
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Cherisse Bradley
Essence magazine highlights work of Flint’s own Cherisse Bradley
The founder of “I Found My Voice” is among 7 women nationwide recognized for her work “on the front lines combating sexual assault.”
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Asa Zuccaro
See how this 26-year-old is changing Flint
El innovador que está cambiando a Flint para los hispanohablantes.
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Teressa Morris
Check out Flint’s Million Dollar Cookie at The Cookie Jar
Cooking up cookies the size of an old 45 vinyl record that cost just $2 at The Cookie Jar, a southside Saginaw Street business.
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Jason Flowers
University of Michigan-Flint student invents potentially life-saving anesthesia tool
Used his background in construction to develop the award-winning device.
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Chia Morgan
This millennial feeds hundreds of Flint families at Thanksgiving
Founded the annual Blessed to be a Blessing Thanksgiving Dinner 10 years ago — at just 22 years old.
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Ebonie Gipson
Ebonie Gipson: Meet the woman behind Flint’s massive Small Business Saturday expo
Founder of I’m Building Something Consulting, she sees lots of growth opportunity in Flint — as more entrepreneurs learn to collaborate and build together.
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Kevelin B. Jones II
Kevelin B. Jones II comes home to Flint, becomes award-winning principal
A leader and a daily reminder of how much Flint teachers matter and what a difference educators can make.
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Robert McAdow
Flint metalsmith solders nature into unique wearable art
Hand-crafting jewelry for nearly 30 years and now a downtown Flint business owner.
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Adil Mohammed
American. Muslim. Any questions?
On a mission to build friendships, community, and understanding of the Muslim faith.
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Melinda Anderson
On a crusade: Melinda Anderson serves as heart and soul of adult literacy program in north Flint
Serving as program director New Beginnings Literacy Program, where she volunteers at least 30 hours a week.
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The Kadies
Eight Ten: Tough as nails and investing in Flint
Noticing an increasing demand for more retail options in downtown Flint, the couple became entrepreneurs.
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Todd Gilbert
‘The only muscle you need is your heart’
A musician born with muscular dystrophy who returned to music after a stint as a professional wrestler.
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If you know someone who should be featured in Flintside (or have any other story ideas for us), send us an email at contact@flintside.com.
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