King Avenue PLUS Builds Community Momentum Along Flint’s MLK Corridor

FLINT, Michigan — Many organizations in Flint are turning to collaboration to initiate community healing. Focusing on bringing businesses, residents, and community resources together bridges gaps that create local sustainability. Neighborhood groups are emerging as powerful catalysts inspiring change and connection in the area.  

The Martin Luther King Avenue Corridor is one of Flint’s historic business districts and has long served as an important commercial and community center. With a rich history and strong community roots, it has become a nesting ground for future growth in the city.

King Avenue PLUS focuses on creating economic viability to sustain and strengthen the corridor. This neighborhood association grew from a shared desire to see Martin Luther King Avenue thrive. Initiatives are designed to encourage investment and neighborhood pride. 

When this group is not focusing on beautification projects, stewardship efforts, and community engagement activities, they create events intentionally designed to be accessible, relaxed, and inviting, encouraging residents to explore the corridor and support local businesses.

What started as a group of Flint residents working together to find solutions to common concerns has evolved into a more expansive effort to initiate positive, visible, and lasting change along the Corridor. 

For the last five weeks, King Avenue Plus has been hosting MLK Momentum & Motivation Mondays (MMM). This 12-week summer activation series is held on Mondays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm through August 24^th, 2026, at 3216 Martin Luther King Avenue.

“This series reflects our belief that meaningful change happens through consistency. Momentum is built week by week, relationship by relationship, and investment by investment.” Susaye Brewer, a King Avenue Plus leader, emphasized, when speaking with Flintside, the organization’s community impact. 

Those attending the MMM events can expect to encounter local vendors, small businesses, community resources, and family-friendly games and activities. Featured food trucks have included IN-N-OUT Taco Stand and Slice of Flint. The events highlight local culture, food, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. 

“Instead of waiting for one annual event, we wanted residents, businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizers to have a recurring place to gather, build relationships, and create consistent forms of connection,” adds Brewer. 

For several years, King Avenue PLUS has hosted annual community street fairs to highlight the corridor’s energy and potential. The event usually consists of artists, dancers, raffles, community partners, and vendors. While those events were successful, organizers began wondering how they could create a greater impact throughout the summer rather than condensing everything into a single day.

Extending the MMM series has allowed King Avenue PLUS to have a lasting impact on neighboring residents and attendees. The event offers volunteer opportunities and information about local initiatives and projects.  

For Brewer, the mission is clear: “We want to create a space where people from Flint can discover new businesses, learn about local opportunities, and experience the positive energy that exists here. It’s about cultivating an environment where residents feel welcome, businesses feel supported, and community life can flourish.” 

Startups, marketplace vendors, food vendors, and entrepreneurs can showcase their products and services directly to the community. This series aims to foster long-term economic growth in the business district. The organization invites residents to bring family and friends. Entrepreneurs and community organizations interested in becoming vendors are encouraged to reach out.

“We believe community transformation happens when people show up, get involved, and work together. Momentum & Motivation Mondays is one way we are helping to create those opportunities here in Flint and along the Martin Luther King Business District Corridor.” 

Brewer spoke of past events that have included Juneteenth celebrations, community spring clean-ups, and cookouts. Members are driven by the belief that this corridor deserves continued attention, investment, and activation. 

Anyone interested in participating, volunteering, vending, partnering, or learning more can contact King Avenue PLUS at KingAvePLUS@gmail.com.