Flint, Michigan, boasts a powerful history defined by resilience, innovation, and significant transformations. St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood, a compelling documentary from iMichigan Productions, brings one crucial chapter of this history to a wider audience. WKAR premiered this important film on February 4th and 6th, 2024, and it is now set to reach even more viewers through PBS stations nationwide.
Remembering a Community’s Heart
Filmmaker Justin Brown at the August 2024 community premiere of “St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood,” discussing the film’s importance in preserving local history.
For many decades, the John Street neighborhood in Flint served as the vibrant epicenter for a thriving Black community. It was a place where families built their lives, local businesses prospered, and neighbors offered unwavering support to one another. “St. John Street was my home,” fondly remembers James Wardlow, a former resident. “It was a lively, self-sufficient community made up of Black individuals and immigrants… We had everything you could need – movie theaters, drug stores, restaurants, various shops, homes, churches, even pool halls. It truly was its own village.”
However, urban renewal initiatives and extensive highway construction projects during the 1960s led to the displacement of numerous residents and tragically erased much of this rich neighborhood history. St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood stands as a vital effort to ensure that this powerful story is not lost to time. Through poignant firsthand accounts and insightful historical context, the documentary effectively illuminates the profound impact of displacement and celebrates the enduring strength of those who once proudly called John Street home.
Promoting Truth, Healing, and Change
The Community Foundation actively supported the creation of this documentary as part of their ongoing commitment to narrative change. They aim to ensure that the often-untold stories of historically marginalized communities are shared with dignity, accuracy, and impact. This film is more than just a historical reflection; it is a powerful act of honoring a community’s lasting legacy and fostering crucial racial healing.
“Seeing this film become a reality is deeply meaningful,” Wardlow expressed. “It has brought back so many cherished memories of growing up with my friends, staying over at each other’s houses… Now, I believe we have a valuable opportunity to revisit and share those memories with members of the Historical Committee and others who lived on John Street. Everyone is excited and feels like they are reliving their childhoods.”
To enhance the film’s impact, NETA has developed supplementary curriculum materials designed to accompany the documentary. These resources provide educators with valuable tools to explore important themes of equity, urban renewal, and community resilience with their students, creating a critical platform for learning and meaningful discussion.
Flint community members expressing their appreciation for “St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood” at the documentary’s premiere in August 2024.
A Lasting Tribute
The widespread distribution of St. John Street: Story of a Neighborhood through PBS ensures that this essential piece of American history will reach audiences across the nation, prompting broader understanding and reflection.
In Wardlow’s words, “The St. John Street Memorial Park will become a reality. It will stand as a permanent tribute… allowing future generations to know that this was once a thriving community, and it will forever remain in our memories.”
You can support the St. John Street Historical Fund, which directly benefits programs, organizations, and initiatives dedicated to preserving and celebrating the significant history of the John Street neighborhood. Your contribution plays a vital role in ensuring that this important legacy continues to inspire and educate generations to come.
Discover more about the documentary and access valuable educational resources on WKAR’s website.
