Next Up- February 27 at noon- Mayor Sheldon Neeley
Join us at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan at noon to hear from Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley as he updates us on the state of the City of Flint.
Black History Month
As February draws to a close, let's look back at some of the notable moments in Black History in our own community.
Otis Smith, Michigan's First Black Supreme Court Justice
Otis Smith was an attorney and advocate who lived in Flint and was appointed to be an assistant prosecutor for Genesee County. In 1961 after holding several state posts, Smith was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court.
Floyd McCree, Flint's First Black Mayor
Floyd J. McCree served on Flint's city commission starting in 1958 and was appointed as mayor in 1966. He was the first African American mayor of a major city in the post-Reconstruction era. During his tenure, he advocated for an open housing ordinance that was narrowly passed by referendum.
Dr. Archie Piper, Rotary Club of Flint
Dr. Archie Piper served as the first African American president of the Rotary Club of Flint. A plastic surgeon by profession, he joined Rotary in 1977 and his term as president spanned 1985-86.
Olive Beasley, Civil Rights Advocate
Olive Beasley was a key leader of the local effort to pass open housing as the director of the Flint Civil Rights Commission. In 1968, helping to organize the 10-day sleep in on the grounds of city hall that helped draw attention to the issue. The crowd grew to 5,000 people, and they braved counter-protests by the Ku Klux Klan.
Last Call- Service Opportunity Saturday
The Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build will take place this Saturday at 9 am to 1 pm. Come to the Signs by Crannie warehouse at 4145 Marketplace Pl. Registration is now available online- you can also register on site.
Come join fellow Rotarians and other volunteers in helping sure every kid has a bed to sleep in!
Health and Welfare
We are sorry to share the passing of our longtime friend and Rotarian Reg Lancaster this weekend. He died peacefully, surrounded by family. His full obituary is available here and visiting hours will be 3-5 pm on Sunday, March 1 at Swartz Funeral Home. The Funeral will be held at 11 am on March 2 at Court Street United Methodist Church with visitation at 10 am before.
In lieu of flowers, and as the true Rotarian Reg was, the family asks that donations be made to Polio Plus, the Rotary Club of Flint, or the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ's "Friends of the Michigan Conference Fund."
Happy Birthday, February Rotarians!
February 2- Helen Philpott
February 3- John Daly
February 4- Hank Fracalossi
February 19- Dallas Gatlin
February 23- Caleb DeHart
February 24- Kimberly Roddy
Did you see it?
Have you been to the Rotary Club of Flint website lately? If so, you might notice some changes! It has a refreshed look and a lot of good content, so check it out.
President Nick introduced the current slate of directors nominated for the 2026-27 Rotary Year. Please note that there was a change announced on February 13: Marissa Pierce has decided to step down, which means Dawn Hibbard will move up and be nominated for President Elect. Casey Lester was nominated from the floor to complete the slate.
