Underneath The Poisoning, Flint, and Genesee County (Our Untold Stories)

UNDERNEATH THE POISONING, FLINT, AND GENESEE COUNTY

(OUR UNTOLD STORIES)

UNDERNEATH THE POISONING, FLINT, AND GENESEE COUNTY

(OUR UNTOLD STORIES)

Written By:

LELA McGEE-HARVEY

© Copyright All Rights Reserved

Lela McGee-Harvey

Published 2019

contact: Lelamcgee@lespressions.com

This book is for my grandson

Nivan Emari Coleman

This is a keepsake for your grandchildren's grandchildren.

Description

Underneath the Poisoning, Flint, and Genesee County (Our Untold Stories) is an apologue that is difficult to depict. It is composed of an in-depth interview with layers and layers of untold factual stories, whereas depending on the consciousness, ethnicity, zip code, and perception of each reader, the conclusion will vastly differ. As you turn the pages, you will discern what happened in Flint, was not about water. Lying underneath the water was an egregious heist, which ultimately murdered individuals and maimed an entire city. As this passage unravels, you’ll discover that switching Flint’s residents to the Flint River Reservoir was only one of the reasons the residents were poisoned.

As a native, radio host, advocate, and writer, I personally take you on an accurate and truthful voyage. My intimate details will transfer you into Flint's and Genesee County's past, until its poisoning. You will discover my narrations are unalike the stories written by the national and local newspapers. Data substantiates what they shared about Flint, and its residents were edited, redacted, and altered accounts. In comparison to my reliable journey, it becomes obvious some stories were written for entertainment. With precision, my memoir was composed so that truth can never be altered by the evolution of time. I also leave it for the generations that have not, been born, yet. I chose to narrate our vivid stories and accounts at a time, we are still lifting our voices and protesting against injustices in Flint. Lying on the pages of this book is data, facts, and evidence which reveal the underground operations, some hoped would forever remain hidden. The more pages that are turned, whether African American or White, facts will substantiate race, bigotry, and intolerances in the 21st century annihilated our hometown. You will discover this heist didn't take place in 2014, as many articles suggested. This three-tier heist has been brewing for almost sixty years, yet, in 2011 a Public Act (lethal weapon) was finally made available, making possible years of clandestine plans. As an African American, my vivid accounts highlight how many found comfort in speaking about the poisoning and classism yet, avoided the mechanism that ensured we would be poisoned, RACE. My journey focuses on the most avoided conversation in Flint, Genesee County, and America today, RACE.

Nonetheless, the further you travel unveiling dark secrets and hidden practices, the new revelations will expose who you truly are, as opposed to what you believe about yourself. At the height of this sequel, whether African American or White, you will be forced to question whether you, too, are inadvertently executing bias and discriminative behavior, which impact or destroys innocent lives. After traveling 164 years through our community, you will never see color, race, and ethnicity the same. You will uncover racism has taken on a new frontier and you will be forced to ask yourself, am I one of the good- hearted African or White Americans, that want regal change. At the close of this read you’ll ascertain what happened in Flint is happening in urban communities all across America, except the lead has not leeched.

PREFACE

The most challenging task I've ever had is to write this book. I started and stopped at least ten times. Over the years, I've learned if it doesn't feel organic; then it's not for me. I attempted to write in the second voice, in the third voice, and even the first voice yet, each time I started, what I was writing and rereading to myself did not at all feel authentic. Writers learn how to create imaginative places and characters that genuinely intrigue the reader. Writers understand the advantages of creating engaging openings and how if the ending is perfect, readers will anxiously await their next piece. Although, this is a success for both the writer and reader, some works become challenging inserting all the techniques above; while simultaneously, infusing the absolute truth. Such a combination is why writing, Underneath the Poisoning, Flint, and Genesee County Our Untold Stories was such an arduous task. My challenge was creating a vivid picture of what transpired and all that remained hidden. Decent writers use facts and accuracy while keeping readers intrigued. Writers are taught this in Writing 101. Deep in my being, I knew every reader was entitled to the absolute truth. So, I started and stopped; started and ended. I couldn't tap into my creativity. I believe, I was overwhelmed by the events; stunned from the discoveries that I was unraveling about the County in which I was born. Also, it was perplexing in describing our journeys because of the layers of unique stories. There were absolutely to many stories. I mean sheets of stories. Many of them were different topics; yet, they all were pertinent to the absolute truth. Our journeys were like peeling back layers of onions; all of the stories were connected. Writers know how easy it is to lose their readers. My gut told me my personal feelings needed to become a part of the book. As the days passed, I struggled with choosing the accurate words, desiring that every reader would grasp the entire picture. All that happened was about me and us. Whenever, I sit back, relax and reflect on all that happened to my city and me, it almost feels like suffocation. In reality, there were so many times; I couldn't catch my breath and had become beyond angered. I felt this way because, there were particular abuses that only my partner and I endured; despite the commonality, our entire city shared, regarding the poisoning. Our story dictates that my associate and I arrived at that moment where life compelled us to journey, alone. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this is the loneliest feeling in the world. It's that moment that your mom, dad, best friend, nor, spouse, can do anything for you nor, go with you. Suddenly, you look around, and you're on the ledge alone. As, I write, I am trying to conjure the words in describing this feeling. It's that moment that perhaps you felt, if you’ve ever had to stand before a judge and you had no idea what the outcome might be. Or the moments and thoughts you have about dying and leaving this life behind. In reality, you know you will make this journey; nevertheless, you do not want to journey alone. The truth is you don't want to do it at all. These instances and becoming physically ill create moments of isolation in which no one desires to undergo. So, how do I engage readers into my personal opinions and experiences; while simultaneously, describing the other stories and not lose the reader? In the end, I relied on meditation, clarity, and creativity; that I might produce an authentic and personal piece. I wanted so desperately to place the reader, inside the City of Flint and Genesee County, while attaching them to all the real characters, incidents, and moods. One thing I understood is that our Crisis and Journey was not about entertainment, and I was committed to not writing it from that perspective.

One day, as I was concluding my interview about Flint and the Crisis an inner voice suggested; that I use my interview as the construct of the book. You have recorded your interviews, words, and iconic events. Immediately, I knew that was it. I could feel the connection. I am that person who only has to see it or hear it for an instance and immediately knows it's for me. The interview approach felt authentic; it was organic. It could place the reader in our community while invoking our emotional states. I knew this was it! In my interview, I didn't add nor omit. I spilled it all. It was in that instance, I remembered, how comfortable I felt concluding my last interview. I took control of the conversation, demanding I would not be rushed, and I guided the interviewer into issues that were unrelated to the water. I knew these issues were the catalyst to why our water was poisoned, and our community was riddled. I was consistent in that when I gave an interview, I would candidly state, for my testimony to make sense and to unveil the culture of our community; I must start in the beginning. And August 25, 2014, was not the beginning of our Journey or Crisis. There were a few like my partner and me, who understood the crisis started long before lead leeched in the water.

In truth, the crisis in Flint started long before the Emergency Manager appeared. Catastrophes of this magnitude, don't happen overnight. The poisoning submerged the real heist and the historical practices which most of us were forced to endure and journey through. Genesee County and Flint remind me of the scheme we use to play on our parents. They would demand our rooms cleaned by the time they arrive home, yet, we did not comply. It was when we heard the car pull in the driveway that we would scatter and throw junk, trash, clothes, and anything else under the bed and in the drawers. If they had taken the time to observe, they would have discerned, in no way had we complied. We were doing enough to pass inspection. Our community was the same way; oversight, for years, had not looked carefully. Also, the marketing strategies and local media did a fantastic job of highlighting only the stories dictated by those that sat at the top in our Community. Most of the stories written were a fraction of what happened for years and continues this day.

In the end, I realized only a few on the ground in Flint, were able to write our encounters in entirety. The truth is many residents didn't know the entire truth nor, did they have the expertise to write or hire ghostwriters. Besides, publishing is expensive and an arduous task. The greatest fear I and others imagined, was finally becoming a reality. Outsiders were coming in writing bits and pieces of our journey. Many of the articles written were from other newspaper clippings. What about the history of Flint? What about the divide in Flint? What about the heist in our community? What about the elephant that has been in the room since the existence of Flint and Genesee County? The elephant in which most pretend that does not exist? What about the number of young men and women that are dying mysterious deaths? What about the achievements that many of us accomplished despite the odds? In my research and while on the ground, I incurred experiences that others did not. As of yet, reporters have not spoken, nor written about my personal experiences. What happened in our community was much more than lead oozing in the water. With a high burst of determination, I survived to tell the other secrets that Local Stakeholders hid for years. Secrets are why I chose to write my own story and the stories of the residents whose voices remain nullified. Unquestionably, I believe what transpired in our community is an injustice to every resident, and no lessons could be learned, nor left for the next generation if our stories remain hidden. The residents, including myself, are the original stories and a ghostwriter can't accurately convey our message if they had not lived it. We have always been more than data, statistics, and news articles. We are human beings, who must tell our own stories with the determination, to move beyond them. How can anyone accurately describe an experience they have never had? And the danger of others writing our stories is what Dan Brown of the Da Vinci Code said it best, History is always written by the winners. When two cultures clash, the loser is obliterated, and the winner writes the history books-books which glorify their own cause and disparage the conquered foe. This is already happening in our community. If one analyzed, statements from the State of Michigan and the County of Genesee, one would discover Government Agencies, were intentionally manipulating blood levels. They were adamant about hiding details as to what truly transpired in our community. You have to live in Flint to know, our stakeholders are famous for rewriting and hiding facts, not to mention history. What the stakeholders wouldn't do to convince America they are principled, even after the blatant poisoning. After reading this, some locals may become angry. I anticipate discovering 100 years of discriminative practices will not cause the anger, yet, sharing the absolute truth with the world; will. For some, the destruction and mutilation of precious lives is not as important as hiding the very actions that caused it. Despite, how many innocent lives destroyed; there exists a philosophy, what goes on in Flint and Genesee County stays, in Flint and Genesee County. The normalcy and culture from the Stakeholders and powerbrokers permit dishonesty, and their creed is don't you dare! Don't you dare, reveal it. What I have experienced and learned is honesty, inclusivity, and great character is worn in our community as an outer garment, whether we're speaking of a person or institution. Dishonesty has become the norm, and the person or institution that cannot keep this behavior hidden becomes a failure to all. Because, again, ill behavior is not the problem; it is getting caught or exposed. I had to learn it was not the Institution itself, that was dishonest and egregious, but, a conglomerate of shared minds, which represent and instill the philosophy of the Institutions and Municipalities. It was not until I completed my research, did I realize, how many employees that govern Municipalities and organizations intentionally violate Public Trust. Many of them also aim at disadvantaging certain groups of citizens. Based on my personal experiences, facts, and data, the destruction of Flint and its residents was orchestrated by individuals that had shared minds. These individuals governed both Municipalities and Organizations, and for years, common residents believed they were valuable. Often time, when, I was on stage lifting my voice in my community, I would say it this way, My and our relationship with those who govern our community didn't die a natural death; it was murdered by, ego, greed, selfishness, and hate. Many of us have lost all trust in government and Stakeholders. The old thought Time will make us forget; will not transpire; at least not by me. If we forget as the days pass, then know that our great-great-grandchildren will inherit the very same persecution and egregious plan. I am forever thankful and acknowledge this time and space granted to me belongs to my great-grandchildren. And yes, it matters to me, how I leave it for them. Time will not compel me and others to forget, nor will it heal the wounds, hurt, racism, or persecution. There exist one energy and power that can heal our community, and that is the absolute Truth. And the formula is acknowledging truth, admittance, repentance, and a plan which aids in rectifying hurt, as well as providing a trajectory of goodwill for all. It is my sincere hope; every reader indulges in my words. My words are inspired, by the message of Arthur Schopenhauer: All truth passes through three stages; first it is ridiculed; secondly, it is violently opposed, thirdly, it's accepted, as being self-evident. We all know how at times facing the truth is very challenging. At some point, we all had to confront the truth or accept it, and when it didn’t expose us in the best of light, we sometimes opposed it. For some they are and was willing to spend time and monies to ensure it remains covered. This is what happened in my city and county that I was born in. I believe in light of what happened in Flint and Genesee County the facing of the truth will be more of a positive then a negative. Engaging in what truly has happened can close the gap in our community and many neighboring communities. Shame on all of us, if this does not happen, this must be inclusive of the victims and the perpetrators. We all must choose this as the opportunity to learn from our actions.

Like so many other cities, the historical practices are that our persecutors are hopeful time will compel all to forget, so that the absolute truth remains hidden. My readers will discover by facts, Flint and Genesee County was not an incident, mistake, or a boo-boo. It was the dark, protected, well-orchestrated actions of humans that created its past, present, and assuredly will dictate its future. I admit I am not the most perceptive human being on earth; yet, I understand we cannot continue on this trajectory. To begin the first phase of healing, a handful of us have decided, not to allow the elitist to hide us, nor rewrite what has happened. It is our obligation to ensure the next generation learns by reading and studying history; not by repeating our experiences.

For these reasons, I have spent endless hours researching, adding, deleting, and rearranging the information that a concise picture of our journey through Flint and Genesee County becomes clear. I will not remain on the edge of what transpired. What becomes most apparent is that Race played a huge factor and is absolute to the present condition of Flint. To remain comfortable, so many pretend it does not exist or those who benefit from it, say, get over it. In the last forty years, all we’ve heard is, it’s was the past. Well, by God's grace and mercy, my partner and I survived it and the year is 2019. And the systems in my community have worked doubly hard to ensure, no one else knows about us. Our ten years of suffrage has not bothered them at all; the exposure of their actions are their only concern.

Nonetheless, I am mindful this is all over America. It is in the Board rooms, Court Systems, Educational System. But, no one desires to have a candid conversation about Race. As a matter of fact, we have residents in Flint, who feel more comfortable stating, what happened was based on Classism and not Racism. However, data and facts validate, Classism was birthed as a result of Racism. But, for some, stating it was Classism conceals the shame of others knowing. But, the continuation of these acts, validate some are most comfortable with their intolerance for others. For anyone, to ask another to forget; while they are currently being persecuted or to desire another pretend pain doesn't exist, is asinine. Perhaps this quote will grant a different light for those who discriminate. When you are dead, you do not know that you are dead; all of the pain is felt by others; the same thing happens when you have intolerances for others, especially because of the color of their skin."

Nonetheless, despite all that we've been through, I believe, Flint can serve as the catalyst; in jump-starting the conversation about Race. Now is a perfect time, for Flint and Genesee County, to turn their Mess into a Message serving as the example for all other cities and urban communities in America. Flint, Genesee County, and America has to know we are not going anywhere. Breaking news! All these years later, miscegenation, poverty, and liberal philosophers have blurred the race lines. That is why my Journey through our community will offer a much broader understanding of the issues that plague urban neighborhoods. My truth about our community will entail every reader to choose how they will aid humanity or destroy it. Despite how challenging the task, James Baldwin told us, Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

James Baldwin's philosophy is why I believe everything must be revealed; common folk like myself are demanding regal change. My story, our story, regarding the crisis, cannot be told, nor should it ever, without the mentioning of segregation, social, environmental, and economic injustices. And, even after our stories are told; where will Flint and Genesee County, go from here? History tells us that Flint was the first city to fight for worker's rights (Sit Down) of 1936. It was the first to pass the Fair Housing Act of 1968. It was the first to create the model of Community Schools. For these reasons, Flint must demand the stage. It can also serve as the first to have open and honest dialogues about Race, Color, and Bigotry. Facts substantiate, Race, Color, and Bigotry invoked ninety percent of the issues that currently plague our community. Regardless of the season in our community; whether triumph or storm, my partner and I labored fervently to leave footprints in Flint and Mount Morris, Mi. My stake as a resident, advocate, radio host, writer, developer, and business owner, loathes at the thought of the intricates being omitted from our stories. The intricates are the stories. I detest the idea of not being able to learn, from all of that has happened in Flint. Our grandchildren's grandchildren, who we will never know, are deserving of the absolute truth. So, here is our journey and the absolute truth.

If I could stand on the mountain and shout, The residents in Flint are more than research and data, I would. We are conscious and vested human beings whose lives were and are still defiled by social injustices and the passing of legal laws. These laws were used as lethal weapons to marginalize and subjugate particular residents in Flint and other urban communities across the state of Michigan. If Maury Povich observed the facts, he would conclude, It is true, marginalization and the poisoning did not begin with the emergence of Governor Rick Snyder and his appointed Emergency Managers; it started long before that. For years, residents in the City of Flint have always had their journeys and stories to tell. In the end, it took some to die and others to become poisoned before their voices were heard and their spirits reawakened. I am always glad to share; with awakened spirits, the residents in Flint did rise. One by one and together, we went to City Hall; while it was under the leadership of the Emergency Manager and we complained about brown water, smells, rashes, and being sick. Despite our complaints, the Emergency Managers refused to do anything. We did not stop there. The next step is that we complained to our State Officials, and still, we were disregarded and denied help. It's sad to say, but even our local news outlet executed a coverage blackout on our cries. It was not until Leanne Walters (a trained medical assistant) began her research that Governor Snyder and the Emergency Managers were forced to listen to us. Mrs. Walters enlisted the help of Miguel Del Toral, a Regional Manager from the Environmental Protection Agency-EPA and Professor Marc Edwards from Virginia Tech University; to aid in lifting our voices. We realized, if we couldn't trust the Government to support us while being poisoned, how could we trust them to narrate the journey and outcome. As Toni Morrison said, If there's a book that you want to read; but it hasn't been written yet; then; you must write it. More than that, I wanted our stories to be inscribed on pages forever, how thankful I was that God, did allow the lead to leech. Yes, I trouble many whenever I make that statement. To understand why I am grateful for the lead leeching, you have to read all of what happened.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am forever grateful and humbled for being your Mom and your client. Scooter, you have done a fantastic job highlighting my gift. You made the unveiling of Underneath the Poisoning, Flint, and Genesee County epic. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I am humbly thankful for the team that collaborated with you and shaped my excellent Book Cover and Website (Jenna Marie Fitzgerald). I am so proud and offer the greatest thanks to Flint's own Jamal Bradford, who breathed life into my Book Trailer. Thanks to my sis Melita Bowman for jumping in and saving me. Collectively, you guys helped me make magic.

Dad, I haven't stopped thanking God for the gift of you. Still to this day, I'm so thankful, I was chosen as one of your daughters. Sora Bona in South Africa means, When I see you, you bring me into existence. Dad, you do that for me! Not only do I want this dimension with you, but all the others too. As above, so below, Dianne, I thank you for your support and encouragement. I always look forward to our meetings in the morning for tea. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

To my husband Eric Harvey, some call you E. But I call you, patience, understanding, commitment, and tenacity. Your love, patience, and tolerance aided me in birthing this work. Thank you for your unselfish spirit.

Andre, Mario, Marcus, and Marlon are the joys of my life. I love you all for absolutely no reason. Every time I spoke to one of you, your voice was the reason I could push on. I thank you all for serving me at the time I needed you most.

How do I thank my brothers and sisters? The silver lining despite the hardships was going from home to home to home breaking bread. Putt, Pam, Trell, Boo, Bo, Smoot, Jerry, Thea, Keith, Omar, and Teresa, your endless love carried me. Because, ain’t no party like a McGee house party, because a McGee house party don’t stop.

Charles, if I had to do it all over again, I would choose you again as my partner. When we cross the river together, the alligators cannot eat us. The publishing of this work is an indication, we were not eaten. It was you, Charles, that compelled me to come to the cliff. I came, you push, and I flew; THE END!

Cynthia Hatcher, thank you for your endless love. You made me dance, and I love you on purpose.

I thank all of those that God placed on my path. Shelly, Cynth, Debbie, Lasheila, Mary, Ella, Melita, Gail, and my sister n law Lori. You guys never stopped checking on me. Love, love, and more love.

I thank all the Water Advocates in Flint. Despite the weather conditions, you guys never stopped lifting your voice. We were finally heard because of you.

And lastly, I thank all the citizens in the City of Flint. Clair McClinton, Bishop Jefferson, Claudia Perkins, Vickie Marx, Jolenna Freeman, Art Woodson, Quincy Murphy, Lisia Williams, Ariana, Joyce Wilson, and so many more, collectively, we are resilient.

I’ve grown most not from victories, but setbacks. If winning is God’s reward, then losing is how he teaches us.

Serena Williams

Just when I thought things were going perfect for me, life showed up. The hardships left me broken and listening for only God’s guidance and directions. One day, God or that inner voice that most of us hear, said, go left. I did just that and that left turn bought Celeste and me together, so that this book would be written. Celeste and I, both agree, our acquaintance, was by Divine intervention. Whatever, we decide to call it, I know that it was meant to be. We crossed paths because that was suppose, to happen. A mutual acquaintance of ours name Katina called me three times within two weeks with the intent for me to meet Celeste. Because, of my schedule and the fact, I was tired of doing interviews, I had not responded. Almost a month passed and one Saturday afternoon, my husband and I were eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel, and it was there I crossed paths with Katina. Wouldn't you know, Celeste was with her. As I was leaving, Katina introduced us and begged for me to meet them immediately at another Breakfast spot. My first thought was no because I had promised my husband; I would spend that afternoon with him.

However, while standing there in thought, Celeste began to tell me why she was in Flint visiting. Whether I was going with them or not, I always gave everyone the courteous of at least expressing themselves. She shared with me, that her native land was Zimbabwe, although, she had been living in California for the last ten years producing films. After about five minutes of listening, I agreed to meet with her. She had the most serene and inviting spirit, not to mention; the gratitude I harbored for anyone who had traveled from afar; with the hopes of aiding our city. Once we arrived at the other eatery; I recognized there were about ten other residents who were invited to the meeting. Therefore, the conference became an informal meeting with various voices and challenges. One of the essentials most advocates in Flint learned was to share space for the other stories. It didn't take the residents long to realize, no account or issue was right or wrong. All of us had been affected in some aspects despite the disparities. What I discovered was that as much as sharing space was a great thing for all, often time these sessions annoyed me. I significantly, understood how important every aspect of the crisis was yet, many spoke of it as beginning in 2014. Regardless of how annoyed, I became, they had a right to speak subjectively. My session with Celeste was no different, and I purposely stopped talking, of course, Celeste wanted to know why. She expressed how intrigued she was, by the little I just mentioned. Also, Katina had previously shared with her, my coverage of the crisis over the airwaves and on the ground. I whispered to Celeste, that I was leaving and that in private, I would explain my feelings. We exchanged numbers with the hopes of speaking, the very next day. A couple of days passed, and I agreed to the interview. I was willing to share my experiences and research in a documentary she was to film about our community. After the shooting; I agreed to a sit down to a personal conversation regarding what transpired. For whatever reason, she was eager to hear what I discovered. Before we engaged in the interview I mentioned, I must stop by another venue to retrieve information and she could accompany me. After accomplishing that task, we sat down for the interview. Looking back now, I realize I was responsible for the challenges in our first sit-down interview. I was not forthright, in expressing that short time constraints regarding interviews irritated, me. This short span never allowed many of us to tell what truly happened. Time constraints were as annoying as those who stood at podiums and inaccurately, stated, our crisis began in 2014. Regardless of how aggravated I felt, I believed Celeste was entitled to my time. I knew unquestionably; she sincerely cared about all the other residents, including me. Moving beyond my aggravations, I turned on my recorder. Over time, I learned to use a recorder because people we're coming from across the country to hear our stories. After being printed, many of our statements were omitted or added too. These changes were based on who the reporter was and what their real objective was. Because I was a radio personality and disseminated about the water crisis, I found it essential always to record the conversations and interviews. Therefore, my practice with Celeste wasn't going to be any different. In the end, I was thankful for this approach because my recorded conversations with Celeste created a timeline for writing and eliminated any need to fabricate. In offering my audience an up-close and personal glimpse into our journey and the unraveling of events; I used transcribed testimony. This transcription was from the first actual sit-down interview; which ultimately turned into a three week on and off a conversation; via cell phone.

Lela, before we began, I would like to ask you a question, off the record. Please be advised, any personal questions will remain between us and it's not related to the crisis. It's more personal, and I pray before I ask that my prying doesn't offend you! If it does, please, feel free to say, you would rather not talk about it, we're only here to discuss the Crisis.

Celeste, let me be clear in stating, we are here to discuss my journey, Flint, and its Crisis. You can't speak about one and not the other. My feelings, the Governor, poisoning, and the Stake Holders in Flint; are all interrelated. Believe, me when I say, they all are interconnected. Trust me, after all, that we've been through, there's not much you can ask, that might offend me. I believe the real challenge might be you, feeling uncomfortable with my candid answers. Let me take that back; I get the feeling; your skin is tough also. We both have been through a lot. By the way, thank you for sharing your journey with me about Zimbabwe. I believe your journey is why you have such a passion for helping the citizens in Flint. You, yourself have lived without water. Celeste, thank you kindly for caring.

You’re right Lela, we must help in any manner we can and without excuses. So, anything that I can do, I am willing. I know we don't have all day, so, I wanted to ask you this earlier when we went to retrieve the information for the protest. I observed your spirit and candor, and it was disrupted when that elderly White man hugged you. You held your composure well but, I could sense that you were tensed. I only ask because you've been so receptive to everyone, we've been around except for him.

Was it that obvious?

No, it wasn't really obvious. But I could tell. I've seen you hug and greet everyone with so much warmth. You were slightly reserved with him. Celeste what you observed is a story in itself. The truth is, I'm in the beginning stages of learning how to hug him. He's a big hugger.

What? I'm lost! So, you were acting as you hugged him? I've watched you so caringly hug everyone else. What am I missing Lela?

You are very observant. That was not about him, it’s about me. Right now, I'm struggling with a lot of personal and emotional things. What you see is not what you get. The last ten years in Flint have forced me to change and revaluate my perception about so many things; including my foundational upbringing. This crisis didn't only poison us; it affected many of us emotionally and psychologically. From minute to minute and depending on a trigger, I don't know how I feel. Lately, I have had to coach myself on how to look presidential, even the times, I wanted to cry, or the times, I tried to obliterate everyone, who was around me. You can't have gone through what many of us have and not have an unsettled spirit. Celeste, it's just not me feeling like this; many of the residents feel this way. But data as it relates to us psychologically, was never requested nor, collected. Data and attention were placed on the unfortunate residents, who are now deceased and the children who were poisoned. And you must be mindful, although the emphasis was placed on the deaths and poisoning, our other challenges were submerged. You should know, solutions were granted for the infrastructure and the replacement of the pipes. However, there has not been a focus nor, a viable program for our mental and financial challenges. Where is the plan or assistance that aids us in dealing with the anger and the aftermath? As the investigation unfolded, The Detroit Free Press (which is sixty miles away) and Reddit.com an online Source, stated, explicitly, the citizens in Flint, were poisoned and defrauded because of greed and fraud from those who were already well to do. Our local News Paper, which is the Flint Journal did not initially write nor, report on what the Investigative reporters mentioned, despite that their Headquarters, resides in the heart of downtown. It wasn't until almost a year later that our local reporters wrote or reprinted articles that criticized the actions of our local Stakeholders. Again, I say, not many desires to tell the entire story. I remind you, those who do are from the surrounding areas, and they believe they know what transpired because of the articles they have read. But, as residents, we know most of that is surface stuff. The lead poisoning unintentionally suppressed so many of the other egregious acts that occurred. Where do those acts, and their consequences live now? They lie deep within our psyche and as we move throughout the day, and yes, certain people and situations; provoke those shortcomings.

What bothers me more than anything is that I am just personally getting to know Rob. Rob is the White man that hugged me). He has never done anything to me and vice versa. It took me a while to realize it, but his presence challenges the very foundations, from which I was cultivated. It's obvious he has no idea, how I feel about him, especially when he hugs and touches me. Each time he sees me, he continues to do it. I have done my best to avoid him and a few others to the point that some meetings, I have intentionally not attended. There are days when I don't want to think or reflect. However, since, you traveled such a long distance from Zimbabwe and are conscious of my feelings regarding Rob, I'll share with you my challenges. Again, it is not that Rob has done anything wrong, this is my stuff I’m dealing with. Rob's presence bothers me for three reasons. I'll speak about two of them now. The other later because I'm hoping not to confuse you and my psychological state, is a crisis all in itself. This is what I mean whenever I state our stories are comprised of layers of stories that are all interconnected.

Nonetheless, the first reason is that I am not all-loving, balanced, and fair as most in Flint perceive me to be. I too am human, I also; struggle, like others with merely being, human". The truth is the sight of Rob makes me uncomfortable because this crisis is forcing me to change foundationally. Now, morally I'm forced to recognize his pain and suffering as being equal to mine. I have researched the history of this place and not a morning passes that my partner and I do not reflect on what happened to us. In my archives; in my DNA, most of the challenges in our community have always been black vs. White. In the end, it was the Poisoning, that gave us all common ground, and the truth is, fighting alongside Whites, does feel strange. Rob's presence and a few of the other Whites who marched, fought, met, and cried with us, has defied that which; has lied dormant within me and Flint for years. Yes, in the 21st Century, I don't know how to be friends with strange White folks, and after all, I've endured, there is a part of me, that does not want too. I am certain, as the interview progresses, you'll understand why. It is challenging for me to trust those that I do not know. I know that statement sounds harsh. However, I am asking you not to judge me, or conjure an image of me; until you hear my entire story.

My spirit and inner being says, I have a right to feel this way. Rob and I were raised separately. In my community, it has always been them and then us. No, sugar coating it, it's how we were cultivated here. Flint is no different than any other urban community in America. Again, the poisoning brought African Americans and Whites together. The record should reflect, my partner and I, personally incurred more than being poisoned, lifting cases of water, paying the highest water rates, bacteria exposure, and so much more. Very few in our community wanted to acknowledge that we were almost annihilated by White men, who govern over our community. Their attacks did not happen in the '60s; it began in 2011 and is still occurring as I write this. The better half of my rationale says that our community is in this together. The protective and defensive side of me, reminds me to be careful and always discerning of who's who. In Flint, you have no idea who's who. To be candid, in this instance, my partner and I are being persecuted by White men. We have only survived them and can share in this interview because we thought as quick as they did. Our story would have been buried if we lacked wit tenacity. We would be just another statistic in Flint. So, Celeste, depending on what day it is, I inherit moments that instinctively, I no longer know how to feel or how I might act, anymore. At 55, I have to now deliberate before I respond. In the moment, I have to remind myself, not all White folks are against me, and not all African Americans are for me. In that moment I am hoping and praying that the person in my presence is not my enemy. And I am very, very, upset about being in this vortex. The truth is none of this is my fault. Before I was born, there was a system that created; them and us. Again, I say, in this very instance, what