Champaign County NAACP Member Prince Robertson, Michigan Native, travels back to Flint.

NAACP Member Prince Robertson, Michigan Native, travels back to Flint

CONNECT:

I grew up in Saginaw, MI, which is only 37 miles from Flint. I have several close friends who are from and still reside in there.  My mentor was a pastor in Flint, and we would visit his church, amongst other things regularly.  My college basketball coach, old teammates, former students from my past employer who lives there. It’s a special kind of connection between Saginaw and Flint residents.

What inspired me to raise money for people in Flint?

I have several inspirations that lead me to create a GoFundMe to assist the crisis in Flint. I let my faith guide me; with Flint being so close to home, I had to do something to reach out and help.  I’m passionate about social justice issues, and with Flint being a predominately African American community, this definitely is an issue that is unjust.  We live in a world where we have technology at our fingertips, and my thoughts were to use social media to make a small change. I have a friend that has a connection to Northridge Academy, so I decided to start there.

How much has been raised so far?

My initial goal was to raise $500.  With the help of Tekita Bankhead who is one of the Assistant Directors of BNAACC, along with my fraternity brother Dwarne McNair, Sr. in Saginaw, the assistance of Flint native Chavez Marshall, and all those who have felt the need in their hearts to donate, we have raised $1,278.

How will the funds be used?

Every cent of the funds was used to purchase bottled water and a gift card from a local Wal-Mart in Saginaw, MI, my hometown. We  then transport them all to Flint, MI. over 3,000 bottles total.

How long do we plan to continue fundraising efforts?

The GoFundMe ended at 10:00pm on February 3, 2016. We will continue to collect bottled water, in hopes of taking a second and possibly a third trip to Flint throughout the year.

The experience was transforming and empowering. To help other in a crisis such as this was beyond a blessing.

Collaborating contributors are Bethel Champaign AME Church, Illinois Campus Recreation, Illini Fighting Hunger, Illini Hillel: Cohen Center for Jewish Life, UIUC Students for Environmental Concerns, university students and Champaign-Urbana community.

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