Our Flint Parent Collaborative is focused on raising awareness about the issues and opportunities that impact the educational success of Flint Kids, but it is also a place where parents find support and resources they need to succeed as parents and caregivers. Here is transcript of a speech given by Parent Collaborative member Jamar McKenzie at the June meeting. It articulates the value of the Collaborative, and the connections members make with other parents.
"Good Afternoon, everyone.
My name is Jamar Mckenzie, and I'm a proud but often tired- single father to a 14-year-old ninth grader at southwestern Academy. Pray for me.
Now, I didn't always have full responsibility for him. Back in 2018, after a tragedy struck our family due to gun violence, I became his legal guardian. It was one of those life-altering moments where you realize it's time to step up, no matter how unprepared you feel.
At the time, we could already see the path he was heading down-talking back, not listening, getting into things he had no business in. You know, classic "I'm grown now" behavior in a 9-year-old body. Me and his mom decided he needed a change of environment, some structure. So we agreed that he'd come live with me for a while, and here we are 7 years later.
Since then, his behavior has changed drastically. It's like night and day. But, let's not act like this is a fairy tale. We still go at it from time to time about behavior and classroom expectations. I mean, he's 14. He thinks he knows everything. And now... he likes girls. Lord, help me.
But here's the beautiful thing parenting is not a straight path. It's more like a GPS that keeps saying "recalculating."
There was one moment that really stuck with me. I was at a parent meeting at Southwestern and a guest speaker got up and started speaking straight to my soul. I mean, it was one of those speeches where you forget you're in a school meeting and start wanting to take notes for your life.
That speaker was Ms. Charese McClean.
Now let me tell you - Charese wasn't just anybody to me. I actually remembered her from way back in the day, over 20 years ago, when I was a high school student attending after-school programs at the Sylvester Broome Center. So hearing her speak that day, with the same heart and of genuine love and concern.
She reminded me that I'm not the first parent to go through this, and I won't be the last. And that's what makes us strong being able to lean on each other, learn from one another, and keep showing up.
After that meeting, Charese invited me to join the parent collaborative group and let me tell you, that group has been a blessing. It's opened doors I didn't even know existed. I've met other parents who are walking the same road, and I've connected with community leaders who actually have access to real resources.
And that's what this is all about: the resources. Because you can have all the love in the world for your child, but without the support, the guidance, and the tools it's a much harder battle.
Speaking of support, I recently faced a big change in my own life. I lost my position as the Director of Resident Services at the Flint HousingCommission. In that role, I handled a lot--implementing grants, restructuring the homeownership program, and reengaging FHC with the Genesee County Continuum of Care. It was more than just a job; it was part of my purpose. So losing that is tough, almost unreal.
But I keep going. Why? Because of people like Charese. Because of this group. Because of the community.
Her encouragement and this collaborative space have helped me stay grounded and focused, even when things got shaky. I'm truly grateful for her leadership and commitment to this city.
So to all the parents here today: Don't sleep on this group. This is more than just a meeting it's a stepping stone. It's a village. It's the foundation we're building our children's futures on.
Thank you all, and thank you, Charese, for everything you do."
