Where I am From

Written as an ice breaker in a personal essay class I recently attended. 

I have lived my whole life in Genesee County, Michigan. Spending countless hours as a child in downtown Flint. Working most of my career in Flint. Attending college in Flint. Worshiping and sinning in Flint. When adding that all together, I proudly claim the title of Flintoid.

The Urban dictionary explains a Flintoid as someone who is seen “walking on the bricks drinking a 40.” So yeah I have walked the bricks and drank an occasional 40. To me though a Flintoid involves so much more. 

Those who claim the title are tough and optimistic. They love their community and are offended if some outsider should bad mouth their hometown. Flint though, is open game for themselves.

The history and culture of this fine city molded me into the unique individual I find looking back from the mirror. From the fine foods (Coneys), to the heritage of the union (Solidarity), to the offerings of the College Cultural Center (Go Bears). I have visited the pentecostal and primitive baptists and survived. I have drank at the Phone Booth, the Lamplighter, the Torch, and the Treasure Chest, surviving like a true Flintoid.

Roy Richard
June 2024