FLINT, MI – In recognition of the City of Flint’s first Black mayor Floyd J. McCree, Mayor Neeley, along with Community Foundation leadership and McCree family members, invite the community to the official unveiling ceremony of the Floyd J. McCree bronze statue on the front lawn of Flint City Hall at 2 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2022.
“This is a long overdue honor for the City of Flint’s first African-American mayor, Floyd McCree. He is one of our great pillars in the community that continued to serve the residents of Flint long after his term ended, “ said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “This statue to be permanently placed on the lawn in front of City Hall will forever represent Floyd’s local and nationwide steadfast fight for justice and equality. I want to thank artist Joe Rundell for his amazing work in sculpting the McCree statue.”
McCree was sworn into office as Mayor of the City of Flint in 1966 and served until 1968. This momentous event made him the first African American mayor of Flint as well as the first African American to be mayor of a major metropolitan city.
During his time as mayor, he fought for fair housing and equal employment opportunities. In 1968, he played a key role in making sure fair housing existed for all. The adoption of that ordinance in Flint changed the trajectory of fair housing in the nation.
In honor of his legacy, the McCree family created the Floyd J. McCree Legacy Fund to strengthen the commitment and partnership of the Community Foundation and the City of Flint to Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation.
“The Community Foundation is honored to work in partnership with the McCree family, generous donors, and the city. Seeing this statue come to life, and the educational opportunities to follow, creates a transformative moment for our community,” said Isaiah M. Oliver, president and CEO of CFGF.
Learn more about the McCree Legacy Fund by contacting Kenneth Vaughn, Development Officer, at 810-767-8270.
Parking will be free in front of City Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. courtesy of the Downtown Development Authority.
For more information about this event, contact the Mayor’s Office at (810) 766-7346.
