MSU intern uses storytelling to address gun violence in Flint, MI

August 7, 2024 - Brandon Drain

The Flint Community Initiative Program (FCI) has been instrumental in providing students invaluable experiences by immersing them in real-world, community-driven projects.

For FCI intern Christa Young, her 10-week long experience has enriched her perspective and passion for the power of storytelling and how stories can positively impact communities.

“The FCI program shaped my approach to asset-based community (ABC) development by introducing a holistic perspective and emphasizing storytelling,” said Young. “Addressing complex issues like gun violence requires a multifaceted approach.”

The third-year journalism major elected to use the storytelling approach in the form of a video project titled “Layers of Grief”. This project, in collaboration with the Community Public Safety Collaborative (CSC), was “meant to be a PSA documenting the long-lasting impact of gun violence in our community,” said Young. “Highlighting the grief and resilience of a young lady, Aniyah Davis-G, who experienced the death of her best friend, Sheona Baker.”

In December 2022, 20-year-old Sheona Baker was found murdered in Flint, MI with her car discovered burned and abandoned, according to reports. Despite the tragedy, Baker’s story remained mostly untold by the media, said Young. Being able to traverse the grief of death not only highlights resilience but “emphasizes the urgent need for intervention in Flint,” said Young.

The CSC, formerly known as the Gun Violence Prevention Network, now focuses on violence intervention in Flint, MI. Young’s involvement with the program led to discussions about innovative approaches and implementations for violence intervention. Being able to be a part of meetings, which led to various intervention projects, was an invaluable experience for Young.

“Through storytelling, it humanizes the issues and helps build a stronger emotional connection with the audience,” said Young. “This approach not only brings attention to the challenges faced but also celebrates the resilience and strengths of community members.”

Young spent her internship working as a digital media reporter for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. The FCI program proved to enhance Young’s skillset and knowledge in the space of community engagement and digital media reporting. She will also attend the 2024 Scholars Showcase on August 8, 2024, where the FCI interns will present the community-led and driven projects they have been working on for the past 10 weeks.