To: Delrico J. Loyd, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Jerome Threlkeld, Organizational Development Coordinator
title
RE: Approval of a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Jewish Heritage Month in Genesee County
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Jewish Heritage Month in Genesee County
BACKGROUND:
One of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission’s goals is to enhance the county’s reputation for being welcoming to all.
DISCUSSION:
Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with community members to co-curate this resolution being proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Inclusive, Collaborative Culture - Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with community members to co-curate this resolution being proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, the Jewish presence in Flint dates to 1859, beginning with the arrival of Henry Brown, a German immigrant who established a dry-goods business and whose family contributed to local education through the Michigan School for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind; and
WHEREAS, the Flint Jewish Federation serves all residents of Flint and Genesee County-regardless of age, race, nationality, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, or religion-while providing critical social services including congregate and mobile meals and low-cost transportation; and has long collaborated with local organizations such as the Flint Institute of Music, Flint Institute of Arts, Mott Community College, the MTA, Sloan Museum, Flint Repertory Theater, and the Flint Planetarium to bring educational and cultural programming to the entire community; and
WHEREAS, for 34 years the Donald Riegle Community Service Award has honored local residents dedicated to service in Flint and Genesee County, inspiring civic commitment across the region; and
WHEREAS, the Flint Jewish Federation has partnered with African American and Asian Indian communities to advance shared learning, cultural understanding, and unity through initiatives such as the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tribute, joint educational tours, museum trips, and participation in the Annual Peace Day at Wilson Park; and the Karen Schneider Jewish Film Festival of Flint, now in its 22nd year, educates, entertains, and fosters dialogue through films that illuminate Jewish history, culture, and shared values across Genesee County; and
WHEREAS, the annual Holocaust Commemoration serves as a vital reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and reinforces our community’s shared commitment to preventing crimes against humanity, especially amid recent acts of antisemitic violence in Michigan; and
WHEREAS, the Daniel Pearl World Music Days program builds bridges across cultures and identities through music, uniting diverse musicians in the shared expression of peace; and collaborative performances such as the masterclass and concert featuring Netta Elkayam, Amitai Cohen, New Orleans jazz musicians, and members of the National Arab Orchestra demonstrate the power of Jewish and Arab partnership and cultural exchange in Flint-the only such collaboration in Michigan and possibly the Midwest; and
WHEREAS, local Jewish community members have made extraordinary contributions to Genesee County, including: Robert Segar, Esq., who successfully argued the Virginia Poll Tax Case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1966, ending poll taxes in state elections nationwide, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, honored for his ongoing service to justice and rule of law, Gary Hurand, whose leadership with the Uptown 7 advanced the revitalization of downtown Flint, and Dr. Harold Steinman, who provides extensive aid to those in need and operates a free eye clinic.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, proudly recognizes Jewish Heritage Month and honors the history, culture, achievements, and ongoing contributions of Jewish residents throughout Genesee County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Genesee County Clerk is directed to provide one copy of this Resolution to each city, village, and township within Genesee County and to each County Clerk in the State of Michigan.