Dr. Karen Weaver Williams at an Essie B. & William Earl Glenn Foundation for Better Living event. She spoke about the water crisis. The foundation seeks to create thriving communities and eliminate disparities impacting children, youth, and families. Courtesy photo
By TNCPNEWS Staff
In Flint, Michigan, a city known for its resilience and community spirit, the Karen Williams Weaver Foundation (KWWF) has been a beacon of hope and transformation. Under the leadership of its founder, Dr. Karen Williams Weaver, the organization has embarked on a journey to empower the city and beyond through various initiatives, emphasizing education, health, entrepreneurship, and cultural enrichment.
The Cultural Renaissance: “The Water Remembers”
In January 2023, local artist Shea Cobb invited Dr. Weaver to attend “The Water Remembers,” a special performance by The Sister Tour in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This event was more than just a performance; it was an ethnographic exploration of the relationship between Black women and water explained Dr. Weaver. The narrative, deeply resonant with Flint’s water crisis, highlighted the ongoing struggle for clean water access and its impact on communities of color.
Deeply moved by the performance, Dr. Weaver questioned why such poignant artistic expressions were not more accessible to the communities they represent. This led to a collaboration that brought “The Water Remembers” to Flint’s historic McCree Theatre on March 25, 2023. The event was a therapeutic and unifying experience, offering a platform for residents to engage with a narrative reflecting their struggles and resilience.
Empowering Communities: KWWF’s Mission and Impact
The KWWF’s core objectives include educating communities about vital issues, enhancing entrepreneurship, raising awareness among young women entrepreneurs, and creating a media outlet representing the community’s voice and narrative. Serving Flint and Genesee County, the KWWF’s initiatives primarily benefit young girls, new and minority businesses, and the broader community.
Overcoming Challenges: The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, disrupting traditional community engagement methods and operational activities. Simultaneously, the KWWF continued its mission of community upliftment. The foundation was awarded a grant from the Michigan Nonprofit Relief Fund, which was spearheaded by the Michigan Nonprofit Association, recognizing its efforts in education, health, and social welfare.
Dr. Weaver said, “This grant was not just financial support but a validation and catalyst for future projects that we have on the horizon. The grant funds will be used for extensive community engagement through media outlets like podcasting, supporting minority start-ups, and collaborations with organizations like the Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan to empower young girls in the region.”
“Black Money Matters”: An Ongoing Talk Show Initiative
Adding to her portfolio of community-driven ideas, Dr. Weaver, along with Flint’s former Chief Recovery Officer, Jameca Patrick, began co-hosting a talk show titled “Black Money Matters” in 2020. This show, an extension of the KWWF, focuses on creating and sustaining wealth in the Black community, covering topics like economic development, health and money, and Black-owned businesses nationwide.
Airing weekly on local Comcast channel 17 and available on YouTube and Facebook, “Black Money Matters” aims to provide information and access to experts on building and sustaining wealth, and addressing the economic disparities faced by the Black community.
Power in the Presence
Dr. Weaver who served as the mayor of Flint, Michigan, from 2015 to 2019, holds the distinction of being the city’s first female mayor. Her tenure as mayor coincided with one of the most challenging periods in Flint’s history, marked by an environmental crisis that demanded exceptional leadership and resilience. This experience in the trenches of a complex and high-stakes situation honed her abilities to navigate the treacherous political landscape and intense scrutiny.
During her time as mayor, Dr. Weaver became a subject matter expert (SME) on water quality and infrastructure issues. She worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), collaborating with two White House administrations.
Engaging the Community: Future Plans and Objectives
In a significant political development, Dr. Weaver, who had previously considered a run for the 8th Congressional District following the retirement announcement of the incumbent in November 2023, decided against pursuing the office. In a statement released on December 30, Weaver reflected on her inspirations and priorities.
Dr. Weaver cited the historic election of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, as a profound influence on her. She expressed deep admiration for Chisholm’s legacy in fighting for social justice and the honor she would have felt in following Chisholm’s footsteps. However, Weaver emphasized that her journey as a public servant has always been about making progressive impacts, echoing Chisholm’s belief in the power of implementing ideas over standing on the sidelines.
Looking ahead, the KWWF plans to continue its community engagement efforts, using the MNRF grant to enhance its outreach and impact. The foundation aims to measure its success through qualitative and quantitative metrics, including the number of community engagements, podcasts produced, and the reach of its programs.
Continuation, Contact, and Conclusion
KWWF continues to be a pillar of strength and transformation with initiatives like “The Water Remembers,” the “Black Money Matters” talk show, and various community-focused programs. As the foundation moves forward, leveraging its achievements and partnerships, it remains a shining example of how concerted efforts in the nonprofit sector can lead to substantial improvements in community life.
For those interested in learning more or contributing to the KWWF’s efforts, Dr. Weaver can be contacted at 810-240-3521 or via email at weaverkaren@sbcglobal.net. Additional information is available on the foundation’s website, TheKWWF.org.
