DMV Native And Eight-Time Emmy Winner Justin W. Brown Directs A Moving Tribute To A Community's Legacy
The Californer/10309405

FLINT, Mich. - Californer -- iMichigan Productions proudly presents St. John's Street: Story of a Neighborhood, an Emmy-nominated and Telly Award-winning documentary directed by Justin W. Brown, an eight-time Emmy winner, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) graduate, and DMV native. The film will air on Maryland Public Televison (MPT), bringing to light the powerful story of a once-thriving Black community in Flint, Michigan, erased by urban renewal.

An Official Selection at film festivals across the country, St. John's Street captures the personal stories of families who built a vibrant, self-contained community in the heart of Flint. Settled by African Americans migrating from the South in search of opportunity, the neighborhood flourished as a cultural and economic hub. However, in 1960, the city's Master Plan called for its destruction to make way for Interstate 475, displacing over 7,000 residents and erasing homes, businesses, and landmarks. Despite this injustice, former residents have worked tirelessly to preserve their history, culminating in efforts to establish a memorial park in their honor.

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"This film is about more than a neighborhood—it's about resilience, identity, and the fight to keep history alive," said director Justin W. Brown. "St. John Street's story is one of strength, and its impact extends far beyond Flint." St. John's Street: Story of a Neighborhood is currently airing on MPT through April 8, 2025. Check your local MPT listings for air dates and times.

ABOUT "ST. JOHN'S STREET: STORY OF A NEIGHBORHOOD"

"St. John's Street: Story of a Neighborhood" is an Emmy-nominated and Telly Award-winning documentary produced by iMichigan Productions. The film explores the rich history and cultural significance of the St. John Street neighborhood in Flint, Michigan, a once-thriving Black community displaced by urban renewal and the construction of Interstate I-475 over 50 years ago. Through heartfelt first-person interviews, the documentary captures the resilience and legacy of the residents, highlighting their journey to preserve the memory of their neighborhood. St. John's Street has been an Official Selection at film festivals nationwide and has aired on 100 channels across the nation.

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IMICHIGAN PRODUCTIONS

Our Michigan Productions' mission is to create digital content for Television and the Internet. We produce content for all platforms that is entertaining, educational and audience building. We create content that highlights Michigan's contemporary and historical contributions. iMichigan Productions is also a youth-based organization that provides reading and writing skill-based learning through the arts. Our programs serve to support the youth in developing the necessary skills to pursue a career in the film and television industry. We serve an average of 300 youth ages 13–25 annually.