Asbury CDC Youth Stand for Unity at WOW Outreach's 25th Annual Unity March

Asbury Community Development Corporation (Asbury CDC) was honored to participate in WOW Outreach's 25th Annual Unity March, a longstanding community tradition dedicated to combating gun violence and promoting peace, hope, and unity throughout Flint.

This year's march brought together residents, community leaders, organizations, churches, and youth who all share a common goal—to build a safer, stronger Flint where every person has the opportunity to thrive. The event served as a powerful reminder that lasting change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose.

We were especially proud to have three of our Summer Youth Initiative (SYI) participants join us in the march. Their willingness to stand alongside community members and advocate for peace demonstrates the leadership, compassion, and civic responsibility we strive to cultivate through our youth development programs.

One of the most meaningful moments of the day was reconnecting with Marcell Warren, a former Asbury CDC Summer Youth Initiative participant who successfully completed all four years of the program with Asbury CDC. Today, Marcell proudly serves the City of Flint as a Flint Police Officer, continuing his commitment to making our community safer. We are incredibly proud of all he has accomplished and the positive example he sets for other young people.

It was especially rewarding to introduce Officer Warren to our current SYI participants. Seeing someone who once stood in their shoes now serving the community in such an important role reinforces what is possible through hard work, perseverance, and a heart for service. His journey is a powerful reminder that investing in youth today helps develop the leaders of tomorrow.

At Asbury CDC, we believe that empowering young people extends beyond the classroom and workplace. It means providing opportunities for them to engage with their community, build meaningful relationships, and become part of the solutions to the challenges our city faces.

We thank WOW Outreach for 25 years of unwavering commitment to reducing gun violence and fostering unity across Flint. We are grateful to have been part of this important milestone and look forward to continuing to partner with organizations that are making a positive impact in our community.

Together, we can continue planting seeds of hope, peace, leadership, and opportunity for future generations.