My City December 2022

In accordance with her work with SBEV, Coach Linnell has worked to curb violence and bullying in the City of Flint by joining the No More Violence Movement and starting Teen Club, where young adults gather to have fun and be mentored by profession als from all occupations and walks of society. “We talk about the importance of realizing their dreams and of them selves,” adds Coach Linnell. “If youth realized how important they are, we wouldn’t have a violence problem when they get older.” For the last two years, Coach Linnell has also been successful at another proj ect near and dear to her heart – bring ing the Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball tournament back to Flint. “It was so big in Flint during the ‘80s!” she exclaims. “I was on a team that traveled to different places to compete, and Flint used to be one of the biggest tournaments in the state.” Coach Linnell is proud to say that two years ago, Gus Macker was back and a surprising success. “The turnout the first year was good,” she explains, “but this year’s turnout just blew me away! We had teams from Ohio, Illinois and Indiana playing here. Everyone still wants to come to Flint to prove them selves. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.” Coach Linnell says Gus Macker was the third biggest event in Flint this summer behind Back to the Bricks and The Crim. It’s easy to see that she still loves the sport – in May, she took the court for Team USA at the Senior Olympics in Fort Lauderdale, FL, bringing home gold.

“It’s such an honor to be recognized for everything I have been blessed to accomplish.”

JONES-MCKENNEY RECEIVED THE 2022 ART HURAND ART OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM FLINT & GENESEE GROUP FOR HER EXEMPLARY COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP.

Throughout her life, Linnell Jones-McKenney has always wanted the best for Flint and its youth and she is driven to give back to the city she loves. When asked about her next goal for Flint, she didn’t hesitate one second with her answer. “To bring it the biggest, most-amazing youth ac tivity center in the world!” she laughs. “Just acres and acres of new opportu nities and dreams being fulfilled. If we

can help today’s youth learn the skills needed to rebuild this city, to realize their dreams, there would be no need for drugs, violence or gangs.There would be no poverty. We could have heaven on earth, right here in Flint.”

Congratulations to Coach Linnell Jones-McKenney, MCM’s 2022 Cityzen of the Year!

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