President Obama to hear from Flint Families enduring Water Crisis today in Flint, Michigan

A soldier salutes as Air Force One arrives at Bishop International Airport in Flint on Wednesday May 4, 2016 while making a stop to Flint to speak to residents affected by the Flint Water Crisis.

Story by Detroit Free Press
Written by Paul Egan and Katrease Stafford

President Obama’s first stop was the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint, where a briefing was expected to last close to one hour with federal officials. Snyder and Weaver entered the food bank shortly after noon to participate in the briefing.

The President's visit underscores the need for cooperation at all levels of government to make Flint's water safe to drink, but also highlights ongoing tensions between Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, the Democratic President, and between Snyder and Flint's Democratic Mayor Karen Weaver.

President Barack Obama is greeted by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder as he arrives on Air Force One at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Mich., Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press
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The President's visit also comes amid growing frustrations with actions taken – and not taken – so far, particularly by the State of Michigan.

During the visit, Obama will have briefings with Federal Officials, Snyder and Weaver; Meetings with Flint Children, a neighborhood round-table discussion, and a speech to about 1,000 people at Flint Northwestern High School.

Flint resident Mona Munroe-Younis, who was pregnant when the lead contamination of Flint’s drinking water began and now has a 5-month-old son Sebastian who has skin problems, said Wednesday, “This has been a nightmare.”

Munroe-Younis, a University Programmer, told the Free Press in a phone interview she hopes President Obama “will not only provide some emotional comfort to Flint residents' compassionate eyes are still on Flint as we continue to struggle day to day, but also signal that the President will take a stand for environmental justice broadly.”

Mayor Karen Weaver of Flint, Mi. greets President Barack Obama as he arrives on Air Force One at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Mich., Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Photo Credit: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press

Dozens of protesters stood outside of the high school where President Obama is slated to speak. Holding signs demanding access to clean water and accountability for government officials. The protesters chanted and beat drums. She said “people in Flint want what they have endured to make a difference for other communities facing environmental injustice. I have heard Flint residents say that over and over again.”

Annette Washington of Detroit said she drove to Flint early Wednesday to have her voice heard by the President.

"I got family here," she said. "What's happening is inhumane and wrong. Anywhere else in the country, this wouldn't be happening. Something needs to change because people are hurting."

Meanwhile, a long line wrapped around the parking lot of the high school where eager Flint residents clutched tickets and waded through intense security.

"I wasn't lucky enough to get a ticket, but I've got my lawn chair and I'm hoping for just a glimpse of the President," said Flint resident Joi Clemens.

New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church Deacon Daniel Hall was passing out water to Flint residents at his church in Mt. Morris Township, which straddles the city limits of Flint.


People wait for the arrival of President Barack Obama at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint on Wednesday May 4, 2016 while making a stop in Flint to speak with residents affected by the Flint Water Crisis. Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press

Hall said he was excited and humbled that the President made the trek to visit the city.

"Shortly down the street is where the President will be here in Flint, and I am appreciative of this opportunity for Flint to have him here," he said. "We're happy to have him here in a historical moment and at the end of his candidacy.

Grand Blanc resident Daisy Buckner, 74, cried as she watched Air Force One land at the Bishop International Airport. For Buckner, it was a once in a lifetime moment to be so close to the President.

"I think it's just an awesome experience," Buckner said, wiping tears from her eyes. "It's just breathtaking he would be here to stop off and see about little old Flint. I just wanted to be here and be a part of it."