Eric Mays: Flint Firebrand Passes Away

A little of us died with him

Latest

Eric Mays, Flint fireband, dies
Eric Mays, Flint firebrand passes away.

‘Mays was dubbed “the voice”, not only for his deep baritone, but for his relentless pursuit of social justice. We Flintstones are known for courage, tenacity, a strong sense of social justice, outspokenness, and a heart for humanity. Eric Mays embodied it all. . .’

When we learned of the death of Flint Council-man Eric Mays, we can sincerely say a little of us died with him. A larger-than-life figure, Mays was dubbed “the voice”, not only for his deep baritone, but for his relentless pursuit of social justice. We Flintstones are known for courage, tenacity, a strong sense of social justice, outspokenness, and a heart for humanity. Eric Mays embodied it all.

As one who pursued our causes, he took the fight to the legislature (as a three-time elected Councilman), the courts, and the streets. During the last couple of years, the Councilman found himself at the center of a social media firestorm. His take-no-prisoners and sometimes comedic style blew up especially on TikTok. Followers around the country and indeed the world kept in tune with Flint because of Eric. He was invited to speak all over the country, by African Americans, Whites, Democrats and Republicans alike. Millions of young people adored him. His new-found fame was never sought by him, but happened organically as his fighting spirit attracted millions.

As Councilman Mays would say, “God bless the residents of the city of Flint.” Gone But Not Forgotten . . .

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Tribunal of Conscience to Hold Hearings on US Crimes Against Migrants and Countries

The International Tribunal of Conscience of Peoples in Movement will launch a series of hearings beginning March 18 in Mexico City. The hearings, to be held throughout Latin America and the US, will deal with the crimes of the Trump regime and its predecessors and accomplices against migrants and refugees within US borders, as well as US crimes against other countries.

Glimpses of the Terror Inside a Detention Hotspot

The patch pictured above appears on the uniforms of some guards at "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida. Below the grim reaper riding on an alligator are two human skulls, similar to the Totenkopf or death's head that the Nazis who ran and guarded German WWII concentration camps had on their SS uniforms.

The Women Who Move the Labor Movement Forward

History shows that the labor movement moves forward when women organize. Women have repeatedly proven willing to confront power, build solidarity, and move the fight forward when others hesitate.

She was sentenced to life in prison. A new law set her free after 23 years.

Nicole Boynton was the first woman freed as part of Georgia’s Survivor Justice Act, putting a national spotlight on how courts discount abuse in homicide cases — especially for Black women.

Stop the War on Iran! Impeach Trump!

The US-Israeli war against Iran is unprovoked, immoral and illegal. The majority of the people of the US are opposed to it, and we are obligated to stand up and stop it. This is also an opportunity to impeach and remove Trump and try and set the country on a new course.

More from the People's Tribune