The clouds began to clear and the sun glowed over the families and community members filing into the stands at Grand Blanc High School’s football stadium on Tuesday night, Oct. 7, as they united for a community reflection more than a week after a mass shooting and fire upended the calm rhythm of an area where many said such violence is not the norm.
The event, put on by Grand Blanc Township, the city of Grand Blanc and Grand Blanc Community Schools, promised to exclude politics, while offering a nondenominational space for the community to “respectfully gather in support of one another.” That support was extended to victims, their families, first responders and all impacted by the Sept. 28 shooting and fire, where four people died. A crowd of what appeared to be more 100 people — including Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist — attended.
The Rev. Jerry Lasley began the event with a prayer, calling for all to realize the community is “better together.” The sky glowed pink as attendees bowed their heads and stood up to pray together.
“Help us be more loving and forgiving,” he said. “Guide us in the days to come.”
As they entered the stadium, community members said they decided to show up on the chilly night to honor a place many had called home or know well. Charles Moran, a firefighter with Flint Township, said he was called to the scene at the Grand Blanc Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sept. 28. There, he said, he saw people from all walks of life rush to help.
On Tuesday night at the community reflection, Moran brought his family, including his 1½-year-old son, because he said it’s important to show support.
“I try to show all the support I can for the people who go here and live here,” he said.
The night’s remarks revolved around the power of community, portraying the area as a small place where folks with big hearts have long converged. Many wore the colors red and black with the high school’s emblem or T-shirts reading “better together.” Walking in, a man with a toddler hanging off of him like a koala bear said to the child that they were there “because this is a big deal.” Others clutched fluffy fleece blankets or pads for the hard seats of the stadium.
Calling this moment in Grand Blanc’s history a “defining” one to show the community’s compassion and care, Mayor John Creasey said during the night’s remarks that he was heartbroken for the families who lost their loved ones and those affected. The four congregants killed in the Sept. 28 tragedy were Thelma Armstrong, John Bond, Pat Howard and Craig Hayden. More were wounded, hurt or witnessed what happened.
“I do want every family affected by this to know: We’re going to be there for you,” he said. “Not just today. Not just tomorrow. But for the long term. … Grand Blanc will not be defined by this.”
Tina Cooley has lived in Grand Blanc for 15 years, attracted to the area for the school district. Cooley said she was particularly compelled to come because the event was advertised as a nondenominational and nonpolitical way to support the people hurting in the community. Cooley said she’s a Christian, who is praying for them.
“To me, being a Christian crosses the political line, it really is just endeavoring to be Christ-like,” she said.
First responders received a standing ovation for their service, as Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce President Leigh LaForest praised their heroism and their work not just in moments of crisis, but for the “consistent service that so often goes unseen.”
Speakers also stressed that Grand Blanc is a place where differences are — and should be — celebrated. And that it’s “not for the meek,” said Grand Blanc Community Schools Superintendent Trevor Alward.
“Our community is built on the will of those that believe they can make a difference in this world,” the school leader said.
Zuriah McMillan, a senior at Grand Blanc High School and student council president, said students will “continue to choose peace and compassion.”
“The people in this town show what Grand Blanc really is,” she said. “Today, you see a town stricken by grief and tragedy, continuing to recover and grow. … As always, Grand Blanc will be better together.”
(This story has been updated to include additional information.)
Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Grand Blanc gathers for community reflection after mass shooting
Reporting by Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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