Rebirth and Redemption at Flint’s 2nd Chance Church

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware | Word In Black This story is part of “Flint’s Still Fighting,” Word In Black’s series about the decade-long water crisis, and the struggles and triumphs still transforming the majority-Black city. (WIB) – Everyone wants a second chance when they find themselves in an unwanted space. It’s called grace in the Christian faith. And in Flint, Michigan, that grace has a name: 2nd Chance Church. And in a community where many residents still don’t trust the water system, Rev. Derrick Aldridge, founder and senior pastor, tells Word In Black the ongoing struggle for clean water and justice has his congregation members out “every Friday in different community areas on the streets — with cars passing by — and passing out water.”& Founded in 2006, 2nd Chance has one mission: providing second chances to folks who need them. The congregation has about 200 members, mostly young people. Services are held at noon to accommodate their nightlife and only last about 90 minutes.& From Closed School to Water Hub Flint closed about a dozen schools in the years before the water crisis started and the church began operating out of one of those shuttered campuses. It was...