As a kid, I grew up going to Flint a lot. It held a special place in my heart. I've spent a large amount of my life attending events, classes and rehearsal at the Flint Cultural Center (for those who are unfamiliar that includes the Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music, The Sloan Museum, The Longway Planetarium and The Whiting).

I have always had a special place in my heart for Flint because it has given me so much in my life. I have learned countless instruments there, I've gained an appreciation for music, history, art, space and diversity. I have made friends that love this city just as much as I do. Flint is a jewel, whether you choose to believe it or not.

I commend Flint. I commend Flint for slowly but surely rebuilding itself and making itself something to be proud of again. Flint has absolutely picked itself up by the bootstraps and gave itself a pep talk and is beginning to be a wonderful, beautiful city.

And this is why Flint and those who live there do not deserve what has been happening to it.

How can we stand idly by and see people like you and me denied basic living rights? These people are being denied clean water. These people are being denied trash collection. These people are having the few things that make living in a city possible taken away.

Does Detroit have trash collection? Absolutely. Does Chicago? Yes. Do other large cities have water that could physically harm the inhabitants? No.

Then why should Flint? Why does Flint? What did this particular city do to deserve such harsh situations?

Sure, Flint isn't New York City, but, for me and numerous other people, it has been just as influential. It has given us experiences we couldn't find anywhere else. It has an adorable Farmer's Market, a branch of University of Michigan, a theatre that has housed several well-known shows like "Cats" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and much, much more.

This city has so much to offer. I wish more people would see what I see—I urge you to try, if you don't already. Because this city is one that has picked itself up several times and is always trying to make itself better.

There's a saying going around that reads "just because it isn't in the news anymore doesn't mean it isn't happening."

That's absolutely the case for Flint. There are still people taking showers with water bottles there. There are still people and places that have to choose between being poisoned by the water or getting sick from dehydration. There are still people paying whatever they need to just to have clean water. We should be outraged. We should do more than sit idly by and watch a city with such great resources get poisoned by dangerous water and trash being piled up due to the refusal of a city council.

Just because the council can't make up their mind about who exactly is going to pick up the trash (to save a few dollars between companies) should not jeopardize the basic necessities of the inhabitants of the city.

This city has done nothing to deserve it. And if you think it has, then you're clearly not opening your eyes.

Please, don't forget about Flint. It's still happening and it's getting worse.

Keep spreading the word. Keep spreading the love. Keep Flint alive.