Bankole Thompson draws TV coverage in Flint book launch

Bankole Thompson returned to Flint on June 17 for a public launch of his new book, Hope: On The Mountain Of Fear, drawing coverage from NBC25/FOX66 and opening Flint’s Juneteenth observance. The book is also set to become required reading in three Dillard University sociology classes this fall. Why it matters: - Thompson’s Flint appearance tied his latest book tour to themes of hope, democracy, economic justice and civic renewal. - The event broadened the book’s reach through local TV coverage and a university adoption that puts the work in front of students this fall. - The Flint stop also linked the launch to Juneteenth, adding historical and civic weight to the conversation. What happened: - Bankole Thompson launched a tour for his sixth book, HOPE: On The Mountain Of Fear , at the Flint Public Library on Wednesday, June 17, at 5 p.m. - NBC25/FOX66 covered the event and aired Thompson’s remarks in its evening newscasts. - The gathering was hosted by former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver, the Flint Branch of the NAACP and the Black Leaders Forum. - The event drew civic leaders, clergy, educators, public officials, business leaders and grassroots advocates. - The June 17 program also opened Flint’s Juneteenth observance. The details: - Thompson had not spoken publicly in Flint since 2017, when the Flint NAACP Chapter invited him as keynote speaker for its 36th Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner during the city’s lead water crisis. - The book is getting national academic recognition. - Dillard University in New Orleans will use HOPE: On The Mountain Of Fear as required reading in three sociology classes this fall. - The book’s themes include hope, democracy, economic justice, civic responsibility and the future of American institutions. - Dillard University traces its origins to Reconstruction-era institutions, including one founded in 1869 to educate formerly enslaved African Americans and their descendants. - Dillard is now among the nation’s respected Historically Black Colleges and Universities. - The university has a long record of producing leaders in public service, education, business, the arts, healthcare and social justice. - Thompson is one of the first Black editors in the nation to conduct a series of exclusive sit-down interviews with former President Barack Obama. - Thompson said the Dillard adoption is meaningful because the university’s roots reach back to Reconstruction and a period when America was defining freedom and opportunity after slavery. - Thompson said the questions facing America today are how to build a more inclusive society, expand opportunity and sustain democracy. - Thompson said Flint is one of the most important symbols of resilience in America and an appropriate place to begin a conversation about hope. - NBC25/FOX66’s report extended the conversation to viewers across Mid-Michigan. - The book includes essays and reflections from leaders, policymakers, advocates, scholars and innovators. - The collection covers healthcare, housing, education, media, entrepreneurship, veterans’ care, mental health and economic opportunity. - The book frames hope as an active force that can transform communities, strengthen democratic institutions and inspire moral courage. Between the lines: - The Flint coverage suggests Thompson’s work continues to resonate beyond book promotion and into civic and political conversation. - Dillard’s decision to assign the book places Thompson’s ideas in a classroom setting focused on democracy and social change. - The Flint launch also reinforces the city’s role as a national symbol of resilience and public accountability. What’s next: - Thompson’s Flint event is the first in a series of public conversations, university engagements, community forums and book signings across Michigan and the nation. - The Dillard classes are scheduled for this fall. - NBC25/FOX66’s coverage may help expand interest in the book ahead of those future events.