Film, Video Advertising, and Photography work by Brett Marty.
KATHY, THE SHOPKEEPER
KATHY, THE SHOPKEEPER // Flint, Michigan
“I was for Hillary the first time she ran against Barack… I think she’s qualified, first and foremost, and I want to see how a woman would run the country.”
The sign outside the Healthy Dollar in Downtown Flint, Michigan says, “Holla!” Inside, an array of brightly-colored snacks line the shelves, and a friendly woman called Kathy sits behind the counter. A tall man in a baby blue velour jumpsuit leaves his seat and walks outside.
“Koreans are hilarious,” she says with a laugh, clapping her hands. A retired reporter for the automotive industry, she’s well-traveled woman and reminisces about Seoul, London, Japan. “I think Barcelona was my favorite. I lived a short walk from the beach, the Mediterranean.”
Having graduated high school in 1968, she talks about how involved young people were, politically, back in her day. The conversation glides from Mrs. Clinton’s qualifications to the global perception of the US, to the opportunities found in Flint for young people looking to start their own thing.
“Life is interesting,” she says, “and for the most part, I still like people.”
The door opens. The man in velour returns to continue his visit with Kathy.
Flint, MI:
• Population: 98,310.
• Per capita income: $14,527.
• 56.6% Black, 37.4% white, 3.9% Latino.
• Percentage below poverty line: 41.5%.