Mike — #4

Recorded 9/27/21

9/27/21

My interview with Mike showed me exactly why civic engagement is significant.

I met Mike through Kay because of their involvement at the Flower City Arts Center. As the Executive Director of the South East Area Coalition (SEAC), he would come in and take Kay’s photo club students to historical sites in Rochester. 

I was searching for potential interviewees, so Kay suggested I contacted Mike and ask him if he would be willing to interview for Destigmatized. 

Once I finished my interview and photo session with Kay, I headed over to Mike’s office to conduct his interview and photo session.

As the ED of SEAC, Mike truly has a lot on his plate. Although the work may be stressful, it’s his passion to give back to his community.

Mike spoke about the foundation of SEAC, and how it all started with a group of individuals that came together to fight the new highway plan that would ultimately divide Rochester and its many communities. They could diverge a lot of the highways and saw change through their community involvement. From then on, SEAC would focus on helping its Rochester communities. 

He took on the Executive Director position a year prior to the interview and was truly in love with his career. For once, he had a more relaxed non-profit job that didn’t kill him inside and out. Mike loves his career, especially because it's in a place he absolutely adores. 

After the interview, he took me to his house, where I met his dog, Perfect.

Mike also showed me the books he wrote and gave me a copy. He created a complete fantasy world, and these guides explain his ideas and creations.

Mike drove me around Rochester and we went to the various locations he had helped through SEAC initiatives: the ABC neighborhood, Sager Beer Works, the local church, Flower City Arts Center, and Wide Water Gardens.

I’m exceedingly thankful Kay connected me with Mike; it made me feel very happy and inspired when I saw Mike’s excitement for his Rochester community. Mike showed me the power of networking and how strong connections can lead to other lasting connections. 

He exhibited the importance of community involvement on the local level and informed me why I also do what I do as an artist and mental health advocate. Individuals like Mike are what local communities rely on, and a lot of efforts wouldn’t have been completed without his interventions.

RIP to Perfect, who lived a long, happy, and fulfilling 18 years.