El-Sayed Questions Flint Living Preferences During Boston University Speech

During a 2016 health policy symposium at Boston University, Abdul El-Sayed humorously questioned the appeal of living in Flint, Michigan, a city often regarded as undesirable, especially among a predominantly white audience. Speaking on the aftermath of Flint’s 2014 water crisis, he remarked on the strong attachment residents have for their home despite its issues, leading him to ask, ‘What the—why?’

El-Sayed reflected on his own experiences after moving from New York City to Detroit as a health director, noting skepticism he faced from colleagues, highlighting negative perceptions about the city he chose to serve. He has expressed doubts about Michigan’s appeal before, revealing an elitist view towards the challenges faced by Flint’s majority-black population, which has seen significant economic decline and a sharp drop in population since 2000.