Kristina Broughton

Much of my life has been in and around Muskegon, Michigan. It's no secret that Muskegon has had a rough history, specifically as it pertains to the perception of danger and crime. However, in recent years, Muskegon has completely transformed into a thriving and desirable community.

During both my undergrad and graduate studies in Grand Rapids, it was not uncommon to hear comments from other students along the lines of "I don't go to Muskegon because it's too dangerous." The comments were disheartening to hear as I've personally watched Muskegon grow into a thriving cultural hub of entertainment, new businesses, and events that have brought a new life to the city.

Despite the dramatic revitalization of Muskegon and many efforts to improve the image of the city, the negative perception continues to exist within other West Michigan communities because there has been a reluctance to give Muskegon a chance. My goal with my thesis project is to creatively find a way to break this negative perception by focusing on authentic storytelling and showing the rest of West Michigan that Muskegon has turned a corner for good.