Introduction An estimated 26,730 youth in Flint, MI have been exposed to lead in their drinking water since 2015. A number of studies have documented the negative health consequences of lead contamination in urban cities. What is not known is how the contamination of Flint’s water has influenced the perceptions of Flint’s youth regarding their health and the future of the city. In August 2016, the long-time CBPR partnership between the University of Michigan, Flint Odyssey House – Health Awareness Center, and the Fathers and Sons Steering Committee conducted a pilot study to determine what 13 – 17 year old Flint residents had to say about the water crisis, including issues related to protecting their health, their community, and their future. Methods We conducted four community forums with 68 youth living throughout Flint. 92% were African American, 59% were male and 41% were female. Youth averaged 14.6 years of age. Participants completed a brief questionnaire to assess individual stress, racial identity, and social support. Community forums were audio-recorded and transcribed to facilitate content analysis. Results Key findings indicated an awareness of the potential long-term health implications from exposure to lead in tap water and beliefs that the water crisis was an orchestrated plan for gentrification and genocide. Conclusion We discuss the implications of the water crisis on Flint’s youth who are already facing a host of social and structural factors that could limit their future. We also present a Community Action Plan developed based on the guidance of the youth.