Photo: Avalon Village Website
Shamayim Harris, also known as "Mama Shu", has endured the unimaginable pain of losing two of her children. Determined to transform her grief into something positive, she embarked on a mission to revitalize her struggling community in Highland Park, near Detroit, which had suffered as the automotive industry declined, with residents leaving, crime increasing, and storefronts closing. Mama Shu's vision began when she purchased a house on Avalon Street, despite not having the full funds. Over the years, she acquired additional lots and enlisted volunteers to clean up and refurbish the area. In 2016, she established the Avalon Village, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the street and creating a safe space for the community. The flagship project of the village is the Homework House, an after-school hub fully refurbished from an abandoned house. Equipped with a library, computers, a music studio, and more, Mama Shu wanted to provide resources lacking in the local schools. Avalon Village also features a STEM Lab, a basketball court, and the Goddess Marketplace, which supports women artisans and entrepreneurs. Mama Shu's ultimate goal is to continue expanding the village, including plans for a café, a greenhouse, a laundromat, and a wellness center. She envisions a beautiful Avalon Street spreading its positive impact throughout the entire city, fueled by her determination to honor her sons' spirits and resilience. An example to us all, Mama Shu has turned her grief into power, finding the energy to drive forward and create a better world.
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