Mar8

a powerful woman on woman’s day and every day.

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What started as a vision to heal and rebuild

has become one of Detroit’s most inspiring grassroots projects.

 The Avalon Village, founded by Shamayim “Mama Shu” Harris, is transforming *Highland Park into a safe, sustainable, and thriving neighborhood. After losing her young son, Jakobi RA, to a hit-and-run in 2007, Mama Shu turned her pain into purpose, turning blight into beauty and creating opportunities for the community. In 2021, Mamu Shu lost another son to violence.

Now spanning 45 lots across three blocks, Avalon Village features:

The Homework House – A solar-powered after-school center

The Healing House – A space for holistic wellness

The Goddess Marketplace – Supporting women entrepreneurs

A community farm with fresh produce & eggs

A Basketball Court, honoring her late sons

And she’s not stopping – with plans for affordable housing, a healthy restaurant, and workshops to help others revitalize their communities.

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‘there is nothing stronger than a  broken woman who has rebuilt herself.’

-Hannah Gadsby

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*Highland Park is in the U.S. state of Michigan. An enclave of Detroit, Highland Park is located roughly 6 miles north of Downtown Detroit, and is surrounded by Detroit on most sides.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/43aKF7b

source credit: detroitisit

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55 responses »

  5. WOW, I think I couldn‘t imagine a better post to celebrate Women‘s Day! What a brilliant, wonderful and courageous woman this Mama Shu is. AND the quote by Hannah Gadsby. Another woman to admire…. Thank you Beth for this. I leave you for a weekend of sunshine, joy and women‘s power, Kiki

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  21. Oh this is such an inspiring story, Beth. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child, much less two, and it’s so life affirming how Mama has turned her pain into something that will last. Love the idea of a solar powered home, much less one that is an after school centre. So much inspiration from this story!

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