This week Authentically Detroit sat down with the one and only Shamiyam “Mama Shu” Harris of Avalon Village!

Donna and Orlando spoke with Mama Shu about the importance of building community and utilizing collective action to self-determine our futures. She also gave a sneak peak into the expansion of the Goddess Marketplace and Whine and Tea Shop and Avalon Village’s journey to becoming more sustainable. 

Mama Shu is CEO of Avalon Village in Highland Park, MI. She is a mother, a community activist, and a former school administrator, who served Detroit schools for 27+ years. Her dream of building this urban oasis was manifested after the tragic loss of her sons. In 2023, she became a CNN Hero Top 10 finalist.

If you’re interested in learning more about Mama Shu and Avalon Village, click here. 

FOR HOT TAKES:

AN ASSESSMENT OF DETROIT'S ECONOMIC CONDITION AND A CRITIQUE OF ITS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS 

DETROIT PEOPLE’S FOOD CO-OP OPENS MAY 1ST

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