Shamayim Harris

Shamayim ‘Shu’ Harris, a mother, a community activist and a former school administrator, is the founder and CEO of Avalon Village in Highland Park. Her dream of building this urban oasis was manifested after the tragic loss of her son, Jakobi RA, who was killed by a hit and run driver in 2007 at the age of two. Rather than fall into despair, Shu chose to heal and honor Jakobi’s memory by transforming blight to beauty and creating something wonderful for the people of Highland Park. She assembled a team of engineers, futurists, artists, urban farmers, volunteers and donors from around the world who are helping to build Avalon Village, a sustainable eco village on Avalon Street between Woodward and Second in Highland Park. The village currently owns 20 parcels of land and 4 houses with plans to acquire more property.

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