In the heart of Detroit, on Ferry Park near 16th Street, stands a house that serves as a beacon of hope and community for the NW Goldberg neighborhood. The Mama Akua Community House, designed and renovated by Yusef Shakur, has been open to the public since 2020, offering a safe communal space filled with Black history and culture.
Yusef Shakur, a Detroit native whose family has deep roots in the neighborhood dating back to the 1950s, has a singular mission for the Mama Akua Community House: to restore the neighborhood back to its former glory. The house serves as a hub for community gatherings, events, and celebrations, providing a space for residents to come together and build a just and beloved community.
Teenagers from the neighborhood have pitched in to help prepare for events like the Ava Jo & Durron Neighborhood Festival Annual Backpack Giveaway, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and unity that the community house embodies. This concept of creating communal spaces is not unique to Mama Akua Community House; other activists in Detroit have also transformed abandoned properties into vibrant community hubs.
In Highland Park, the Avalon Village offers a range of services and amenities for families, including a mini-library, STEAM lab, and music studio. In the Russell Woods neighborhood, Auntie Na’s House features a community park and gardens with raised beds for growing fresh produce. These community houses serve as pillars of strength and support for their neighborhoods, providing resources and opportunities for residents to thrive.
The Mama Akua Community House is adorned with vibrant colors and symbols that represent the rich history and heritage of the Black community. From the blood, soil, and land motifs on the fences to the iconic figures painted on the walls, every detail in the house reflects a deep connection to Black culture and activism. Local artists and small business owners collaborate with the community house to offer their services in exchange for using the space to operate their businesses, fostering a spirit of mutual support and empowerment.
For Kimorai Riddick, a young volunteer at the house, the experience of growing up in the neighborhood and witnessing its transformation has been profound. She has learned about her culture, activism, and history through her involvement with the community house, gaining valuable insights and skills that will stay with her for a lifetime.
The Mama Akua Community House was made possible through fundraising and grants totaling over $200,000, which were used for renovations, design, and programming. Yusef Shakur’s personal journey from a troubled youth to a community leader is a testament to the transformative power of love and hope. His vision for the neighborhood extends beyond the community house, with plans to establish The Beloved Community House next door as another communal space for residents.
As Detroit city officials support initiatives like the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and Neighborhood Beautification Fund, the momentum for community-driven projects like the Mama Akua Community House continues to grow. Residents like Ronny Tyson, Shakur’s nephew, and Michael Thompson, a neighbor who has witnessed the house’s impact firsthand, are inspired by the positive change taking place in their community.
In a city where challenges abound, the Mama Akua Community House stands as a symbol of resilience, unity, and empowerment. Yusef Shakur’s dedication to serving his neighborhood and uplifting the next generation of leaders is a testament to the power of community and collective action. As the house continues to thrive and expand its reach, it serves as a shining example of what is possible when people come together with a shared vision of creating a better future for all.