Jakobi Ra Park

A homework house, a recording studio, and a space for kids to learn will be part of the new Jakobi Ra Park, a community-based project in Detroit. It will be on three blocks that were previously blighted. Upon completion, the park will be part of an urban holistic village that will also include a greenhouse, wellness center, and marketplace. The entire development will be energy-efficient, utilizing geothermal heating and cooling.

After her son Jakobi Ra was killed in a hit-and-run, Harris set out to transform Highland Park. Harris assembled an international team that included engineers, urban farmers and artists as well as volunteers, donors, donors, and other experts. Avalon Village is the result. It now owns 20 parcels and plans to purchase more. Avalon Village is now an example of urban living and will continue to be.

Harris, a community activist and former school administrator, had a vision for the project after her son’s tragic hit-and-run death. She was determined to turn the neighborhood from a blight to a thriving community. Her grief inspired her vision for Avalon Village. Harris was devastated by the death of her son Jakobi and decided to do something about it. She wanted to make the neighborhood a vibrant, healthy place.