When the utility in Highland Park repossesses over 1,100 streetlights, a group of residents forms Soulardarity. Led by Jackson Koeppel and Shimekia Nichols, their mission is to foster energy democracy, including building solar-powered streetlights to replace the repossessed ones. They also hold energy training events and build community knowledge of how energy relates to poverty, development, and democracy.
Juan Shannon is among the first to install the cutting-edge solar streetlight, complete with wifi and motion detectors. He is building Parker Village, a solar-powered co-working space and cultural center. Their first solar-powered building: this garden shed emblazoned with a mural featuring Highland Park High School’s mascot, a polar bear, and many symbols of Detroit/Highland Park’s storied past — and possible future?