After putting calls out for help to save Mama Africa’s Marketplace from closing its doors, the beloved South Shore community staple will soon leave its current location and temporarily set up shop at 344 E. 71st St., about eight minutes away in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.
Kamm Howard, owner of the property on 71st Street off South Calumet Avenue, said he was happy to lend a helping hand to Mama Africa’s Marketplace owner Lakiesha Ifarinu Williams.
“Mama Africa’s is a cultural gem in the community, so it doesn’t take anyone who is about African culture, Black culture, to be aware of Mama Africa’s and what she’s trying to present to our community in the form of having a place to get African cultural pieces, the art, books, clothing, etc,” Howard said.
Williams has been vocal about her fears of leaving the building on the corner of 2100 E. 71st Street, which she has called home for the past five years. Williams was looking to raise $100,000 to secure a loan to purchase the property, which she said the owner decided to sell due to increasing property taxes. So far, a GoFundMe started by Williams has raised nearly $30,000.
Williams previously told The TRiiBE she remains hopeful during this time.
“I believe in miracles, so that’s why I can be happy,” Williams said. “And it’s not, like, a happiness, but it’s just understanding that no matter what happens, the same way I came to this space, I know something else is there. When one door closes, another door opens.”
After reading news about Williams’ situation, Howard said he thought it was too late for him to help, but she called and asked if he had any retail space she could use temporarily and he did.
Howard said Williams is on a temporary lease. She has expressed interest in buying her own space to give Mama Africa’s Marketplace a forever home. The shop and community space has employed youth, hosted various community events and been a welcoming space that the South Shore community has grown to respect and love.
“What our sister is delivering to the community goes beyond dollars and cents; it is culture,” Howard said. “It is that major component of our lives that we need to reinforce in every way we can. So it’s not just in business that it’s continuing, it’s a way of life that we can try to build and recover.”
