Help Mo Bring Change to The Harmony Apartments

My name is Maurice Banks but most people know me as Mo. I’ve lived in the heart of the Darbo-Worthington neighborhood most of my life and still do to this day. Ever since I was a middle schooler, I’ve been active in community projects trying to improve things for my neighbors and the whole City.

I was lucky and got involved with Mentoring Positives when I was young. Now, I work part time mentoring the next generation of youth at their Clubhouse. I’m proud to say I was part of the original Off The Block Salsa crew and even came up with the name.

Check out vintage 18 yo Mo from 2012 here

I’ve also worked for Healthy Food For All of Dane County and the Darbo Pantry Project hauling produce into town from farms and distributing all sort of surplus food all over town. After breaking my foot earlier this year, I quit my nightmarish job as an Amazon delivery driver (!!) and am now making big plans for the future.

I’m building a new project called Friends of the 718 to organize community support for residents of The Harmony Apartments and Meadowlands way out on the far, far Eastside (zip code 53718). We’ve got a bold plan to support residents by bringing experienced local activists out to help solve problems. We know the collective experience and knowledge of the community can help them create the change they seek.

Problem is, we have zero resources and transportation issues are a big barrier. I’m appealing to supporters of this work to help us get a basic used vehicle because the 718 is way, way out past the Interstate. I already have a team of seasoned, motivated neighborhood activists including Marvin Washington and Duke Smith ready to put their shoulders to the wheel but we have no way to get out there!

Can you make a donation to help us launch this fresh new approach? After all the years of work in neighborhoods like Darbo-Worthington, we know we help can build stronger and safer communities in troubled complexes like The Harmony Apartments. We have many cool projects and activities we're planning but honestly just have no way to get out there and do them!