If you took the time to watch my YouTube documentary, you've learned just a little bit about the woman written between the pages of this open book. Again, my name is Ms. Shonta' High. My friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, & fellow activists all lovingly call me, "Shawn." I was raised down south in North Carolina & partially raised in the city with my family that resides in Washington, DC. I relocated back to DC in 2000, moving to my current neighborhood in 2001. I recently just celebrated living here 20 years! YaY! I have spent a great many years at my current home of Park Morton fighting for equity for our black & brown families as we're rapidly displaced due to redevelopment gentrification. We're losing the opportunity to remain in our homes connected to our communities to raise healthy families, grow vibrant small businesses, & thrive. 

Recently, my mother fell gravely ill. She had open heart surgery as well as had a pacemaker inserted to assist her quality of life. Although my mother felt that she may not make it, she survived, but also she felt the need to tell me about the land that was left to her by her husband (step - father) who left her a widow in 2008. I am my step - father's only living heir as he never had any biological children of his own. Therefore the land that was once his is now my mother's, which is now mine & my children's. However, my mother neglected to tell me that due to her failing health issues, raising costs of her co - pays, transportation expenses, medication expenses, & more, she was unable to keep up with the bills for the property & allowed back taxes to accrue.  

Help me save me & my children's inheritance. I already have plans for what to do with the land once it is saved. I want to build a small homestead with multiple tiny houses & a garden. This will allow for not only my family to occupy our land, but to have friends & family to come visit from the city to stay awhile with the comforts of home without the noise of a hotel near the interstate. 

As a mother, the Founder of High Alert Emergency Preparedness, & an heir to an unknown, recently acquired inheritance, I want to be able to leave a legacy for my children that they will be proud of carrying on. Make Black Businesses, Black Lives, & Black Homes truly matter.  Allow us a chance to build wealth that will be truly shared in uplifting our community.

It is our dream to have equity, our hope that you will be generous enough to help us save our land, & I wish to have us all prosper from the fruits of the labors & gardens built upon the God given earth. #DreamsHopesWishes 

I am ever grateful for each donation. God Bless You. Thank You.

Shonta' "Shawn" High