Community Stories: Harrison Shelby, Detroit

Helping people is in my blood. I remember my grandmother taking in several foster kids when I was growing up and my mom, who worked in early childhood education, would always provide extra food for the kids so they wouldn’t have to go hungry on the weekends.

The calling to help became clearer for me as a student at Henry Ford Community College when I noticed several other students hanging around the cafeteria but not eating. I thought this must be a problem, so I went to leaders at the school who allowed me to launch the Hawk’s Nest, a supplemental food program for Henry Ford students.

Since then, I’ve volunteered with individuals and organizations across Detroit – working to reduce gun violence, leading cleanup efforts following recent flooding, organizing food delivery for local seniors who were shut in during the COVID-19 pandemic, busting blight, and more. Someone told me just the other day that I didn’t have “a lane,” and I have to say that’s accurate. I try to step up and lead wherever there’s a need. I also make space for others to step up and lead. That’s why they call me Mr. Community. And for me, it’s much more than a title; it’s a mandate.

Harrison volunteers with @brilliantdetroit, @detroitphoenixcenter and Detroit #BlightBusters.

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