MREA Executive Director Nick Hylla hosts Shimekia Nichols, Executive Director of Soulardarity, an environmental non-profit based in Highland Park, Michigan. Soulardarity's mission is to build community power in Highland Park through community-owned solar streetlights. In their talk, Shimekia explains the origins of Soulardarity, how she came to be involved, and highlights the work Soulardarity has done and continues to do in its community. Get your tickets to the 2022 Energy Fair being held between June 24, 2022 - June 26, 2022 in Custer, Wisconsin at https://www.theenergyfair.org/. -----------  Show notes: (1:40) - The history of Highland Park and the origins of Soulardarity   (8:40) - Shimekia's background and how she came to be involved with Soulardarity (15:01) - How Soulardarity has helped and inspired its community (23:15) - Shimekia's vision for the future of Soulardarity (29:00) - Shimekia's words of advice for other organizations (36:44) - How Soulardarity works to be more inclusive ----------- MREA links: The Energy Fair MREA's website Volunteer Opportunities at MREA Soulardarity links: Soulardarity's website Soulardarity's Blueprint for Energy Democracy (BFED) Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition (MEJC)