Bio
Shamaiye's Family LtoR Son Xavier, Husband Michael, Shamaiye and Daughter Maiye moved to Charlotte in 2012
Shamaiye and her son Xavier. Xavier is proud graduate of West Charlotte High School Class of 2021
Her parents were both graduates of Central State University and the University of Cincinnati. Her mom and dad were organizing on their college campuses and in the community when they graduated.
Shamaiye learned how to build and organize the community at a very young age. She worked side-by-side with her mom participating in coalitions, co-ops, and all sorts of other groups trying to make a change for a more just society.
When Shamaiye moved to west side of Charlotte with her husband and two youngest children, she was in awe at the beautiful trees, the city like views, and a within a few good steps, the feel of a small country town.
Charlotte has offered a very good life and opportunities for her family and yet there is a very harsh reality about this attractive and viable community to so many. It started when she first arrived in Charlotte. She noticed the number of people that lived in hotels and what most would consider short-term lodging.
She witnessed people going to work and coming home to live in a hotel. After her family moved in their home in West Charlotte and as her son played sports, she saw where children were living in difficult situations.
One boy lost his little sister to asthma when he was 8 years old, another child ended up living with one of the other team moms. Her God son from the team lived with her family for three years until his mom got stable housing, her health care under control and he graduated from High School. She saw where so few services were available to people who needed them and how people in poverty had such a short lifeline to affordable housing, decent education, and quality recreation.
She began education organizing in 2016 when she realized how challenging it is for children in poverty to receive a quality education.
Shamaiye has been consistent and a constant voice in identifying solutions to support families and children to receive a quality education.
She hopes to take this knowledge to the Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board to make a difference for all children.
Shamaiye learned how to build and organize the community at a very young age. She worked side-by-side with her mom participating in coalitions, co-ops, and all sorts of other groups trying to make a change for a more just society.
When Shamaiye moved to west side of Charlotte with her husband and two youngest children, she was in awe at the beautiful trees, the city like views, and a within a few good steps, the feel of a small country town.
Charlotte has offered a very good life and opportunities for her family and yet there is a very harsh reality about this attractive and viable community to so many. It started when she first arrived in Charlotte. She noticed the number of people that lived in hotels and what most would consider short-term lodging.
She witnessed people going to work and coming home to live in a hotel. After her family moved in their home in West Charlotte and as her son played sports, she saw where children were living in difficult situations.
One boy lost his little sister to asthma when he was 8 years old, another child ended up living with one of the other team moms. Her God son from the team lived with her family for three years until his mom got stable housing, her health care under control and he graduated from High School. She saw where so few services were available to people who needed them and how people in poverty had such a short lifeline to affordable housing, decent education, and quality recreation.
She began education organizing in 2016 when she realized how challenging it is for children in poverty to receive a quality education.
Shamaiye has been consistent and a constant voice in identifying solutions to support families and children to receive a quality education.
She hopes to take this knowledge to the Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board to make a difference for all children.