South Shore's Mama Africa's Marketplace on Brink of Closure Amid Property Tax Hike and Obama Center Expansion
A community staple in the South Shore neighborhood may shut its doors for good after its landlord sold the property to a nonprofit organization focused on helping veterans, despite efforts by the store owner to raise funds to purchase it. The building's significant rent increase due to rising property taxes is seen as the catalyst for the sale.
Mama Africa's Marketplace, owned by Lakiesha Williams since 2021, has become an integral part of the community, providing a platform for local vendors and hosting various events such as food giveaways and youth employment programs. The store's presence in the area has been boosted by its proximity to the Obama Presidential Center, slated for completion next June.
However, with property taxes on the building increasing from $16,463 in 2022 to $58,592 in 2025, the landlord, John Lewis, began looking for a buyer. Despite Williams' efforts to raise funds to purchase the space, Eli Williamson's nonprofit organization, Leave No Veteran Behind, has emerged as the new owner.
Williams claims that she was not given sufficient notice about her lease being terminated and was instead surprised by the sale. The fact that the property taxes would be so high had led Lewis to seek a buyer, prompting Williams to rally the community for support. While she acknowledges Williamson's organization's efforts to preserve properties in South Shore, Williams argues that a more humane approach could have been adopted.
The potential closure of Mama Africa's Marketplace raises concerns about gentrification and displacement in the neighborhood. With property tax hikes expected to impact other businesses in the area, residents are worried about rising rents and loss of community spaces like this one.
A community staple in the South Shore neighborhood may shut its doors for good after its landlord sold the property to a nonprofit organization focused on helping veterans, despite efforts by the store owner to raise funds to purchase it. The building's significant rent increase due to rising property taxes is seen as the catalyst for the sale.
Mama Africa's Marketplace, owned by Lakiesha Williams since 2021, has become an integral part of the community, providing a platform for local vendors and hosting various events such as food giveaways and youth employment programs. The store's presence in the area has been boosted by its proximity to the Obama Presidential Center, slated for completion next June.
However, with property taxes on the building increasing from $16,463 in 2022 to $58,592 in 2025, the landlord, John Lewis, began looking for a buyer. Despite Williams' efforts to raise funds to purchase the space, Eli Williamson's nonprofit organization, Leave No Veteran Behind, has emerged as the new owner.
Williams claims that she was not given sufficient notice about her lease being terminated and was instead surprised by the sale. The fact that the property taxes would be so high had led Lewis to seek a buyer, prompting Williams to rally the community for support. While she acknowledges Williamson's organization's efforts to preserve properties in South Shore, Williams argues that a more humane approach could have been adopted.
The potential closure of Mama Africa's Marketplace raises concerns about gentrification and displacement in the neighborhood. With property tax hikes expected to impact other businesses in the area, residents are worried about rising rents and loss of community spaces like this one.
I'm literally devastated by this news! 
Mama Africa's Marketplace is such an iconic spot in the South Shore, and it's heartbreaking that it might close down due to a huge rent hike from property taxes 
. I mean, can't we find a way to support our local businesses without making them homeless? 
The thought of leaving this community hub empty is just too much 
.
. She was trying to raise funds to buy it, and now it's gone to a nonprofit organization that might not have the same values as her 
.
- what if this sets a precedent for other businesses in the area? Will we lose all our community spaces and become just another pricey neighborhood? 
I hope someone can come up with a solution to save Mama Africa's Marketplace before it's too late 
. I mean, can't they see how much value it brings to the community? It's not just about rent and property taxes, it's about preserving the soul of the neighborhood 
. The fact that John Lewis sold it without even giving Williams notice is wild 
. And now we're gonna lose this amazing marketplace? That's some next-level gentrification right there 
. Can't we just find a way to make it work for everyone, not just the wealthy orgs 
Anyway, back to Mama Africa's Marketplace... it's crazy how property taxes can flip the script on a small business. I mean, I get why they need to make moves, but can't we find ways to support local businesses without kicking them out? The Obama Center is going to bring in so many tourists, but what about the long-term effects on the community? 
thinking about all these small business owners being pushed out by big changes. Mama Africa's Marketplace is more than just a store, it's a hub for the community 
, and losing it would be a huge blow. The fact that property taxes are killing businesses like this one is just ridiculous 
. And what about the youth employment programs and food giveaways? Who's going to take care of all those people now? 
The fact that property taxes went up so much is crazy 
Williams was trying to raise funds to buy the place herself, but I guess it wasn't meant to be 
. the fact that it's closin' down due to property tax hikes & some nonprofit organization buyin it out is just not right 
. i know we gotta support our veterans, but can't we find a way to preserve community spaces like this? rent control, anyone?! 
let's raise awareness about this & show our support for mama africa's marketplace 
#SaveMamaAfrica #CommunityFirst #NotMyObamaCenter
Or, Williams could've been more proactive in raisin funds herself, idk 
We shd be supportin each other, not tearin each other down 
. Now it feels like corporations are buying up everything and squeezing out the small businesses that make a neighborhood truly special.
. mama africa's marketplace has been a heartbeat of south shore for years, and now it's just gonna get pushed out by some nonprofit trying to make a quick buck 
. I mean, Mama Africa's Marketplace has been a staple in that community for ages, you know? They're not just selling stuff, they're hosting events and helping people out. It's a shame that the high property taxes pushed the owner to sell to some nonprofit org. I get that they want to help veterans and all, but it feels like they're just kicking an old tenant out without a care 
.
.
This store has been a staple in the community for years, providing a platform for local vendors and hosting amazing events. It's heartbreaking to think that rising property taxes and gentrification could lead to the displacement of another beloved neighborhood spot 
. We need more of these spaces, not fewer! 
. We need to make sure that businesses like Mama Africa's Marketplace are protected and not priced out of their own neighborhoods 
.