Celebrating Black History Month: Sherman Phoenix co-developer JoAnne Sabir

February marks Black History Month and all month long WTMJ’s Melissa Barclay will be introducing you to African Americans who are making Milwaukee a better place to live and thrive.

Today we highlight the woman behind the Sherman Phoenix Development on the city’s north side.

Co-developer of the Sherman Phoenix JoAnne Sabir encourages us to understand Black History Month in a unique way where we can celebrate not only the past but what’s happening in Milwaukee every single day.

“It’s exciting to really think about history in a context that it’s always emerging around us,” Sabir said.

The Sherman Phoenix Development is a part of the future of black history in the city.

That development rising from the ashes of fire that destroyed the B-MO Harris Bank building on Fond du Lac Avenue during the 2016 Sherman Park riots.

“We wanted to see how we could create a hub of inspiration that was a clear reflection of the needs and desires of our neighbors.”

She says it’s a hub for entrepreneurs with 27 tenants, the majority black owned.

Sabir is someone creating black history for our city to celebrate for years to come.

Hear more by clicking on the audio link above.