COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Soulardarity
How Soulardarity is Bringing Solar-Powered Streetlights — and Justice — to Highland Park
In Highland Park, MI, streetlights have long been more than just a utility. They’re tied to basic safety, neighborhood connection, and the right to feel secure where you live. For over a decade, many residents have gone without this simple infrastructure — until community action, led by the local nonprofit Soulardarity, began to change that story.
This summer, Soulardarity completed a major step forward— the installation of ten new solar-powered streetlights on Florence and Louise streets, between Woodward Avenue and 2nd Street. This milestone is a testament to a community taking charge of its needs and building a different kind of energy system — one that’s more reliable, more affordable, and owned by the people it serves.
Why Highland Park lost its lights
Highland Park has faced a long history of economic disinvestment. In 2011, after struggling to pay skyrocketing electricity bills, the city was forced to remove roughly two-thirds of its streetlights. Entire neighborhoods were left dark, increasing safety risks for families walking home, kids waiting for the bus, and anyone simply moving through their own streets.
Instead of waiting for outside help, neighbors decided to organize. Soulardarity was founded with the belief that communities should control their own energy resources and decisions. By installing solar-powered streetlights, they could sidestep expensive utility costs, improve local safety, and reduce pollution at the same time.
How Soulardarity works
Soulardarity’s approach combines education, grassroots organizing, and direct clean energy projects. They work closely with residents to identify needs, raise funds, and plan installations. Over the years, they’ve installed solar streetlights throughout Highland Park, hosted workshops on energy rights and costs, and advocated for policies that support fairer energy systems. Their vision revolves around building energy democracy, where local people have real power over how energy is produced, distributed, and paid for.
The Role of Music Fans
This latest Souludarity project was supported in part by funding by REVERB, thanks to contributions from fans at Dead & Company and Harry Styles tours, REVERB was able to direct funding to Soulardarity to help make these installations possible.
Every ticket sold through these partnerships helped move money to climate and community solutions on the ground. It’s a reminder that while music fans are attending shows, they have an opportunity to directly support efforts that tackle both climate change and social equity.
What Comes Next
With the ten new lights now up and running, Soulardarity is working to secure a commitment from Highland Park’s city council to formally accept the donation of the lights and take on long-term operation and maintenance. This step is critical to ensure the lights continue to serve the community for years to come without burdening residents.
At the same time, Soulardarity continues to push for broader changes — policies that support local clean energy, protect residents from high utility costs, and expand the idea of who gets to shape the energy future.
Soulardarity’s successes show clear examples of how climate solutions can strengthen communities. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, clean energy can create safer streets, lower bills, and help ensure that everyone has a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
At REVERB, we’re honored to support this kind of work as it proves what’s possible when local leadership, music fans, and artists come together around shared goals of sustainability and justice.
To every fan who bought a ticket and helped fund this project, thank you. You’re part of bringing power — in every sense of the word — back to Highland Park.
