Shakira Butler

Shakira Butler, a resident in the Skyline apartments in Southeast DC for nearly a decade, serves as the tenant association president and a passionate advocate for her neighbors. When her landlord tried to evict her in 2022, she turned to Legal Aid DC, suspecting the move was retaliation for her outspoken leadership. Legal Aid helped her fight back, filing a counterclaim over dangerous housing conditions. After a long legal battle—including a contempt order against her landlord—Ms. Butler secured vital repairs, rent forgiveness, and nearly $123,000 in penalties, most of which now supports eviction defense and community nonprofits. Through it all, Ms. Butler remained focused on protecting her neighbors and holding her landlord accountable. 

Read Ms. Butler's full story here