A New Day Dawns on Freeport’s East Side: “The Fresh Spot” Opens with Purpose, Passion, and Power
May 16, 2025
Freeport’s East Side is about to feel a much-needed jolt of hope, pride, and progress. On Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, The Fresh Spot, located at 502 S Adams Ave, Freeport, IL 61032, will officially open its doors—offering more than just food and essentials. It’s bringing a movement.
Situated in the heart of the 3rd Ward, The Fresh Spot is a new hybrid restaurant and convenience store founded by Akia Sanders and Damon Shipp. Their mission is simple but powerful: to serve the underserved, feed the forgotten, and reignite the spirit of a neighborhood that has long been overlooked.
At 2:30 PM, the Grand Opening celebration will feature a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with community leaders and supporters, including 3rd Ward Alderwoman Rachel Simmons, 5th Ward Alderwoman Cecelia Stacy, Shelia Brown (President of Rockford’s Black Chamber of Commerce), along with Ms. Ebony, Windy Pearson, Davida, Joshua T. Atkinson, Tina Renee, and Samuel Harden.
A Dream Born from Challenge
For Akia Sanders, a 38-year resident of Freeport, this project is deeply personal. She’s witnessed the steady decline of her once-thriving neighborhood—boarded homes, empty lots, and neglected streets. But instead of giving up, she decided to step up.
"For years, the people of the East Side have called on City Hall to do more than gaslight and hollow prayer,” Akia said. “We’ve asked for real investment, for resources, for action. But we were met with red tape and empty promises.”
Refusing to wait for change, Akia and Damon Shipp turned frustration into fuel. Shipp, a longtime friend and collaborator, brings experience in local business and a passion for food equity to the project. Together, they built The Fresh Spot from the ground up—a symbol of what community-driven determination can accomplish.
More Than a Store
The Fresh Spot isn’t just a place to eat or shop—it’s a lifeline. The restaurant will provide fresh, affordable meals, while the convenience store will offer staples like milk, bread, and eggs—basic needs that many on the East Side struggle to access.
This is Black entrepreneurship with purpose. “We cannot continue waiting for Mayor Miller to actually care about us,” Akia said. “We have the power, the passion, and the drive to take care of each other. She can focus on prayer and avoidance—we’ll focus on getting things done.”
A Message of Support
Community advocate Joshua T. Atkinson, who has worked closely with Akia, shared his admiration for the new venture.
“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Akia over the past year—not just as someone who supported my campaign, but as someone who truly fights for Freeport,” he said. “What she and Damon are doing is exactly what leadership looks like. The fight never ends—it evolves into action.”
A Call to Action
Fighting4Freeport encourages every resident, ally, and supporter of real progress to come out on May 17 and celebrate this bold new chapter. Support a Black-owned business built not just for profit, but for purpose.
Let’s show the next generation what community power looks like. Let’s remind the East Side that change is already here—and it’s just getting started.
Support The Fresh Spot. Invest in Freeport’s future.
📍 The Fresh Spot
502 S Adams Ave, Freeport, IL 61032
📅 Saturday, May 17, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
🎀 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 2:30 PM
👥 Special Guests: Rachel Simmons, Cecelia Stacy, Shelia Brown, Ms. Ebony, Windy Pearson, Davida, Joshua T. Atkinson, Tina Renee, Samuel Harden
Freeport—it’s time to rise. Let’s start at The Fresh Spot.
