The history behind the murals at Shanora's Beauty and Barber Supply

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Credit Peter Whorf/WKAR

The murals at Lansing's Shanora's Beauty and Barber Supply, 829 W. Saginaw St., celebrate figures in African American culture.

Just a few blocks northwest of the Capitol building is Shanora’s Beauty and Barber Supply at 829 West Saginaw Street. Shanora’s was established by its owner Ora Fuller 29 years ago today.

Driving past Shanora’s in the Genesee neighborhood of older storefronts and modest two-story houses, one can’t help but notice something. Shanora’s west wall is adorned with a beautiful two-story, 40-foot wide mural depicting influential and popular African Americans and other figures from recent years.

Ora Fuller’s niece Michelle Burkes is co-owner of Shanora’s. WKAR’s Peter Whorf spoke with Michelle yesterday about Ora, the Saginaw Street murals and her years with the store.