Jackson's Mama Tu-Tu helps out people during pandemic [started giving free barbecue 20 years ago]

Wanda Beavers, known in Jackson as Mama Tu-Tu, offers help to anyone who needs it during the pandemic. She started her humanitarian act last summer. She hosted a barbecue after she spoke to a man who had not eaten ribs in 15 years.

A lifelong Jackson resident, Beavers, had problems with donations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Because people lost their jobs and income, donations dropped. Beavers said that she is worried about helping others because of limited donations.

She offers kindness to the people in her neighborhood: to those who are homeless or those who have financial needs. She would offer a place to sleep, hot showers, and newly laundered clothes to anyone who needs it.

Beavers was afraid that she could not afford to host her annual free barbecue for the neighborhood on the fourth of July. Thankfully, Amanati's Take Out in 262 Cooper St. stepped in to help her. Mark Kasmikha said that because Beavers does so many good deeds for the community, Amanati's purchased all the food.

Beavers was thankful to the guys at Amanati's. She said that they are going to be right out there for the neighborhood. At one in the afternoon on Saturday, July 4, they had ribs, hot dogs, and corn on the menu.

Jackson's Mama Tu-Tu helps out people during pandemic [started giving free barbecue 20 years ago] — unsplash/Vincent Keiman

Beavers helps anyone

Mama Tu-Tu always offers help to anyone who needs it. She would give free sandwiches to anyone who is hungry. She would also give clothes to those who are cold. She also organizes a backpack drive every August, giving away school supplies to local children.

Beavers would host baby showers for families to get what they need for their babies. She would also give away toys and stuffed animals to children.

If anyone needs something, she will do her best to get it for them. Beavers said that when she came to Jackson, she was homeless. Because she understands how needy people feel, she is trying to give back.

An artist immortalized Beavers in a 2019 Bright Walls mural. The artist travels the world and paints people who matter to their community. The mural is found on the Lofts of Jackson building's back. It could be seen between Michigan Avenue and Cortland Street.

Fewer people during the pandemic

Fewer people have stayed in Mama Tu-Tu's home during the pandemic. Beavers said that people continued to shower and wash clothes. Even though struggling, she said that she had made it. She tries to make ends meet by taking one day at a time.

There was a donation box set up at the barbecue so people could help Beavers. She said that she did not want to stop doing what she has been doing for 20-something years. She expected a big turnout for the barbecue because people had more now that many activities are canceled.

Beavers said that they would continue to serve food wearing masks and following social distancing. Amanati's provides hand sanitizer for everyone's safety.