Artist, Educator, Entrepreneur, Community Serviceman

Allen London is a locally grown artist and entrepreneur. In addition to spending much of his time working on his craft and building his business, he also spends time working in communities in and around the Atlanta, Georgia area. Allen London has been called “The Comeback Artist”. His mother, Maryam Shakir, might say that he was born painting. Since he was a little boy he would paint pictures of people and things around him and sell them to make his own spending money. As an adult, he was well known for preparing works for artists such as Barry White, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and many others.

Twelve years ago, Allen suffered severe injuries when he was hit by a car whose driver never stopped. This potentially fatal accident had him in a coma for several months and added many additional years of rehabilitation and restructuring of his life. Allen also lost the ability to perform many activities, including painting, reading, walking, and the ability to effectively communicate. But through self-determination, faith, and a supportive family, Allen never lost hope, determination, or the ability to endure.

Grateful that God favored him and denied the claims of doctors who insisted that he would “never walk or barely use his hands again,” Allen has dedicated his energy and time to helping many learn and develop their skills as artists. Allen can be seen working and contributing at the Shepherd Center, the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association® as a Peer Visitor, Emory Center for Rehab Medicine, Georgia Voices that Count (c/o disABILITY LINK) — an organization known for helping people with disabilities reconnect through art, Mohammed Schools — a school in the Muslim community. He has also offered classes at many community centers on Saturdays for students with the desire to learn and develop their skills. While gaining value from many of the organizations he is associated with — such as access to physical therapy, reading glasses, and strength — his work with these organizations is specifically done to help others who may be suffering from similar injuries or may have lost hope. He helps others to understand that they are valuable and that their lives are filled with possibilities.

He is back! Allen’s style has changed from earlier days due to the accident: his new art style is more abstract, but it still has a flare and a type of beauty that is much appreciated by many viewers. Other things about Allen have also changed; he is driven to succeed and is often pushing others to do the same. He devotes countless hours to rebuilding himself in many aspects.

Thank you for taking the time to read Allen’s biography.