From Heaven's Tiny Tots Daycare and Learning Center To Albany
How Tiffany Fulton and Silent Voices United Led Harlem's Fight to Protect Children from Illegal Smoke Shops
What eventually reached the halls of the New York State Capitol began with a Harlem childcare provider who needed help—and a community advocate known for taking on difficult fights.
In early 2024, Tameka Silva, founder and operator of Heaven’s Tiny Tots Daycare and Family Learning Center, was confronting concerns involving smoke shops near two of her Harlem childcare locations: 2185 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and 2094 Frederick Douglass Boulevard.
The situation at 2185 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard was especially troubling: a storefront directly next door to the daycare appeared to be preparing to operate as a smoke shop.
Silva had been trying to get assistance, but she was getting nowhere.
Frustrated and concerned about the children, staff and families she served, Silva turned to someone whose advocacy work she already knew: Tiffany Fulton, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Silent Voices United Inc.
By PR Director
PUBLISHED 8:41 AM ET Sep. 12, 2026
Harlem Westside Publishing News
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