Celebrating National Reading Month with Local Author Makiah Shipp!

March is National Reading Month, and this year we are so excited to be celebrating with local author, Makiah Shipp, who will be coming to our office in Ypsilanti on March 17th to read for our matches and sign copies of her book Makiah’s Show and Tell! 

Makiah is a student at the University of Michigan and an award-winning Civic Engagement activist. She was recently named one of the Skillman Foundation’s 20 Black Detroiters Making History, was recognized as the 2020 Detroit Rotary Youth Citizen of the Year and the 2020 Detroit Speaks 20 under 20 award recipient, and has worked as a field organizer and youth outreach coordinator for Rep. Rashida Tlaib.


Makiah’s primary focus, however, remains empowering young Black girls, which is what led to her writing Makiah’s Show and Tell. This beautiful picture book “tells the story of an elementary school aged Black girl who passionately teaches others about the significance of Black natural hair in Black culture. She reminds those around her of how important it is to be conscious of how they talk about and/or interact with her hair to avoid being microaggressive and inappropriate. 

This picture book provides Black girls with a guide-book style story to reinforce their confidence and encourage them to properly educate those around them. It also allows other agents in society (family members, friends, teachers, etc.) to understand how their behaviors and racial biases contribute to others' potential adoption of harmful self-perceptions.” [source: https://www.makiahshipp.com/]

We were thrilled when Makiah reached out to us about hosting a book signing and donation event. “I have been familiar with BBBS for some time now and I appreciate the mentorship opportunities that they create and the inclusive community that they foster. I hope that our collaboration speaks to the powerful work that we are each continuing to do.”, she told us, and we have the same hope! Our collaborative event will be taking place in our office at 11 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, on Friday, March 17th, from 6-8 pm. We hope to see you there! 

Makiah's Contact Info
Order Makiah's Show and Tell