Join us for our in-person Children’s Reading Circle, with Shayla Michelle reading her book, “Echo In The Distance”, written by Shayla Michelle and illustrated by Kprecia Ambers,
On April 20, from 11:30 am – 1 pm at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG). The event is free and open to the public..
About the Book:
“Echo in the Distance” written by Shayla Michelle and illustrated by Kprecia Ambers, is a moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream shared from the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. Millions watched as the civil rights leader delivered his hope for the future, his dream for what America could be. Decades later, the iconic “I Have A Dream” speech has continued to transcend time. “Echo in the Distance” reflects on the speech, the history that followed and serves as a reminder that each individual can play a role in realizing the dream first shared in 1963. In the words of author Shayla Michelle, “It’s not too late. Dreams can come true. It starts with you.”
About Shayla Michelle:
Shayla Michelle is an Emmy-award winning television news journalist with more than 15 years in broadcasting. She graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and was named the top broadcast student in her graduating class. During her freshman year, she entered and won the university’s Written Expression Competition in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She first performed “Do You Hear The Echo In the Distance?” during the university’s Martin Luther King Jr. program in 2003. Now, more than 20 years later Shayla has published Echo In The Distance as her first illustrated children’s book. Released on Juneteenth 2023, “Echo In The Distance” takes readers on a visual journey through time. Eye-catching illustrations pop on every page! Through clear, descriptive language, author Shayla Michelle engages readers, urging readers to harness the power of Dr. King’s dream and their own. Since publishing the book, Shayla has traveled to New York and discussed “Echo In The Distance” on CBS Mornings with Gayle King. Most recently she shared her personal story in a one hour television special airing on West Tennessee PBS this month. Her hometown declared September 30th “Shayla Michelle Reaves” Day in Tennessee. She continues to visit numerous schools and communities across Minnesota where she currently lives and works. On publishing her first book Shayla says, “I was a creative writer before I even knew I wanted to be a journalist. I’m excited to use my creativity to inspire kids and adults around the world.”
