OUR 2018 TITLE: X: A NOVEL BY ILYASAH SHABAZZ, DAUGHTER OF MALCOLM X, WITH KEKLA MAGOON

Ilyasah Shabazz’s and Kekla Magoon's X: a Novel tells the story of Malcolm X’s childhood and young adulthood, beginning with his time as child in Lansing, MI and ending with his time in prison in Massachusetts. It allows us to see a towering Civil Rights figure sorting out how to live in an unjust world. The characters and language of X: a Novel will give us all the opportunity to talk openly about things like prejudice, racist language, inequality, choices, diversity, law enforcement, justice, and family.

Meet the 2018 Team

YOUTH LEADERS

Albion's Big Read Student Leaders are rising 8th, 9th, and 10th graders who call Albion home. Throughout October 2018, the following students independently led and facilitated community-wide book discussions. They are role models for their peers, neighbors, and the greater Albion community. We joyfully celebrate the open hearts and minds of the following 2018 Big Read Youth Leaders:
* denotes students who returned as Albion Big Read Leaders for another year

Ella Lattimore
Tyland Martin*
Aja Metz*
Marshall Nicholson*
Aaliyah Roberts*
Grace Sobaski
Fred Steward*
Ja'Kobe Steward*
Ta'Jyanna Steward*
Bebe Stovall*
Lauren VanVleet
Niya Williams*

A'tiyah Artis
Ta'Liyah Austin*
Ahjia Barbour
Passionae Chapman
Emmylou Christensen*
India Crumbsy
Xavion Dean
Maliya Frost
Jamiyah Funderburg*
D'ara Gamble
Ivan Green*
Olivia Hudson
Za'Riah Kemp*

2018 BR leaders.jpeg

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Made up of college and community leaders, our planning committee works throughout the year. Most notably, these individuals choose the Big Read novel, X: a Novel, collaborate with local partners, and further the progress of Albion's current and future Big Reads. We would like to thank the members of the 2018 Planning Committee for their irreplaceable support:

Elijah Armstrong
Kimberly Arndts
Jamie Bernard
Harry Bonner
Nels Christensen
Maddie Drury
Mandy Dubiel
Mae Ola Dunklin
Dianne Guenin-Lelle
Jess Roberts
Mary Slater
Cindy Stanczak

COLLEGE VOLUNTEERS

Our summer training program would not be possible without the outstanding support, leadership, and commitment from several students at Albion College. College Volunteers apply and interview for their role, and it's entirely volunteer-based. We deeply value the hard work and dedication of the following 2018 college volunteers:
* denotes students who returned as Albion Big Read CVs for another year.

Emily Allison*

Maggie Belcher

Emily McCaleb*

Casey McCormick*

Anna Moore*

ArShawn Parker

DONORS

We would like to wholeheartedly thank our generous supporters. Albion's 2018 Big Read is made possible by the support of the following amazing organizations and individuals. Click the green text of the donors below to learn more.

Albion College History Department

Lewis Chapel AME Church

John and Mardie Roberts

Paul Mielke

Rosemary Smith Zander

Elizabeth Roberts and Jeff Hafner

Caitlin Roberts-Donovan

Kirsten Roberts

Catherine Fontana

Lauren Ridenour

Dene Roberts 

Libby Roberts  

PARTNERS

Our partners are local individuals, organizations, and businesses who donate time and energy to Albion’s Big Read. They support our program from behind the scenes by hosting book discussions, sharing space and resources, and much more. We joyfully thank them!

  • Marshall Public Schools

  • City of Albion

  • Albion College History Department / Coy James Lecture

  • 4H Creative and Expressive Arts Program

  • Michael Dixon

  • The Bohm Theater

  • Stirling Books and Brew

  • Sisters Influencing Society

  • Psi Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

  • Schuler Arts Creativity Retreat Center

  • Albion's Sister City Committee

  • Local chapter of AAUW

  • Albion Branch NAACP

  • Marshall Youngish Professionals

  • The Franke Center for the Arts

  • Albion Marshall Resilient Communities Project & The Public Theater Mobile Unit

  • Albion College Music Department

  • Albion Housing Commission

  • Pure Albion

  • Albion District Library