In this ‘In the Spotlight’ series, we're highlighting community members of all interests and experiences, sharing their top reasons and tips for living in Ypsilanti.  

We’re shining a light on Kallista Marie, a dedicated and compassionate Ypsilanti community leader and founder of Our Community Reads, a non-profit organization committed to showing an accurate representation of our community, planting seeds of possibilities, and inspiring a love of reading.

Kallista explains why community is important to her, and why Ypsi is where she finds it.

1. What should we know about you and your organization?

Our Community Reads and the values of Kallista Marie are so intertwined. To start, I am truly an Ypsilantian, born at the former Beyer Hospital. I graduated from Washtenaw Community College, raised my sons here and got married here.  Through  being here, these young people that are coming up have really really opened my eyes to the importance of community and creating things. To make our future richer, move loving and a safe space. Those deeply rooted values is the driving force behind Our Community Reads.  

Our community Reads officially became a non-profit organization in 2020, providing more opportunities to serve our communities.  

2. Can you talk a little more about your collaborations with other organizations or local businesses?

I am big on collaborations! We all have our different lane of creativity, we all have things we’re really good at. The beauty and magic that happens when we put our lanes together, from the families we can reach, and the love that can be shared, and inspiration that can be poured out when the stars align. I’ve had the joy of working closely with CLR Academy, Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper, Mentor2Youth, Black Men Read, Ypsilanti Community Schools and Washtenaw Community College.  

3. Good things are happening in here all the time. What’s good in Ypsi? 

I just discovered The Deep End Cafe! I absolutely love it, they're probably going to get all my money. They have the most amazing chai. I’ve already had it twice! I love that it has black walls. When I was little, my uncles painted our basement black. So as soon as I walked in, it was a flood of sentimental emotion and seeing a black man, Pierre, behind the counter reminded me of my son and was full of joy. I was like ‘this is the life right here.’ Yeah- that's what’s good in Ypsi.

Kallista and I chatted about the unique decor and warm hospitality that shines at Deep End Cafe, creating a safe space and hosting special events like queer mic nights and poetry slams.

4. How would you describe Ypsilanti in 3 words?

Connected. Expanding.  Worth it. 

Connected: A lot of us in education come to the library and the lines are very much starting to overlap, and that’s so beautiful. Less people will fall through the cracks when we get more and more connected. We feel seen, and the more you feel seen, the more you’re able to pour love into the holes in yourself. Then you’re able to let that overflow into those around you.

Expanding: I love that we’re expanding. When you come here, it doesn’t feel like a little bitty town anymore, and the more you meet people they come here and they’re able to find themselves and put roots down. I grew up on the South side and I want to make sure we understand that you have value, and you have a right to be wherever you are- that greed does not push us out.

Worth it: meaning families are worth being invested in and deserve wellness and resources to create new pathways for themselves. There are so many people who know each other and work together to uplift our little big community. It’s happening more and more and that makes me happy.

5. What else would you like to share with readers?

Hope is still possible. It is never too late to change your stars no matter what you find yourself in, or what you think in your head- self-talk is a beast. But hope is still available. Drink from the up of hope yourself as an adult and not jus try to give it to your kids. The more you offer yourself opportunities to rediscover what lights you, you give them a better opportunity to discover it for themselves.

I really encourage people to take a deeper dive into Our Community Reads. Visit OurCommunityReads.com and follow or like us on Facebook and Instagram. If the work moves you, consider donating so we can continue to expand and reach more families.

What’s Next:
Our Community Reads hosts adult events like Silent Book Club and Books and Brews at Ypsilanti breweries like 734 Brewing Company and Unity Vibration. Catch the next Silent Book Club event on September 15.

Want to learn more about living in Ypsilanti? Find more features and property listings at LiveNypsi.com.