Vice President Harris makes surprise visit to Ypsilanti Bookstore

Vice President Kamala Harris and actress Octavia Spencer made a surprise visit Saturday to a Black-owned bookstore in Ypsilanti.

Black Stone Bookstore employee Asale Kimada was stocking shelves when Secret Service agents entered the store and told her that Vice President Harris was on his way for a visit.

“I tell everyone who comes to this bookstore that it’s special and it never fails,” Kimada said through tears.

As Secret Service agents conducted their security check before Harris arrived, Kimada called the store owner and told him to come over immediately.

“I gave up everything,” said store owner Carlos Franklin.

Shortly after Franklin arrived with his wife and daughter, Harris’ motorcade stopped.

Harris greeted Franklin and Kimada, introducing them to Spencer.

The group discussed the store’s roots and its impact on the community.

“I was telling him about my dream to make this place even bigger and do more in the community,” Franklin said. “She was very positive and understood my vision. »

Franklin and Harris bonded over a shared love of chess.

Harris spoke about learning the game from her uncle while Franklin shared her memories of teaching her daughters how to play.

From the bookstore, Harris and Spencer traveled to Detroit where they spoke at the Michigan Democratic Party’s annual dinner at Huntington Place.