Pics: 7 Yr Old Malaikah Launches Book at City Hall
The book launch for 7 yr old Malaikah Abdul-Jabbar’s book “Stop the Shooting” was held today on the steps of City Hall. The event was quite well attended by a cross section of the community, and highly enjoyed by all. Books and well as t-shirts were on sale, and it was announced that part of the proceeds from the sales would go towards a new organization to be formed – the Malaikah Peace Fund.
Deputy Premier and Minister Paula Cox spoke at the launch, saying how impressed she was by the book and Malaikah herself. Using a highly applicable quote from talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, Minister Cox said “sometimes the youngest stars shine the brightest.”
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The principal of Malaikah’s school Victor Scott, Ms Valerie Williams, spoke calling Malaikah a star student and expressing how proud she, and all the staff and student body are of Malaikah. Ms Williams also touched on the tragedy the school suffered, the murders of two fathers of students and the well known events of Good Friday on the school field.
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Malaikah’s mother Maaida Coleman spoke next, and took the time to thank numerous people who helped the book and launch come to fruition.
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The star of the day spoke last. In a speech that literally brought members of the audience to tears, she said she was motivated to write the book after becoming “upset, confused but mostly angry” over the shootings. With an impassioned voice and raising her arm above her head, she said “I may be young, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have a voice, I have a strong voice”.
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Malaikah was signing all the books sold, which we estimate must have been over 100 in the time we were there alone
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Malaikah’s dad Mukhtar Abdul-Jabbar was in attendance, and in something that will surprise no one, he was practically bursting with pride:
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Minister Paula Cox purchased what looked to be multiple books, and said she had already read the book and enjoyed it immensely:
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Many people came out in support of the event, and through the whole time we were there, it was a constant line of people waiting to buy a book.
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We spoke with a few people at the event, with one very emotional lady hiding behind sunglasses during Malaikah’s speech and telling us “this is why I wore them”. We chatted with a Court Street resident who said how sick he was of “all the nonsense”. The gentleman purchased multiple books, one for each of his children. We also spoke with two guest workers who said they were impressed beyond words by Malaikah.
Bernews is in proud possession of a signed copy of the book, and encourage anyone who may have missed the signing to support Bermuda’s youngest author, and grab a copy. Online ordering is available on Maliakah’s website Stoptheshooting.com
On another positive note, we would like to thank our first “Good News” sponsor on-board – BermudaSupply.com. Through their generous sponsorship, Bernews will be bringing far more positive news and making a special effort to highlight all the good things in our community.
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Our “Good News” program involves companies specifically supporting us promoting positive news about Bermuda and Bermudians. “Bad news” is usually a high draw for media, hence why many focus on it as in order for business to remain financially viable, it is often necessary to do so.
Bernews, along with our sponsors, would like to emphasize good news and support the community, so this new program will facilitate this. If you, or anyone you know of, has good news of any manner please contact us!
Thanks again to BermudaSupply.com.
