7 Yr Old Malaikah Takes Chicago By Storm
Malaikah Abdul-Jabbar made history on Mon April 26 as the youngest presenter in the 55yr history of the International Reading Association [IRA] conference in Chicago, which had an estimated attendance of 15,000.
The 7 yr old was too short to see over the podium and had to stand on a chair to give her speech, which included audience members who had switched plans to order to hear her speak. During her speech Malaikah told the audience that she loves Bermuda and her school, and she wrote the “Stop the Shooting” book to “to teach bad guys a lesson.” The book launched on April 20th, and quickly sold out.
Malaikah’s family said previous to the trip she was very excited about going to Chicago and staying in a hotel and kept asking “When are we going to get to hotel?”
The trip on Sunday got off to a bad start as they had a 6 hour layover in Philadelphia, and didn’t arrive in their hotel room in Chicago until 1:00 am.
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Sunday had been a very long day for Malaikah, but her family she was ready and bursting with energy Monday morning. Upon entering the McCormick Place Convention Center, Malaikah was astonished at the large crowds of people and at the size of the McCormick Place convention center. She kept saying “Wow”!
Conference attendees were just as amazed to see this very little person roaming the halls of the vast McCormick Place. Malaikah was given many free items, and bought a few books for herself and her little brothers.
Some people spoke to her and asked why she was there. Malaikah explained that she wrote a book and would present it. Some individuals who were scheduled for other sessions at the conference changed their plans to see Malaikah’s presentation instead.
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Malaikah was privileged to see and hear one of keynote speakers of the 55th IRA Conference, her Majesty the Queen of Jordan Rania Al Abdullah.
She was surprised and happy to hear that the queen was a Muslim like her. The queen spoke of the tensions and stereotypes that still exist between the Muslim world and America after 911. In her address, she encouraged tolerance, patience and respect between Arabs and Americans. The main focus of Queen Rania’s talk was to promote global education for all children.
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The sign announcing Queen Rania at the Conference
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Malaikah’s presentation was actually an extension of Mrs. Juliette Steede-Harris’ presentation; “ Using Bibliotherapy to Establish the Relationship Between Social-Emotional Skill Development and Academic Achievement”. Mrs. Harris was responsible for putting forth Malaikah’s name to IRA officials as a conference presenter for the 2010 annual conference.
Throughout the day and at Malaikah’s session, Mrs. Steede-Harris enthusiastically introduced Malaikah to various IRA members prior to giving her presentation. Each person was amazed and congratulated her for being such a young author. Many asked if she intended to write more books, Malaikah’s answer was always “yes.”
In her presentation Mrs. Steede-Harris said that Malaikah’s book is a prime example of bibliotherapy as it was a response from a child to the current unrest in Bermuda thus providing therapy to the entire island via a book. Mrs. Harris said, “This 7 year old has made a tremendous impact in having her voice out there.”
Dr. Andrea Lightbourn secretary for the Bermuda Reading Association introduced Malaikah to the Bibliotherapy session attendees.
Malaikah began her presentation by giving a speech where she introduced herself, informed the audience that she was from the “beautiful island of Bermuda.” She continued told them that she loved her island home and that she believed it would become peaceful again. She ended the speech with her now famous slogan, “Stop the Shooting!”
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The book cover of "Stop the Shooting"
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Next she read her book standing on a chair as she was too short to see over the podium. Her family tells us that the audience was very receptive.
Malaikah’s speech is below:
“Good Afternoon,
My name is Malaikah Abdul-Jabbar and I am 7 years old. I attend Victor Scott School on the beautiful Island of Bermuda.
I love my school and I love Bermuda. Recently a classmate of mine dad was shot and killed. I was really bothered by that.
I wrote this book to cheer up my friend. I wrote this book to teach bad guys a lesson. I wrote this book because I believe that Bermuda can still be one of the safest countries in the world.
I wrote this book because I have a voice and I wanted Bermuda to hear it. This book has been published and all have been sold so I do think that Bermuda has heard me loud and clear! STOP THE SHOOTING!”
A child has done this? Her parents have done a great job if she is so focused at this age. She understands the sensless turmoil of it all.
What a gem.
The answer to it all is in your hearts. Open up and stand proud.
Her parents definitely did a beyond fantastic job with her, she is such an impressive young lady. She is strikingly articulate for her age.
We met both her parents [Maaida Coleman & Mukhtar Abdul-Jabbar] and they also seem incredibly nice. Her mom in particular has worked tirelessly to get the book out.
Ah!!!! Bernews..were on the same page. And a child shall lead them…..All we need now are some followers of age.
I have not read the book as of yet. I will when I can purchase it.
Reminds me of what that looney Simon Cowel said on that show…….You stood there and did that”. I was not expecting that.”
Malaikah’s youthfull wisdom is needed by many leaders and average peoples. She deserves encourage at this stage but not too much attention. Please don’t take that out of context.
A great day too all.
Followers of age is exactly what we need.
I have some bad news for you though, the book has sold out and won’t be reprinted. Hopefully the library will have a few copies.
Patricia