Stack of Books

In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Concordia University Ann Arbor is making an effort to honor his birthday with an educational gift to local children, collecting books from January 18-February 18.


The ‘Create a Dream’ book drive, hosted by CUAA’s Office of Multicultural Engagement (OME), is a month-long event. Between January 18-February 18, Concordians and community members are encouraged to drop off new and used books for children, ages pre-k to high school.

Once collected, these books will be distributed to students at Ypsilanti Community Schools.

“A lot of attention has been paid to the diversity of children’s books in recent years, highlighting the lack of diversity and amplifying the need for more literature for children and young adults that represents our multicultural society,” said OME Director Shanitra Cheff, who joined Concordia’s staff in 2019. “As MLK once said, ‘Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.’ We hope this book drive will have a small effect on greater community.”

While any donation is welcomed, the ‘Create a Dream’ book drive encourages participants to share books that depict diverse characters, as well as focus on topics including science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

Related: CUAA to host author session with Flint water crisis whistle-blower, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attish, on Feb. 17

Drop-off details

Books can be dropped off in the Student Services Building at the Welcome Desk as well as in each of the Residence Halls. Questions? Contact Director of the Office of Multicultural Engagement Shanitra Cheff at Shanitra.Cheff@cuaa.edu.

— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.

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