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Vice President Harris makes surprise visit to Ypsilanti bookstore

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

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

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

As Secret Service agents did their security sweep ahead of Harris’ arrival, Kimada called the store’s owner and told him to come right away.

“I dropped everything,” store owner Carlos Franklin said.

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

Harris greeted Franklin and Kimada, introducing them to Spencer.

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

“I was telling her just about my dream to make this an even bigger spot and just do more in the community,” Franklin said. “She was very positive and understood my insight.”

Franklin and Harris bonded over a shared love of chess.

Harris talked about learning the game from her uncle as Franklin shared his memories of teaching his daughters how to play.

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


About the Author
Jacqueline Francis headshot

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

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