The Topaze Reading Circle Initiative
Bringing books, joy, and representation to classrooms across Ypsilanti!
The Topaze Reading Circle Initiative brings community reading into Ypsilanti classrooms—where every child holds the same book being read aloud, traces the words with their fingers, and feels a sense of belonging in the story. This powerful moment of connection fosters joy, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.
In partnership with community partners, we’ve gifted over 1,000 books and snacks this school year. Children keep their books—building home libraries and affirming that they are readers. Each session is led by guest readers who reflect the diversity of our students, because representation matters.
The Topaze Reading Circle also includes a monthly book club for teens in 8th grade and up. From February to July. We read together. We ask questions. We laugh. We connect. We grow and reflect. The experience includes a special day of reading with younger students and ends with a celebratory field trip—because books can take you places, both literally and figuratively.
You can help us keep this circle going!
We welcome donations that help our programs continue to reach more children in the 48197/48198 zip codes. Your contribution helps us build a future where every child feels seen, valued, empowered and inspired to read.
Visit OurCommunityReads.com to donate, volunteer, or learn more.
Together, we’re growing a community of confident readers, one page at a time.
The Topaze Project: A Legacy of Love, Learning, and Literacy
The Topaze Reading Circle Initiative was launched in 2024 to honor the radiant legacy of my mother, Topaze T. Taharaja—a woman whose spirit continues to light my path. My mom was full of life, curiosity, and laughter. Though she didn’t graduate from high school, she was a brilliant woman—wise in business, finances, and the art of connection. She was an avid reader and lifelong learner who poured that same love of discovery into me, her only child, and into her seven younger siblings.
As the oldest of eight, she made it her mission to expose us all to beauty, culture, and wonder—taking us on road trips, to plays and parks, and even to marvel at the waterfalls of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. She was my greatest teacher and my shero.
Since her transition in 2019, I’ve searched for ways to keep her joy, brilliance, and nurturing spirit alive. The Topaze Reading Circle is my love letter to her—and to every child and caregiver we serve. It’s a space where stories become bridges, reading becomes a celebration, and her legacy continues to bloom.
