Kyana Tate, August 8th, 2022
Title
Kyana Tate, August 8th, 2022
Description
In this interview, Kyana Tate tells her story of growing up and finding her passion.
Publisher
Detroit Historical Society
Rights
Detroit Historical Society
Language
en-US
Narrator/Interviewee's Name
Kyana Tate
Brief Biography
Kyana Tate is native Detroiter, and despite her being hard-of hearing she still strives to make an impact today.
Interview Place
Detroit, MI
Date
8/8/2022
Interview Length
48:47
Transcriptionist
Taylor Claybrook
Transcription
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:00:07] Right. And for my ears. Later, please mute your phones. Because when you're wearing headphones, ringers hurt. I am ready when you are. Yep, so this interview is for the hustle. Today is August 8th. And let's get right to it. All right. Where and when were you born?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:00:58] Hello, everyone. I'm Kyana Tate My sign name is the K on my cheek. I was born here in Detroit, Michigan.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:01:20] You can talk freely.
Kyana’s Mother [00:01:20] Okay. You can just ask her where and when you were born. She love to start signing her life story. I just want her to answers all of the questions, that's all.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:01:35] What part did I stop off at?
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:01:38] Uh, for the city of Detroit.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:01:40] Born here in this city. Detroit. Let's go. I think it was your birthday. I missed that part. I was doing your sign name. And then you're 18, your birthday. January four.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:02:09] Where in the city did you grow up?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:02:11] January 4th is my birthday. I'm 18 years old.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:02:14] Right.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:02:19] Where? East side, north in north west, northwest side of Detroit.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:02:32] Growing up there, did you have a deaf community to fall back on or to join?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:02:49] Not so much in my neighborhood, but in the schools. I had adults who were tutors and they were deaf. I joined the volleyball team for about three or four years and then I stopped because of COVID. I mean, you know with COVID, we all went to virtual, so that was a struggle. Um, I was glad when we were able to go back to in-person school because it's just harder learning that way in school, especially with math, you can't see those numbers that far away. Um. And the school I attended was the Detroit School of Art. My major was in art. Art history. Learning to draw. I was excited. I went to join, you know, extracurricular activities like dancing and that stuff. And that wasn't an interest to me. Um, and I just graduated. June 14th of this year.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:04:22] Congratulations.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:04:24] Thank you.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:04:28] So while you're studying for and focusing on art, what did you think about wanting to become a writer?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:04:54] So growing up, my mom, she loved bringing books and let me read books. And so looking at these books and reading these books, I noticed that there wasn't any black and brown children like me. And so I said, you know what? And there wasn't any sign language there. So one no one looking like me. So I asked different people from my family if they could be a part of my book with different showing, different ABCs, the alphabets. I'm sorry. And so I took pictures of family and friends. Doing the alphabets. So this this first book signing with Ky. The next book I want to start with is with more with facial expressions, actual signs, colors and numbers. So children who are that's learning their ABCs or the alphabets and numbers and colors will have illustration of black and brown children in sign language that looks like them.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:06:01] When did you first get this idea?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:06:23] I was 17, so last year. And as soon as I had the idea, shared it with my mom and we start producing.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:06:36] Do you remember what her reaction was when you told her?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:06:50] She looked. And she smiled at me and she said, You know what? I agree. And I understand where you're coming from. You're right. And a lot of our American Sign Language books. You don't see black and brown people in the books illustrated doing the signs. And so she, you know, set out to contact folks to find out how we could. Start this journey. And she got some resources and we looked at other different things and chatted with folks. My mom, she was actually my quote unquote interpreter and helping me navigate this process. We did the photographs and we figured out how to get them published and we contacted Amazon to get the book uploaded for people to purchase.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:07:57] Do remember what it felt like for you when you realized that you didn't see yourself in the book you were reading?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:08:24] I felt that because I didn't see anyone. It looks like me. Um. It didn't matter if it was kids or adults. I just didn't have that representation. And so that led to signing with Ky. And it actually inspired other people, not just me, because this book allows individuals to want to sign and communicate with deaf and hard of hearing people. It doesn't matter if they're family or friends or just strangers, but it has inspired people. And so I'm glad I decided to write this book.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:09:08] What was the reaction to with your friends and family as you started this process of getting people to help with the book and get it launched?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:09:38] They actually agree and support it. They said, you know, we didn't see any, you know, black and brown people in the but especially deaf individuals represented in the book. And so that's the other thing, too, about this book is that we want to make sure that deaf and hard of hearing communities are one in the same right. We are a community, not separate. So we want to make sure that there is unity there. And so in our book, we do have people who are hearing and we do have people who are deaf, who are illustrated in the book.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:10:21] So you mentioned earlier you were to get the book on Amazon. How else did you start spreading the word about the book?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:10:49] So we got it up on Amazon. What's her name? Amber. There is a lady. Miss Amber. She showed me an example of how to get it up. I went to Amazon and I figured that out. You know, you had to get your barcodes. Set that up on their set up the pricing. I told her that we wanted the book to be $15. Figure out how to do the coding for that. Once that was set up on Amazon. That was launched. Then we started to do like our Friends and Family Campaign and just, you know, getting the word out for people to purchase the book on Amazon. We went to different bookstores. Me and Amber. Miss Amber. She has a business and she allowed us to set up a little pop up shop or table where we able we were able to sell Signing with Ky there. And during that time, people were very interested and want to know the story of how it happened. And so I explained to people how the book became and why it's so important to have representation not just of black and brown children, but black and brown children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:12:31] What bookstores did you do the pop up at?
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:12:41] Yeah. You said you went to different she went to different bookstores.
Kyana’s Mother [00:13:03] It's a bakery.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:13:12] So interpreter... Correction. So sorry. You're right. It wasn't bookstores. It was a bakery or a restaurant outside of the restaurant. We set up a pop up shop there or pop up table where we were able to sell the book.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:13:29] Oh, awesome. Most any of the restaurant or the bakery.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:13:37] Oh, my gosh. I don't know.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:13:41] This is a great detail.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:13:47] I just remember she had really good desserts.
Kyana’s Mother [00:13:52] I have the bakery.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:13:55] BT's Bakery in Oak Park.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:14:02] Oh, what she said.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:14:05] So you had mentioned...
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:14:19] A few months ago, we went to Lansing... So she did have a pop up in a bookstore? Okay. So in Lansing.
Kyana’s Mother [00:15:14] It wasn't a bookstore, it was like a conference and they wanted a speaker in that conference.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:15:29] Oh, she's a book store area. So I was like it was in a...
Kyana’s Mother [00:15:33] Lot of people have books that they were selling.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:15:37] Vendor. Okay. All right. Well, I've just got to go with what you said, okay, so. In Lansing. I presented on signing with Ky my book business during that conference that my mom just stated, the interpreter forgot. And then at the African World Festival, we had a vendor table where we had a signing with Ky book there. Where we were able to sell some books.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:16:09] How did it start with the conference first? How did it feel going from not seeing yourself in in this world again, these books to presenting on a book that you created to represent yourself.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:16:50] Inspired. Um. Thrilled that I'm able to have inspired others to have connection with others. It's just warming to my heart that I went from a person who was sat where I didn't see this representation to now inspired and connected with other individuals.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:17:18] And then how did it feel going to African World Fest? Like you're in you're in Hart Plaza, you're downtown, and you're not only seeing yourself represented in this art form, but you're the one that did it and you're sharing it with the rest of Detroit.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:17:44] I'm sorry. You signed it. But.
Kyana’s Mother [00:17:50] It wasn't the African a world festival. It was the African American Family Expo. Oh, but she was supposed to go to the African World Festival and we went there to set up. But basically, like a vendors license or something.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:18:06] Yeah. If you have to jump through hoops.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:18:09] So which one.
Kyana’s Mother [00:18:11] It's called the African American Film Expo was like a black owned bookstore. They have different festivals. Um, and that was in February.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:18:25] Okay. African family world festival.
Kyana’s Mother [00:18:28] Not world festival. All right.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:18:31] But you say African family. I'm trying to find in the.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:18:37] Okay, no worries. The same question now.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:18:44] Well, I'm making sure she has that information as well, because. As an interpreter. She just said, Oh, you remember the African Festival? So that if you don't give me, I'm like, That's my connection, and I'm gonna give you work as an interpreter. I'm exapnding on, and so that's wrong information and I want to make sure it's correct. So thank you.
Kyana’s Mother [00:19:06] So could you say African American family book expo. Thanks.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:19:24] Family book expo.
Kyana’s Mother [00:19:28] Is African American. A black owned couple, they own a bookstore called The.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:20:07] So I'm just saying she's like, is this being recorded? Video? No, no, no. This is on the mic. So I'm like, That's good. Because, you know, I'm like, I'm off for like, you're doing great. And I'm just explaining that, you know information when we exapnd upon. If I don't have the exact same thing or don't if I get one word in, I assume as the interpreter and I stand upon, it's the wrong things. I just want to make sure it's right.
Kyana’s Mother [00:20:37] But this is our very first event.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:20:39] So first thing is that. So my first event was that I'm African American family...Family but expo in Southfield, Michigan.
Kyana’s Mother [00:20:55] Okay.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:20:57] At Book City, I got that one.
Kyana’s Mother [00:20:59] I know what it was about eight mile and they had a deal. And then.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:21:03] The couple who runs.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:21:04] The bookstore Book City.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:21:10] So that was her first event. Okay. Were you nervous going into that? The event thing is your first one.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:21:20] Yeah. Really nervous. I didn't know what to do. I didn't. I didn't expect being interviewed as well facts to was there so that was an impromptu interview and then. CNN flew in and did an interview with me a few months ago. Um. And then. So from all of that, I was really nervous because I had all of these people coming to me. So I wasn't expecting all of the attention, so to speak, about it and being interviewed. I just thought I needed to get this book out and I got this book out because I didn't see representation of me in books and I didn't expect to be overwhelmed with so many people who are interested and want to know the story of signing with Ky and why it became.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:22:44] So you you were asked to do the interviews with Fox two and CNN. I can only assume that that was extremely gratifying.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:23:08] I was. I was shocked that they wanted to interview me. And then I was shocked that they even knew about the story or how this even came... Came about. And so, of course, the questions like almost like yours, what prompted you to start this book and that again, explaining didn't see any representation of black and brown children or deaf and hard of hearing children that looked like me in the books. And so from this all of these interviews, I have spoken with other deaf and hard of hearing children because parents wanted me to speak to their kids about. You know, being deaf is not a limitation. And so I am I'm inspiring other folks and that's inspiring me. Because they they are looking up to me and I'm inspired by my mom. With her support of me going through this journey. And you know, you always have these negative type of hings that says black and brown people can't do things. And so. I want to show that we can. And then as a deaf person, people don't believe that I can, you know, drive an. I can't do certain things. And so. I am happy to show that I am able to drive. I am able to become a writer. I am able to go to college and succeed, that I am able to inspire others, that no matter what challenges you may face, that you can overcome.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:25:06] That was a really good answer. Now that you graduated from high school, what are your next steps? What do you what are your plans moving forward? Because you already said you mentioned a second book.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:25:26] No worries. My second venture is a restaurant called Crystal's place. And Crystal Place provides healthy wraps and recipes, smoothies. Okay. Just want to make sure I got fruit punch. the QR code. Okay. I'm like a QR code. So our menu is accessible through QR code and through cash app to pay. I'm the manager I'm their manager, and I'm in charge of making smoothies. Paris, which is another coworker. She works the cash register and owner. Pierce. Pierce. He does all of the cooking. And my mom. And Jessica, Khadijah and Jessica. And Tony, our support. What's interesting about Crystall's place is it is ran by youth. So we are in our teens and tweens. And we are overseen...We have the support of our parents.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:27:41] So we are doing pop ups now. But in our building, when we get our building because we're going to put it out there that we're getting it or claiming it now we're going to have, of course, seating area for eating and dining, and then we want a space for dancing and entertainment. And then we want like a play area because again, we are teens and tweens, but the goal is really to have a place where deaf and hard of hearing and hearing individuals can come together and. Just enjoy a great meal and time and communicate and, you know, all those wonderful things. And when we have our grand opening, I will hope to see you both there. Um. And a reason why we really want crystal place to be here and come to fruition is because. Jessica's sister. Her name was Crystal, and Crystal was a child of a deaf adult. Her parents were deaf and she was an integral part of our community. She gave back. She supported. She was there and she was a, you know, a health person. She liked to make sure that, you know, she ate good and her nutrition was right. And so that's the honor of Crystal, is to honor her memory of what she did for the community and because the way that she carried herself with her nutrition. What was that last part? .
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:29:36] Well. Because with deaf people. And that's the other thing. They give you stuff and I have to put that in complete English sentences. A lot of verbs and tenses is removed and I have to remember to add them in there. So my process time is a little bit longer than her signing. So I missed the ending part after that. So.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:30:08] Okay Crystal's also was a sign language interpreter as well. And she also taught sign language to other individuals in the community. And she passed away. She passed away some years ago. I can't remember. And so, again, this is to honor Crystal and her legacy of giving back to the community as an interpreter and as a person who...ate well.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:31:04] Ask her what her Crystal's last name was. Crystal Fowler.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:31:29] Is there anything about your book or its creation that you wanted to tell me that I didn't ask you about?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:32:06] No. I told you everything about signing with Ky.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:32:12] One thing I believe I asked earlier and I can't remember, I wanna double check did you go to street fairs and other like small events to spread the word about your book?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:32:53] Juneteenth? Nope. Juneteenth. I didn't see that. Where? Northwest Activities Center. No, no.
Kyana’s Mother [00:33:38] It was like seven mile. They had like an event for Juneteenth.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:33:44] Oh, you talking about the Livernois corridor? You know, it's just outside the Livernois corridor when you have the Juneteenth event. So Juneteenth event at the Livernois corridor. We had a pop up table there where we advertised our signing with Ky and sold books? nope, just gave them away.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:34:18] Oh.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:34:20] So gave out signing with Ky books to individuals who came to the table. Mm hmm. Okay. Um. So Juneteenth. The African American Family Book Expo. Lansing. Church. Which church? You see Unity Church in... Unity Church in Detroit. Um. Where's the one where she was on the picture with all the different authors. That was the African-American family. Okay. I'm just trying to remember all the different ones that I saw.
Kyana’s Mother [00:35:15] BT's.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:35:16] BT's.
Kyana’s Mother [00:35:21] It would have been the African world festival. The same day instead of three. I see it right now.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:35:39] Where was the pop up? The pop up in the parking lot, and I just see pictures. I don't remember. There was a pop up in a parking lot. I think I know. Could be. So in the parking lot.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:36:01] It's okay.
Kyana’s Mother [00:36:02] I'm all right. But the future. She has two events coming up. I don't know why she's shy now, but she's going to Maryland for a mental health conference. Let's hope, kids for two days. And then in October, Grand Rapids Library will. And she's doing a kick off with the mayor for the GVYT program. she's really scared about that because there so many cameras and everything like. I think you were there. I was there. That was like her first, like, whoa, everybody here. Like, you see there, there.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:36:52] How does it feel to represent Detroit across the country?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:37:12] To be honest. Overwhelming, because I'm shy and nervous. But I love traveling, though. I like the experience. I'll be fine, though. It's just interviewing people. I get nervous. I don't know. Um. But I'm sure I'll get used to it and I'll get over it because the story is more important than my nervousness, because people need to know. Right. And then there's children and others that's probably looking up to me. And so. I'll get through it. And this book has spread it to just all over. And so it's inspiring, you know, younger kids to see themselves in the book. And I don't mind explaining to them. I don't feel nervous around them, though. It is inspiring that people are supporting me and want to communicate with me and want to learn sign language. Because that's the goal really is for people to learn sign language, to communicate with each other. Detroit recovery. I worked at a summertime reservation. After. I worked at the Detroit restaurant, the Black Detroit Recreation Center, working with youths from 12 to I'm sorry, from 5 to 12 years old. Teaching them sign language, the alphabets colors. Facial expressions. And just giving them a little history about or background on deaf culture and sign language. American Sign Language. And these kids really picked it up. They were so motivated. And I got to explain. You know who I am? And I think I've benefited more than they did. I was inspired to see the look in their eyes and they told me they wanted to be like me when I grow up. They wanted to have their own business. And, you know, it's not just. Black children, but brown children who are inspired as well. And so they were like, you know, we need books in our language as well. And I'm like, go for it. Make sure that you, you know, you put books in your language and you see yourself in books.
Kyana’s Mother [00:40:38] And she just started that. Last month, it looked like a summer camp with the Detroit recreation center. So she teaches sign language classes. And then in the fall, they want her to teach at a different recreation center. So.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:41:02] Yeah, you're right. So in the fall, those will be from 14 to adult age. But right now is you from 5 to 12.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:41:15] And just so that's on the mic. So you said there was a fall summer camp through the Detroit Recreation Center for this summer? Oh, yeah. I don't know. I said fall summer falls camp.
Kyana’s Mother [00:41:29] Summer camp.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:41:31] Summer camp now from 5 to 12 and then fall. Could be ages 14 to adults.
Kyana’s Mother [00:41:42] It's a partnership she has.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:41:45] That's awesome. Just a couple more questions. What was the grant you said you received?
Kyana’s Mother [00:42:10] Wayne metropolitan community action...
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:42:28] It's a Wayne Metropolitan.
Kyana’s Mother [00:42:30] Community Action Agency.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:42:39] And so that's the organization that gave it out.
Kyana’s Mother [00:42:43] Yeah, like, we, um, I hope they apply for a grant to five different events, you know, possibly any business, any trade. Okay. Money to give out free.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:42:55] Cool. My last question. Okay, cool. When you hear the word hustle, what does it what do you think of.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:43:11] Not hear, see the word.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:43:28] Yes. Yes, it is.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:43:30] It is a movie. Well, that's one way. But the word itself. Do you remember the movie? What did they do in the movie? Oh, God.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:43:47] So. So when you first heard about this project kind of like that. Not the movie.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:43:54] So. The movie. What did you think? You think?
Kyana’s Mother [00:44:36] I don't know. So you like as well as you like. Oh, man, I'm. I'm.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:44:41] I'm trying to expand as the interpreter. I know, I know. Context. I'm like, I'm trying.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:44:46] Okay, so, like, with so the name of the project is called The Hustle. And like when people. The project, the name of the project is called the hustle. And like usually people see like a hustle is and like exclusively a side gig or they're like they're running around as quick as they can to get as much work done. I'm just wondering what she thinks when she hear when she sees that word.
Kyana’s Mother [00:45:12] Is a perfect example of it.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:45:14] Like hustle is really you're doing. Book...Your Traveling. That's. You're teaching you that? And yet now you know what it means. I think you see. To you. So have the means to me. Creating businesses opportunities. Inspiring interviewing. Celebrating. And different places. Set interview interviewing already. Being busy. With creating important work. Inspiring and being inspired. Being proud. Being a proud black woman. Doing wonderful things in the community.
Kyana’s Mother [00:47:14] Yeah, sure. Not to hustle or whatever, but. So guess how she's saying...She came with a book idea. That was how it happened. But she also was applying for a different job, and a lot of people were denying her. So she was you know, I was really frustrated. And so I was like, okay, well, kind think of something you can do on your own. And then that's when she came up with the idea of saying that I don't want to work for people. No, I want to own my own business and do things. And but she did a good job at TJMaxx. And she also worked at U of M. But some people, if she applied, she would want to work at Tim Hortons or Target. And she would call them...They would hang up. She called with an interpreter or she would email them and they wouldn't respond. But, you know, like they're hiring. There's a lot of jobs are hiring and she's like why aren't they hiring me, like I'm doing, you know, don't know. And so that was really frustrating for her. So that was like another motivation. What I would say, like even an interview that we would pay for our own interpreters, which they were supposed to do.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:48:38] Well. All right. Thank you all so much for coming in. That was great. Yes.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:00:58] Hello, everyone. I'm Kyana Tate My sign name is the K on my cheek. I was born here in Detroit, Michigan.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:01:20] You can talk freely.
Kyana’s Mother [00:01:20] Okay. You can just ask her where and when you were born. She love to start signing her life story. I just want her to answers all of the questions, that's all.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:01:35] What part did I stop off at?
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:01:38] Uh, for the city of Detroit.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:01:40] Born here in this city. Detroit. Let's go. I think it was your birthday. I missed that part. I was doing your sign name. And then you're 18, your birthday. January four.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:02:09] Where in the city did you grow up?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:02:11] January 4th is my birthday. I'm 18 years old.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:02:14] Right.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:02:19] Where? East side, north in north west, northwest side of Detroit.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:02:32] Growing up there, did you have a deaf community to fall back on or to join?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:02:49] Not so much in my neighborhood, but in the schools. I had adults who were tutors and they were deaf. I joined the volleyball team for about three or four years and then I stopped because of COVID. I mean, you know with COVID, we all went to virtual, so that was a struggle. Um, I was glad when we were able to go back to in-person school because it's just harder learning that way in school, especially with math, you can't see those numbers that far away. Um. And the school I attended was the Detroit School of Art. My major was in art. Art history. Learning to draw. I was excited. I went to join, you know, extracurricular activities like dancing and that stuff. And that wasn't an interest to me. Um, and I just graduated. June 14th of this year.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:04:22] Congratulations.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:04:24] Thank you.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:04:28] So while you're studying for and focusing on art, what did you think about wanting to become a writer?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:04:54] So growing up, my mom, she loved bringing books and let me read books. And so looking at these books and reading these books, I noticed that there wasn't any black and brown children like me. And so I said, you know what? And there wasn't any sign language there. So one no one looking like me. So I asked different people from my family if they could be a part of my book with different showing, different ABCs, the alphabets. I'm sorry. And so I took pictures of family and friends. Doing the alphabets. So this this first book signing with Ky. The next book I want to start with is with more with facial expressions, actual signs, colors and numbers. So children who are that's learning their ABCs or the alphabets and numbers and colors will have illustration of black and brown children in sign language that looks like them.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:06:01] When did you first get this idea?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:06:23] I was 17, so last year. And as soon as I had the idea, shared it with my mom and we start producing.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:06:36] Do you remember what her reaction was when you told her?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:06:50] She looked. And she smiled at me and she said, You know what? I agree. And I understand where you're coming from. You're right. And a lot of our American Sign Language books. You don't see black and brown people in the books illustrated doing the signs. And so she, you know, set out to contact folks to find out how we could. Start this journey. And she got some resources and we looked at other different things and chatted with folks. My mom, she was actually my quote unquote interpreter and helping me navigate this process. We did the photographs and we figured out how to get them published and we contacted Amazon to get the book uploaded for people to purchase.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:07:57] Do remember what it felt like for you when you realized that you didn't see yourself in the book you were reading?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:08:24] I felt that because I didn't see anyone. It looks like me. Um. It didn't matter if it was kids or adults. I just didn't have that representation. And so that led to signing with Ky. And it actually inspired other people, not just me, because this book allows individuals to want to sign and communicate with deaf and hard of hearing people. It doesn't matter if they're family or friends or just strangers, but it has inspired people. And so I'm glad I decided to write this book.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:09:08] What was the reaction to with your friends and family as you started this process of getting people to help with the book and get it launched?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:09:38] They actually agree and support it. They said, you know, we didn't see any, you know, black and brown people in the but especially deaf individuals represented in the book. And so that's the other thing, too, about this book is that we want to make sure that deaf and hard of hearing communities are one in the same right. We are a community, not separate. So we want to make sure that there is unity there. And so in our book, we do have people who are hearing and we do have people who are deaf, who are illustrated in the book.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:10:21] So you mentioned earlier you were to get the book on Amazon. How else did you start spreading the word about the book?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:10:49] So we got it up on Amazon. What's her name? Amber. There is a lady. Miss Amber. She showed me an example of how to get it up. I went to Amazon and I figured that out. You know, you had to get your barcodes. Set that up on their set up the pricing. I told her that we wanted the book to be $15. Figure out how to do the coding for that. Once that was set up on Amazon. That was launched. Then we started to do like our Friends and Family Campaign and just, you know, getting the word out for people to purchase the book on Amazon. We went to different bookstores. Me and Amber. Miss Amber. She has a business and she allowed us to set up a little pop up shop or table where we able we were able to sell Signing with Ky there. And during that time, people were very interested and want to know the story of how it happened. And so I explained to people how the book became and why it's so important to have representation not just of black and brown children, but black and brown children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:12:31] What bookstores did you do the pop up at?
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:12:41] Yeah. You said you went to different she went to different bookstores.
Kyana’s Mother [00:13:03] It's a bakery.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:13:12] So interpreter... Correction. So sorry. You're right. It wasn't bookstores. It was a bakery or a restaurant outside of the restaurant. We set up a pop up shop there or pop up table where we were able to sell the book.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:13:29] Oh, awesome. Most any of the restaurant or the bakery.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:13:37] Oh, my gosh. I don't know.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:13:41] This is a great detail.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:13:47] I just remember she had really good desserts.
Kyana’s Mother [00:13:52] I have the bakery.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:13:55] BT's Bakery in Oak Park.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:14:02] Oh, what she said.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:14:05] So you had mentioned...
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:14:19] A few months ago, we went to Lansing... So she did have a pop up in a bookstore? Okay. So in Lansing.
Kyana’s Mother [00:15:14] It wasn't a bookstore, it was like a conference and they wanted a speaker in that conference.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:15:29] Oh, she's a book store area. So I was like it was in a...
Kyana’s Mother [00:15:33] Lot of people have books that they were selling.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:15:37] Vendor. Okay. All right. Well, I've just got to go with what you said, okay, so. In Lansing. I presented on signing with Ky my book business during that conference that my mom just stated, the interpreter forgot. And then at the African World Festival, we had a vendor table where we had a signing with Ky book there. Where we were able to sell some books.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:16:09] How did it start with the conference first? How did it feel going from not seeing yourself in in this world again, these books to presenting on a book that you created to represent yourself.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:16:50] Inspired. Um. Thrilled that I'm able to have inspired others to have connection with others. It's just warming to my heart that I went from a person who was sat where I didn't see this representation to now inspired and connected with other individuals.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:17:18] And then how did it feel going to African World Fest? Like you're in you're in Hart Plaza, you're downtown, and you're not only seeing yourself represented in this art form, but you're the one that did it and you're sharing it with the rest of Detroit.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:17:44] I'm sorry. You signed it. But.
Kyana’s Mother [00:17:50] It wasn't the African a world festival. It was the African American Family Expo. Oh, but she was supposed to go to the African World Festival and we went there to set up. But basically, like a vendors license or something.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:18:06] Yeah. If you have to jump through hoops.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:18:09] So which one.
Kyana’s Mother [00:18:11] It's called the African American Film Expo was like a black owned bookstore. They have different festivals. Um, and that was in February.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:18:25] Okay. African family world festival.
Kyana’s Mother [00:18:28] Not world festival. All right.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:18:31] But you say African family. I'm trying to find in the.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:18:37] Okay, no worries. The same question now.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:18:44] Well, I'm making sure she has that information as well, because. As an interpreter. She just said, Oh, you remember the African Festival? So that if you don't give me, I'm like, That's my connection, and I'm gonna give you work as an interpreter. I'm exapnding on, and so that's wrong information and I want to make sure it's correct. So thank you.
Kyana’s Mother [00:19:06] So could you say African American family book expo. Thanks.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:19:24] Family book expo.
Kyana’s Mother [00:19:28] Is African American. A black owned couple, they own a bookstore called The.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:20:07] So I'm just saying she's like, is this being recorded? Video? No, no, no. This is on the mic. So I'm like, That's good. Because, you know, I'm like, I'm off for like, you're doing great. And I'm just explaining that, you know information when we exapnd upon. If I don't have the exact same thing or don't if I get one word in, I assume as the interpreter and I stand upon, it's the wrong things. I just want to make sure it's right.
Kyana’s Mother [00:20:37] But this is our very first event.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:20:39] So first thing is that. So my first event was that I'm African American family...Family but expo in Southfield, Michigan.
Kyana’s Mother [00:20:55] Okay.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:20:57] At Book City, I got that one.
Kyana’s Mother [00:20:59] I know what it was about eight mile and they had a deal. And then.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:21:03] The couple who runs.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:21:04] The bookstore Book City.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:21:10] So that was her first event. Okay. Were you nervous going into that? The event thing is your first one.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:21:20] Yeah. Really nervous. I didn't know what to do. I didn't. I didn't expect being interviewed as well facts to was there so that was an impromptu interview and then. CNN flew in and did an interview with me a few months ago. Um. And then. So from all of that, I was really nervous because I had all of these people coming to me. So I wasn't expecting all of the attention, so to speak, about it and being interviewed. I just thought I needed to get this book out and I got this book out because I didn't see representation of me in books and I didn't expect to be overwhelmed with so many people who are interested and want to know the story of signing with Ky and why it became.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:22:44] So you you were asked to do the interviews with Fox two and CNN. I can only assume that that was extremely gratifying.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:23:08] I was. I was shocked that they wanted to interview me. And then I was shocked that they even knew about the story or how this even came... Came about. And so, of course, the questions like almost like yours, what prompted you to start this book and that again, explaining didn't see any representation of black and brown children or deaf and hard of hearing children that looked like me in the books. And so from this all of these interviews, I have spoken with other deaf and hard of hearing children because parents wanted me to speak to their kids about. You know, being deaf is not a limitation. And so I am I'm inspiring other folks and that's inspiring me. Because they they are looking up to me and I'm inspired by my mom. With her support of me going through this journey. And you know, you always have these negative type of hings that says black and brown people can't do things. And so. I want to show that we can. And then as a deaf person, people don't believe that I can, you know, drive an. I can't do certain things. And so. I am happy to show that I am able to drive. I am able to become a writer. I am able to go to college and succeed, that I am able to inspire others, that no matter what challenges you may face, that you can overcome.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:25:06] That was a really good answer. Now that you graduated from high school, what are your next steps? What do you what are your plans moving forward? Because you already said you mentioned a second book.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:25:26] No worries. My second venture is a restaurant called Crystal's place. And Crystal Place provides healthy wraps and recipes, smoothies. Okay. Just want to make sure I got fruit punch. the QR code. Okay. I'm like a QR code. So our menu is accessible through QR code and through cash app to pay. I'm the manager I'm their manager, and I'm in charge of making smoothies. Paris, which is another coworker. She works the cash register and owner. Pierce. Pierce. He does all of the cooking. And my mom. And Jessica, Khadijah and Jessica. And Tony, our support. What's interesting about Crystall's place is it is ran by youth. So we are in our teens and tweens. And we are overseen...We have the support of our parents.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:27:41] So we are doing pop ups now. But in our building, when we get our building because we're going to put it out there that we're getting it or claiming it now we're going to have, of course, seating area for eating and dining, and then we want a space for dancing and entertainment. And then we want like a play area because again, we are teens and tweens, but the goal is really to have a place where deaf and hard of hearing and hearing individuals can come together and. Just enjoy a great meal and time and communicate and, you know, all those wonderful things. And when we have our grand opening, I will hope to see you both there. Um. And a reason why we really want crystal place to be here and come to fruition is because. Jessica's sister. Her name was Crystal, and Crystal was a child of a deaf adult. Her parents were deaf and she was an integral part of our community. She gave back. She supported. She was there and she was a, you know, a health person. She liked to make sure that, you know, she ate good and her nutrition was right. And so that's the honor of Crystal, is to honor her memory of what she did for the community and because the way that she carried herself with her nutrition. What was that last part? .
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:29:36] Well. Because with deaf people. And that's the other thing. They give you stuff and I have to put that in complete English sentences. A lot of verbs and tenses is removed and I have to remember to add them in there. So my process time is a little bit longer than her signing. So I missed the ending part after that. So.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:30:08] Okay Crystal's also was a sign language interpreter as well. And she also taught sign language to other individuals in the community. And she passed away. She passed away some years ago. I can't remember. And so, again, this is to honor Crystal and her legacy of giving back to the community as an interpreter and as a person who...ate well.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:31:04] Ask her what her Crystal's last name was. Crystal Fowler.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:31:29] Is there anything about your book or its creation that you wanted to tell me that I didn't ask you about?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:32:06] No. I told you everything about signing with Ky.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:32:12] One thing I believe I asked earlier and I can't remember, I wanna double check did you go to street fairs and other like small events to spread the word about your book?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:32:53] Juneteenth? Nope. Juneteenth. I didn't see that. Where? Northwest Activities Center. No, no.
Kyana’s Mother [00:33:38] It was like seven mile. They had like an event for Juneteenth.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:33:44] Oh, you talking about the Livernois corridor? You know, it's just outside the Livernois corridor when you have the Juneteenth event. So Juneteenth event at the Livernois corridor. We had a pop up table there where we advertised our signing with Ky and sold books? nope, just gave them away.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:34:18] Oh.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:34:20] So gave out signing with Ky books to individuals who came to the table. Mm hmm. Okay. Um. So Juneteenth. The African American Family Book Expo. Lansing. Church. Which church? You see Unity Church in... Unity Church in Detroit. Um. Where's the one where she was on the picture with all the different authors. That was the African-American family. Okay. I'm just trying to remember all the different ones that I saw.
Kyana’s Mother [00:35:15] BT's.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:35:16] BT's.
Kyana’s Mother [00:35:21] It would have been the African world festival. The same day instead of three. I see it right now.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:35:39] Where was the pop up? The pop up in the parking lot, and I just see pictures. I don't remember. There was a pop up in a parking lot. I think I know. Could be. So in the parking lot.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:36:01] It's okay.
Kyana’s Mother [00:36:02] I'm all right. But the future. She has two events coming up. I don't know why she's shy now, but she's going to Maryland for a mental health conference. Let's hope, kids for two days. And then in October, Grand Rapids Library will. And she's doing a kick off with the mayor for the GVYT program. she's really scared about that because there so many cameras and everything like. I think you were there. I was there. That was like her first, like, whoa, everybody here. Like, you see there, there.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:36:52] How does it feel to represent Detroit across the country?
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:37:12] To be honest. Overwhelming, because I'm shy and nervous. But I love traveling, though. I like the experience. I'll be fine, though. It's just interviewing people. I get nervous. I don't know. Um. But I'm sure I'll get used to it and I'll get over it because the story is more important than my nervousness, because people need to know. Right. And then there's children and others that's probably looking up to me. And so. I'll get through it. And this book has spread it to just all over. And so it's inspiring, you know, younger kids to see themselves in the book. And I don't mind explaining to them. I don't feel nervous around them, though. It is inspiring that people are supporting me and want to communicate with me and want to learn sign language. Because that's the goal really is for people to learn sign language, to communicate with each other. Detroit recovery. I worked at a summertime reservation. After. I worked at the Detroit restaurant, the Black Detroit Recreation Center, working with youths from 12 to I'm sorry, from 5 to 12 years old. Teaching them sign language, the alphabets colors. Facial expressions. And just giving them a little history about or background on deaf culture and sign language. American Sign Language. And these kids really picked it up. They were so motivated. And I got to explain. You know who I am? And I think I've benefited more than they did. I was inspired to see the look in their eyes and they told me they wanted to be like me when I grow up. They wanted to have their own business. And, you know, it's not just. Black children, but brown children who are inspired as well. And so they were like, you know, we need books in our language as well. And I'm like, go for it. Make sure that you, you know, you put books in your language and you see yourself in books.
Kyana’s Mother [00:40:38] And she just started that. Last month, it looked like a summer camp with the Detroit recreation center. So she teaches sign language classes. And then in the fall, they want her to teach at a different recreation center. So.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:41:02] Yeah, you're right. So in the fall, those will be from 14 to adult age. But right now is you from 5 to 12.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:41:15] And just so that's on the mic. So you said there was a fall summer camp through the Detroit Recreation Center for this summer? Oh, yeah. I don't know. I said fall summer falls camp.
Kyana’s Mother [00:41:29] Summer camp.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:41:31] Summer camp now from 5 to 12 and then fall. Could be ages 14 to adults.
Kyana’s Mother [00:41:42] It's a partnership she has.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:41:45] That's awesome. Just a couple more questions. What was the grant you said you received?
Kyana’s Mother [00:42:10] Wayne metropolitan community action...
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:42:28] It's a Wayne Metropolitan.
Kyana’s Mother [00:42:30] Community Action Agency.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:42:39] And so that's the organization that gave it out.
Kyana’s Mother [00:42:43] Yeah, like, we, um, I hope they apply for a grant to five different events, you know, possibly any business, any trade. Okay. Money to give out free.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:42:55] Cool. My last question. Okay, cool. When you hear the word hustle, what does it what do you think of.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:43:11] Not hear, see the word.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:43:28] Yes. Yes, it is.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:43:30] It is a movie. Well, that's one way. But the word itself. Do you remember the movie? What did they do in the movie? Oh, God.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:43:47] So. So when you first heard about this project kind of like that. Not the movie.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:43:54] So. The movie. What did you think? You think?
Kyana’s Mother [00:44:36] I don't know. So you like as well as you like. Oh, man, I'm. I'm.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:44:41] I'm trying to expand as the interpreter. I know, I know. Context. I'm like, I'm trying.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:44:46] Okay, so, like, with so the name of the project is called The Hustle. And like when people. The project, the name of the project is called the hustle. And like usually people see like a hustle is and like exclusively a side gig or they're like they're running around as quick as they can to get as much work done. I'm just wondering what she thinks when she hear when she sees that word.
Kyana’s Mother [00:45:12] Is a perfect example of it.
Kyana’s ASL Interpreter [00:45:14] Like hustle is really you're doing. Book...Your Traveling. That's. You're teaching you that? And yet now you know what it means. I think you see. To you. So have the means to me. Creating businesses opportunities. Inspiring interviewing. Celebrating. And different places. Set interview interviewing already. Being busy. With creating important work. Inspiring and being inspired. Being proud. Being a proud black woman. Doing wonderful things in the community.
Kyana’s Mother [00:47:14] Yeah, sure. Not to hustle or whatever, but. So guess how she's saying...She came with a book idea. That was how it happened. But she also was applying for a different job, and a lot of people were denying her. So she was you know, I was really frustrated. And so I was like, okay, well, kind think of something you can do on your own. And then that's when she came up with the idea of saying that I don't want to work for people. No, I want to own my own business and do things. And but she did a good job at TJMaxx. And she also worked at U of M. But some people, if she applied, she would want to work at Tim Hortons or Target. And she would call them...They would hang up. She called with an interpreter or she would email them and they wouldn't respond. But, you know, like they're hiring. There's a lot of jobs are hiring and she's like why aren't they hiring me, like I'm doing, you know, don't know. And so that was really frustrating for her. So that was like another motivation. What I would say, like even an interview that we would pay for our own interpreters, which they were supposed to do.
Billy Wall-Winkel [00:48:38] Well. All right. Thank you all so much for coming in. That was great. Yes.
Files
Collection
Citation
“Kyana Tate, August 8th, 2022,” Detroit Historical Society Oral History Archive, accessed October 5, 2024, https://detroit1967.detroithistorical.org/items/show/802.