Zykeya McLeod, 19-year old author of An Inner Child Speaks intends to make a difference in the world. The author created the story in 5th grade at the age of 11 for a class assignment. An Inner Child Speaks is her first creation and she has already begun to set sail on her next. She has said, “It’s important to touch subjects that many adults are afraid to tackle.”

 

Ms. McLeod is now a college student at Barry University in Miami, Florida where she has a double major in Business Management and Spanish.  Zykeya is also an entrepreneur at heart. She is owner of U CAN SPEAK UP which encourages all children to “speak out” about what’s on their mind, concerns they may have and what it is they may be going through.  Additionally, Zykeya is co-owner of Zy Iman Publishing, the publishing company that published her first book.

 

Zykeya has participated in the WBLS 2007 & 2008 Circle of Sisters and the 2007 Harlem Book Fair on Long Island, in addition to other events. In November of 2007 Ms. McLeod participated in the wonderful “Write to Read Workshops and Book Fair” in Milwaukee, WI. This also included Ms. McLeod giving a presentation to Burroughs Middle School students on peer pressure. This was uplifting & moving for both students & adults alike, as Zykeya gave a strong delivery! On May 10th, 2008 Ms. McLeod participated in Jonah’s Village’s Annual Walk against Domestic Violence alongside then Senator Eric Adams, & was honored for a child making a difference & awarded a certificate by Delta Sigma Theta.

 

She has been in Teen Voyce Magazine, heard on 98.7 KISS Open Line, seen on My9 News, OPEN with Bob Lee, News 12 Brooklyn and a list of other media outlets. Ms. McLeod is only at the beginning of her outstanding journey. Ms. McLeod is a member of C3 Youth Ministry at Christian Cultural Center and applauds Pastor Jamaal for “Being able to connect to the teens.” Although she is now attending college, she ensures that she is the voice for those who are afraid to speak up and speak out about abuse.

 

To have ZyKeya speak at your school or college send a message below. To purchase your own copy of An Inner Child Speaks, please CLICK HERE. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. The book is available at 25% off all month.