Interview with Maddie Hannah
Where did you grow up? How long have you lived in Ypsi?
I grew up in several different Southeastern Michigan areas: Whitmore, Pinkney, Detroit. Moved around a lot. Grandparents and dad live in Ypsi. Mom was always on the go, lived with her for a while. Lived with her when the house burned down. Lived with Grandparents in Whitmore. Moved here in 2021 with dad. Lived in Detroit for about a month or two- for those two months I wasn’t around the good areas, I was around the bad areas. There were criminals and stuff and drug deals, people with guns… a whole bunch of stuff. Boarded up houses. I was young then.
How does Ypsi compare?
Unique in its own way. Some bad stuff happens around here. There was more safety in whitmore. Detroit wasn’t good though.
Do you feel like you belong here? Why?
A little bit, sometimes yes, sometimes no. It brings back memories, some things I don’t want to be around. Plus I can’t move because my mom is buried over there on Michigan Ave. We went to her grave yesterday and brought blankets and sat around her grave and ate lunch. Me, my sister, my sister’s boyfriend, brother, dad, grandma, and a friend all went.
Where do you see yourself in 4 years?
Imma be on the big screens acting. It’s so much fun acting. I can do a role really good, especially if it’s a sad role. I can fake cry; it’s gonna look realistic. I’ve had a lot of experience with fights and stuff, so if there was a movie about a broken home, I could fit that role really well because I know how it feels. My sister’s best friend is going to be in a movie in November. I want to be in Hollywood. If they need me in California I’ll come. But then Imma still come back home and visit. I don’t want to live in Ypsi my whole life. But I want to come back and visit my mom.
Humans of Ypsilanti is a project started at ACCE High School in 2021, where we interview members of our community and amplify their stories through our writing, photography and videography.
By: Anaya Parker King, 9th-12th
Teacher: Lauren Fardig-Diop
Theme: History of Place, Civic Engagement
Subject: ELA
Type: Written reflection, Photograph
Maddie,
Thank you for your vulnerability and authenticity here. I am sorry for the loss and pain you had to go through. You are figuring out your path, and I am happy to see your enthusiasm for acting.
What fascinated me in your interview is that you recognize the importance of sharing your story, using it to build your present and striving to do great things with it. Have you entertained the idea of organizing an acting club in your school and enacting some of the critical topics you and your team would find crucial to discuss and educate your community?
Thank you again for sharing your story again!
Maddie, thanks for having the courage to share your story. I’m really sorry to hear about the loss of your mom, and also some of the rough times you’ve had. I agree that acting can be such an incredible outlet. Both of my kids like to act as well. I’m sure you are an awesome actor! What do you like about acting? Are there any local acting groups to connect with where you can practice your acting before you audition for major productions? Good luck with your career and thanks again for sharing your powerful story! You are an amazing storyteller…the mark of all great actors 🙂