The Supremes receive Randolph well. In April 1967, Gordy then contacted Cindy Birdsong, a member of Patti LaBelle & the Blue Belles who superficially resembled Ballard, with plans to bring her in as Ballard's replacement. He made his plans clear to Ballard and her group mates at a mid-April meeting, and Birdsong was brought in to begin rehearsals. Gordy did not fire Ballard outright at that time, asking Ballard instead to quit on her own. Birdsong first appeared with the Supremes in Ballard's place at a benefit concert at the Hollywood Bowl on April 29, 1967. Following the performance, Gordy quickly learned
Mia Birdsong have her first experience of reading books to represent a world that is filled with people of color. Birdsong wanted her daughter to grow up being comfortable in her own skin and to see herself in this world. The positive impact books written by people of color had on Birdsong's daughter was inspirational. Her daughter was able to see herself in the world in a way that Birdsong did not at her age. Birdsong made it one of her life missions to bring this awareness to families and their communities so every child can see themselves for who they are