KALAMAZOO, MI (June 20, 2022) - At Amerifirst, we believe they every child should dream about owning their own when they grow up.
That's why we distributed approximately 4,000 copies of a creative children's book that teaches kids that it's never too early to start dreaming about owning your own home.
Amerifirst has partnered with author Twala Lockett to distribute her book, "Princess Mackie Buys a House" to fourth graders throughout the Detroit Public School Community District.
The book is a summer reading project for students who will follow Mackenzie, "Princess Mackie" and her mother through their home buying journey.
“Owning the roof over your head remains the foremost pathway to financial security and wealth building in America today,” explained Amerifirst CEO Mark Jones. “Unfortunately, communities of color do not start the homeownership journey until ten years after white families, on average, which puts them at an enormous disadvantage. Closing the knowledge gap is an important step to closing the homeownership gap, and Princess Mackie does just that, reaching grade-school children with crucial information that isn’t taught enough in schools.”
According to Author Lockett-Jones, the book is for any child who has ever desired to paint their bedroom walls pink, put stars on the ceiling, have a pet or even their own backyard, not things typically allowed in rental units. “I thought it was important that if we could even start educating children younger about the process, it becomes kind of normalized to them, so as they grow up, they know what it takes to own a home,” Lockett-Jones said.
The book is appropriate for students in 3rd through 5th grades. It introduces topics related to home-buying, financial literacy, and generational wealth building. We invite you to make a difference in your community by ordering the book online through Amazon and donating to your local libraries, schools, or organizations serving children.
