Activist organizations come together to provide free bilingual books for children

MILWAUKEE -- On Sunday, January 6th, three Milwaukee activist organizations came together to get free bilingual books into the hands of Milwaukee children. The book distribution was held at St. Hyacinth Church on Milwaukee's south side.

On Sunday, church members at St. Hyacinth Church celebrated "Three Kings Day" -- a special day commemorating the Biblical story of the three kings who brought the Baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In line with the tradition of the day, children received a special gift.

"We understand that investing in early childhood education is really the most important investment any community can make. We want to give every child in Milwaukee the opportunity to succeed. Our future is our children," Michael Rosen with the American Federation of Teachers said.

Alderman Jose Perez, Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa and Milwaukee Co. Supervisor Peggy Romo-West joined Voces de la Frontera, the American Federation of Teachers -- Local 212, the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, and Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year Zonia Lopez to read and distribute the books to children.

The books were provided through a partnership involving First Book -- a national non-profit organization that has distributed more than 90 million new, high-quality books to kids who otherwise could not afford them.

"They start to read, which we know will lead to excelling in school and getting through high school and college -- and will make them more marketable in the future," Zamarripa said.

Organizers hope to raise money to have a reading event in Spring 2013. 

CLICK HERE to learn more and make a donation.