Eastpointe’s first black mayor, Monique Owens has been called many things: History maker,
trailblazer, influencer, and now children’s author.
She is the author of the new book Mom, What’s a Mayor? This touching story is designed to spark interest in local government for youth and to identify those that are historic figures of today. With a focus on civic education, Mom, What’s a Mayor? ignites a desire in students to research various levels of government and demonstrates
that students can be change agents within their community.
The book is designed to inspire the next generation of council members, city managers, mayors and much more. Owens’ book tells the story of her twin daughters, Kameron and Kayden, and how they started a conversation by
asking her the book’s title, “Mom, what’s a mayor?”
When they learned of Owen’s historic mayoral victory. Owen’s daughters wanted to understand her new role in government, and this simple question demonstrated to Owens the need for African American children to understand government offices–beyond the highly visible role of president. Mayor Owens felt that not only did she have
a responsibility to educate her own children, but an obligation to teach and encourage every child about government and leadership roles. More importantly, Owens was passionate about ensuring that children know that people in those leadership roles could look like them. Mom, What’s a Mayor? details the many roles of a mayor, the parts of local government, and ways youth can get involved.
Mayor Monique Owens started her role in local government in 2017 in Eastpointe, Michigan, as the first black councilwoman. She later became the first black and youngest person to ever be elected mayor in Macomb County. Her success is attributed to her career in law enforcement, education in political science, as well as her dedication to serving her community.
Mayor Owens studied, researched and prayed for wisdom, and the fruit of those efforts are evident in her endeavors. Her vision is to create future leaders and a more substantial learning experience for young people, which was immensely different from what she encountered as a child. Mayor Owens believes that the desire every child has to learn, gives them the right to obtain the knowledge and education that will sustain them for the rest of their lives. Her journey has just begun and she wants to share that journey with every child.
This innovative and one-of -a- kind book promotes civic education, shows diversity in political leadership, and creates a funand engaging experience, for all ages.
According to Mayor Owens, “This is the first of many in a series of books which explains the different levels of government and how it operates.” Owens wants the book to become a standard in classrooms. “I want children to see what they are able to accomplish. My motto includes words of wisdom from my favorite scripture, I can do all things
through Christ, and you can too.” Mom, What’s a Mayor? can be ordered on www.momwhatsamayor.com. The book was released Saturday, March 5, in honor of National Reading Month and Women’s History Month.
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