Gospel Legend Shirley Caesar Teams with WHEDA and Local Lenders

African World Festival Event to Spread Message of Home Ownership to the Faith Community

Milwaukee - As part of its campaign to increase Home ownership among African Americans in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA®) is reaching out to the faith community. WHEDA is partnering with Genworth Financial to bring gospel legend Shirley Caesar to African World Festival this Saturday, August 4th, from 12-2 p.m.

"Pastor Caesar's passion for Home ownership and her tremendous faith make her an excellent partner for us," said WHEDA Executive Director Antonio Riley. "Here in Milwaukee we are fortunate to have such a strong network of African American churches and inspirational pastors to help us share this calling."

Thanks to the support of Genworth Financial, WHEDA will be bringing Pastor Caesar to the Gospel Stage of African World Festival Saturday afternoon for a special Call to Action. Beginning at noon, WHEDA will be at the Harley Davidson stage on the festival grounds along with local lending and housing partners to talk to potential Home buyers.

"Everyone needs the opportunity to pursue the dream of Home ownership," said Riley. "Through this event we hope to increase Home ownership in Milwaukee, particularly among African Americans. Pastor Caesar is a great advocate for this cause."

Prior to the rally, WHEDA is hosting a VIP reception with local ministers.

"There are more than 200 African American churches in the city of Milwaukee alone. If each church could help just one person become a Homeowner, think of the impact we would all have," said Riley.

The Call to Action will include a short program featuring Riley, Pastor Caesar and Bishop Sedgwick Daniels. Prior to the rally, Pastor Caesar will participate in a VIP reception with several African American pastors from Southeast Wisconsin.

African World Festival tickets are $10 in advance at participating Lena's, Pick N Save, Legacy Bank and TriCity Bank locations, or $15 at the door. Children ages 10 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult. (Limit 2 children per adult.)

Other sponsors include M&I Bank, Anchor Bank, Associated Bank, Equitable Bank, Guaranty Bank, Gorman and Company, the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors, North Milwaukee State Bank and North Shore Bank.

About Pastor Shirley Caesar:

Pastor Caesar has a proud tradition of advocating for Home ownership within the African American community. Pastor Caesar has recorded 40 albums during her extraordinary musical career, winning 11 Grammys, 13 Stellar Awards and 18 Dove Awards. She is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of fame.

About Genworth Financial:

Genworth is a leading financial security company meeting the retirement, longevity and lifestyle protection, investment and mortgage insurance needs of over 1.5 million customers. It has a presence in more than 25 countries. For more information, visit www.genworth.com.

About WHEDA:

WHEDA is an independent state authority that works with lenders to provide low-cost financing for housing and small business development in Wisconsin. For more information about the WHEDA Home Ownership Rally or a WHEDA Home Loan, please browse this web site.