When Prince Reece enrolled two of his older children at his former elementary school in the fall of 2023, it was a homecoming. At a parents event, he saw some of the same teachers that served when he attended the school as a child.  

For the father of four, owning a Homestead home in Skyway means getting to share a piece of his childhood with his kids. It also means watching them create their own lasting memories at the same elementary school he went to.

Reece, age 34, lives with his wife Triana Satterwhite, age 39, and children at their Homestead home at the Earlington Village development in Skyway. Satterwhite’s mother, Wynona Frederick, co-applicant for the program, resides in the multi-generational household as well.  

The Reece family knows first-hand how gentrification creates displacement, pushing families out of neighborhoods where they have ties. Prior to joining the Homestead program, the family was renting a three-bedroom apartment in south King County where the rent was more expensive than their current housing payment. The family would often move every two years due to rising rent costs.  

After hearing about Homestead from Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT), Reece and his wife could hardly believe it when they were selected to buy their Skyway home. 

“At first, I didn’t believe him, and then [Prince] said he was serious…I was really excited. We were overwhelmed…I was happy to just finally be home,” said Satterwhite, who was pregnant with their youngest daughter, Nailah, at the time. 

“It just felt great to be a homeowner, to know that we don’t have to move every two years,” said Reece. “We have more room for the family, and we can grow with the house…being a first time homeowner, Homestead helped us a lot.” 

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The stability of homeownership allows Reece more time to pursue his passion for youth mentorship and community organizing in Skyway. Reece hosts regular ‘walk and talk’ sessions, with his family, on Sundays in Skyway Park where the community is invited to spend time getting to know one another outdoors.

The Sunday park trips have become a highlight of the family’s weekend; a chance for both parents and kids to have fun and play.

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This past July, Reece organized Nia Fest; a free community event celebrating and honoring the legacy of the Black community in Skyway.  “Nia means purpose in Swahili,” shared Reece. “It’s one of the principles of Kwanzaa.” 

From racing to the top of the jungle gym to a quick game of soccer, Sundays at Skyway Park are never boring for the Reece Family. (Photos/Gurjot Kang) 

Reece hopes events like Nia Fest will provide more opportunities for young people in Skyway to get involved and create lasting, positive memories in the community. In his work with ACLT, Reece aims to establish a safe, creative space for youth to express themselves.

For Reece, Skyway is where home and community intersect. Returning to the place he grew up — as a homeowner, father, and active member of the community — means everything. His advice to other first-time homebuyers: “Don’t doubt yourselves. Keep going.” 

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“Go through it. Make sure all your paperwork is in order…and just know that you can own a home too,” said Reece. “It's not out of your scope, or your realm, to own a home.” 

Ready, set, blast off! Reece siblings, Layla, age 9, and Amir, age 6, plan out the successful launch of their toy rocket during a Sunday afternoon at Skyway Park. (Photos/Gurjot Kang)