NBA Star and New York Native Mike James Returns to His Hometown on April 19th to Inspire and Encourage the City's Youth

New York, NY, April 19, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Mike James, 8 year NBA star and Long Island Native, will host a series of events to celebrate the release of his memoirs, Fight For Your Dreams, including book signings and special appearances. Mike’s stop in New York is part of an exclusive, limited book tour.

Mike wrote the memoirs to share his journey with readers and encourage them to reach for their dreams. Many see Mike's success as an NBA star, but they don't know the rough road he traveled to get there, nor the hard work and dedication it takes to stay there. Mike's message is delivered with determination and perseverance –“You CAN reach your goals against all odds.”

Fight For Your Dreams continues in the tradition of the Mike James Foundation and his ongoing community efforts to reach the youth, “I want the kids I help to see they are no different from me," says Mike, "If I can make it out of Amityville, New York; they definitely can make it." With that in mind, Mike has worked to make the book accessible to students across the country that would benefit from his story. The memoirs have been added to the required reading list at M.S.584 in Brooklyn, New York, Amityville High School in Amityville, New York, Lee High School in Houston, Texas, with additional schools expected to be added for the 2010 Fall semester.

Mike will kick off a full schedule starting Monday, April 19th at 8:30am with an appearance M.S. 584 in Brooklyn, accompanied by school and city officials. Later, Mike will host two signings; The NBA Store in Manhattan from 1-2 pm and the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem at 6:30 pm. Books will be available for purchase at the signings or online at www.MikeJames7.com. All proceeds from the books will benefit the Mike James Foundation's scholarship program.

About The NBA Store (666 Fifth Avenue, NY 10103): The NBA Store opened in the Fall of 1998 on 5th Avenue in New York City and boasts the world's most comprehensive collection of NBA and WNBA merchandise.

About Hue Man Bookstore (2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd, NY 10027): Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe has established itself as an important part of the commercial revival of Harlem, becoming the largest and best known African American bookstore in the country. Hue-Man is located in the Harlem USA Complex on 125th Street - the heart of Harlem's main business district.

About the Mike James Foundation: In addition to being an exceptional basketball player, Mike is an extraordinary community leader and businessman. As founder of the Mike James Foundation, Mike strives to help at-risk students from disenfranchised communities get financial assistance to pursue their dreams of a higher education. Mike is also creator of the Mike James Basketball Experience, a summer basketball and life skills camp for boys and girls ages 8-18. Since its inception, the Mike James Basketball Experience has hosted over 12 camps and served over a thousand kids across the country. On top of his philanthropic pursuits, the loving husband and proud father of four is President of MAJA Development Company, a custom-home development company in Texas.

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