On August 17, 2021 at 7pm, Amari Bingham launched his first book, Proskater via Zoom. It began with an introduction from his music teacher, Miss Mara Sours. She spoke highly of Amari referencing his natural music abilities, his love for God, and how much she loved being his teacher.
Amari then did two musical selections via piano. The book character is based on Amari. So it was only natural for Amari who is shown as learning to play the piano show us his skills.
He then read articulately and expressively an excerpt from the book. Comments from the audience included "I loved the book," "What a great story!", "I am so proud of you", "Excellent job", and his teacher said, "I loved how dramatic you read it." Two reviewers (Sashay Mills and Joel Rhoden) were invited to attend the event, but unfortunately could not make it due to losing electricity from inclement weather on the island of Jamaica. Courtney Owens, a reading mentor from North Carolina, stepped right in offering a review. She said Proskater was "one of the best books she had read by a youth author" noting it was grammatically correct with properly placed punctuations and excellent vocabulary words." She added "the story was not only entertaining" but "the message was priceless" and she was looking forward to his next story.
Bishop Dr. Okey Ugwu, the Overseer of Redeem Pilgrims Ministries International, was then introduced and spoke about Amari calling him a rising star, a focused child, and an emerging leader. He read from the Bible Isaiah 65:8 and told the audience that children were a blessing from God, we are all deliberately and divinely designed. He said "Where there is a will there is a way" so do not give up before trying. He urged parents to cultivate an attitude of encouragement and not to neglect discipline. He then beseeched the audience to support Amari by purchasing copies of his book in order to encourage him to write another in the series, A Boy Called Amari.
Next Venice, Amari's mother told the audience they could purchase on Amazon or her website, VenAmari. You can also purchase here.
Venice asked to write honest reviews after purchasing. She asked them to follow Amari on Instagram and Facebook to watch his journey and support his writing career.
The book launch ended with acknowledging the publishing team (Dr. Melissa-Sue John, Dr. Tamira Butler-Likely, and Niquey), Bishop Ugwu, Miss Mara, the reviewers (present and absent), sponsors, and the audience for their love and support.
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