Community, Park Forest

Rich East Grad Julius Mercer Book Signing at PF 7-Eleven April 29


A New Fire In You by Julius Mercer
A New Fire In You by Julius Mercer

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Julius Mercer, former USA & World-Class ranked track and field hurdler, a 1979 graduate of Rich East High School, former Olympic hopeful, is bringing his “Success Is in You” tour to the Park Forest 7-Eleven on April 29. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Julius has written A New Fire In You, which details his life events. He will be signing copies of the book at the April 29 event in Park Forest.

Mercer says his focus is to bring a message of hope to the youth of America.

“This past January, I spoke at the Cook County Jail,” Mercer says. “On March 19th, the Park Forest Library, various community centers and my book is an Amazons Readers Choice 2016, with a 5 Star rating review.”

Mr. Mercer has completed another book called Americas Hope, and he’s in talks with Random House Publishing currently on that book’s publication.

“I am an advocate to reduce dropouts, to draw awareness for suicide prevention, and to inspire the incarcerated that no matter how many times they have failed or fallen, that they can still come out a winner!” Mercer says.

Julius Mercer
Julius Mercer. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Mercer is a winner of numerous medals who set records that stand to this day. In his “Success Is in You” tour, he shares with young people his true life experiences of how he went from fame to rock bottom, only to rise again, in an attempt to inspire them to make good decisions to ensure they succeed in life.

As a boy, Mercer came from a family of athletes. However, as a child he suffered from severe bowed legs that forced him to wear braces. In addition, his self-esteem was shattered when a teacher told him he did not think he would be able to achieve academically.

Rather than let these events defeat him, in a scene reminiscent of Forrest Gump running in his braces, Mercer went on to become a champion athlete in high school and college track and field, setting records that remain to this day.

In addition to his athletic feats, Julius received a BS degree in Sociology and C.A.A.P.S. certification from Kansas State University.

In 1984, Julius was featured on ABC’s Wide World of Sports when he raced against Olympic champion Edwin Moses in the 400 meter hurdles. During his career, Julius got to know many well-known athletes including Craig Hodges, legendary Chicago Bulls basketball player.

Yet, despite having achieved the fame and recognition that many young people dream of, Julius went through a series of tragic events that eventually led this former athlete to becoming homeless and spending time in prison.

Rather than let prison life destroy him, Julius determined he would once again become a champion by speaking at schools and other community events to share his amazing story of redemption with young people in an attempt to provide them with a vision for their lives of success, despite the many obstacles they may face; especially for those living in the inner cities.

Julius also speaks at community gatherings, school assemblies and other events. His program has been featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, and he has received numerous endorsements from many of his former professional athlete friends.

Learn more about Julius at JuliusMercer.com. Source material garnered from website.


ARCHIVES