What better place for Michael Vick to sign copies of his new book about his life and redemption than in a church?
And, what better way to get the message across about second chances than to donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the event to a nonprofit that works with male juveniles in detention centers?
“I believe he paid for his mistake and you can’t keep nailing him to the cross,” said Cassietta Cook, of Ellenwood, who arrived at Victory for the World Church in Stone Mountain to see the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and former Atlanta Falcon.
Threats recently forced Vick to cancel several book signings , including one scheduled at an Atlanta bookstore. The autobiography, “Michael Vick: Finally Free”, chronicles his life and the events surrounding his incarceration on dogfighting charges.
“That’s a very small selective group of people who still have their own form of hatred,” Vick said, during a brief press conference . “But you know, I think the most important thing for me to do is to continue to stay positive and continue to do the right thing because that’s what’s going to make a difference…You gotta move forward.”
The signing at Victory for the World was previously unscheduled, said Chris Shigas, a spokesman for Vick. But when Issac Ingram, executive director of Team Freedom Outreach, heard about the threats, he scrambled to find a place for Vick to make an appearance.
Vick has been a supporter of the nonprofit’s mission, which engages Christian men to visit juveniles in youth detention centers to play sports, become positive role models and to encourage them to improve their lives. Copies of Vick’s book will be given to the youngsters that the nonprofit helps.
As adults, we can “be mentors and role models in our own rights to a lot of kids that may need help,” Vick said.
He said he was glad that he was in a position to inspire and help others during the book tour, as others helped him get to the place he is today. He urged men - and women - in the audience to mentor young people.
‘There are a lot of kids that need help,” Vick said. “I think our future is dictated on how the younger generation is raised.”
Many of the youth in detention centers can identify with Vick and “his situation because he was incarcerated,” Ingram said. “His message is a message of hope. By coming in and doing this event, it shows that even in the face of fear there is faith and hope.”
He said he would like to have Vick visit the youth his organization helps.
While no protesters showed up at the book event, but there were plenty of fans.
At least 100 people came to hear Vick and buy copies of his book.
Vick arrived in a shiny black Escalade with obvious security present. He was dressed casually in a gray Nike T-shirt, jeans and white sneakers.
He received a standing ovation as he walked down the aisle, shaking hands and wearing a huge smile.
“I’m a big fan of Michael Vick’s,” said Eddie Dennis of Stone Mountain who brought his 14-year-old nephew, Solomon Gilbert. “I learned a lot about how a person can fall and rise back up and it’s really inspired me.”
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