PHOENIX — Former LSU women’s basketball point guard and WNBA champion Temeka Johnson has released her very own children’s book entitled, “Meek Moments: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions” as part of her H.O.P.E. Foundation.
The 32-page story teaches children how to overcome obstacles in their lives and move forward. The book closely mirrors Johnson’s rise to prominence from an underprivileged upbringing to becoming a WNBA champion. The book works to address the knowledge gap in underserved communities by providing stories in a manner that children truly receive and understand.
“There are a lot of ways that you can give hope to people,” Johnson says. “Your size, race, economic status, where you were raised, etc, does not limit what we can do. Sometimes hope is enough to get us all through.
“Whether they’re old, young, short or tall, people don’t realize they give me as much hope as I give them. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, just a simple smile or hug. Hope will always be a part of Temeka Johnson.”
All proceeds of the book benefit the H.O.P.E. Foundation and its programs with the goal of sending students to college through the Jewel Johnson Scholarship. Heaven Opens People’s Eyes (H.O.P.E.) was officially launched by Johnson in the summer of 2008.
The goal of the program is to inspire youth, families and communities to reach their own goals and objectives and lead a more emotionally healthy lifestyle through self esteem, physical activity and community.
Johnson will be conducting book signings that will be announced at a later date.
The 2005 Lieberman Award winner as the nation’s top collegiate point guard finished her career at LSU as the Southeastern Conference’s all-time leader in assists with 945. She is the only player in school history to collect at least 1,000 points, 500 assists and 500 rebounds.
The 2005 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Johnson claimed a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury in 2009. Twenty-six games into the 2010 campaign, Johnson is posting 9.1 points and 5.3 assists per game, which is 0.7 assists better than her career average.