NY Knicks Legend John Starks Gives Literacy an Assist in Newark

John Starks, the former New York Knicks star, discussed the importance of literacy with some city schoolchildren at the Newark Public Library Tuesday before reading aloud from “Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball” by John Coy.

The reading was part of a literacy program, Cablevision Power to Learn/Knicks Read to Achieve, a joint effort by Cablevision and the Knicks and sponsored for the seventh straight year by Kia Motors.

“Summer is a great time for a child to cultivate a love of reading, and what better way to do that than through an event that blends story-time with all-star athletics,” said state Sen. Teresa Ruiz who joined Starks in reading to the children.  “I’d like to thank Cablevision, the New York Knicks and Kia Motors for bringing this innovative program to Newark.  I am sure each of the children will benefit from participating today.”

Targeted to children ages 6 to 12, the summer reading event is implemented through participating libraries and community organizations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  The literacy event encourages reading through the use of incentives and is highlighted by book giveaways, ticket raffles, free t-shirts and read-aloud events with Knicks alumni and elected officials.