Author Martin Manuel held a public signing event for his book “Manuel Strong: The Life and Legacy of James and Florine Manuel,” which tells the story of his parents’ life in hopes that he can inspire others and offer an alternative perspective to negative stereotypes of African American families. Martin is one of 17 children born to James and Florine Manuel. The family moved to Urbana from Springfield in 1966, and they overcame adversity and faced hardships as they strove to raise their children in love and faith. 

Wallace & Turner Insurance hosted the book signing with comments from former Partner Mike Trempe who spoke on the agency’s relationship to the Manuel family. Wallace & Turner Founder Harry M. Turner sponsored the Turner Baseball Team which was coached by James Manuel, and Jim Story of Wallace & Turner. Trempe and Manuel’s son Sherman, were players on the team that went on to be City and State Champs.

Pictured in team photo: Harry Turner (Far Left), James “Jinx” Manuel (Beside Harry), Jim Story (WT), Sherman Manuel (Son of Jinx, holding sign), Mike Trempe (WT, with glasses above Sherman).