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Tony Barnhart/File Photo
Tony Barnhart/File Photo
From Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird to Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, there have been many great books written about the challenges of racial integration.
Georgia Writers Museum (GWM) is pleased to present a new book that reminds us of the power of kindness, bravery, and understanding in a true, local story of courage and compassion.
Noted sports author and college football presenter Tony Barnhart will be GWM’s “Meet the Author” guest next month, discussing his new book, The 19 of Greene: Football, Friendship, and Change in the Fall of 1970.
The 19 of Greene narrates Barnhart’s personal experience with integration as a member of Greene County’s first integrated football team in 1970-71. The longtime sportswriter details the Tigers’ surprisingly successful season, the enduring relationships he formed with teammates, and the difficulties of school sports integration.
As Barnhart witnessed the positive role that football played in the process of racial integration at Greene, his foundational experiences continue to help him navigate the persistent reality of racism more generally.
“Google ‘Mr. College Football’ and only Tony Barnhart pops up. Barnhart has established himself with superb writing, copious research, and great integrity over a lifetime of sports journalism,” Bill Curry, head coach of Georgia Tech, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia State, wrote in his cover endorsement for The 19 of Greene.
“I can think of no one else who has earned the respect of virtually every competitor, fan, and administrator. His role in the beginning of the blending of white and African-American student-athletes is a story that must be told. The forming of his unique high school team is an important marker in racial progress.”
Now in his 47th season covering college football for radio, television, and online, Barnhart is a 1976 graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism. In addition to working 25 years for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Barnhart has been a college football analyst for ESPN, CBS, and the SEC Network.
He has authored five books on college football, including co-writing the autobiographies of legends Vince Dooley and Larry Munson. Barnhart also was inducted in May 2021 into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.
The event with Barnhart will be held at the museum (109 S. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton) on Dec. 5 with doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start.
Following his presentation, Barnhart will be signing copies of his book.
Tailgate-style refreshments also will be served at the event.
Tickets are $45 each ($40 each for two or more), with a table for six available for $200 (saving $40). Visit Georgia Writers Museum online at georgiawritersmuseum.org for tickets and to pre-order a copy of The 19 of Greene.