There have been many great books about the challenges of racial integration. From Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird to Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, we get reminded of the power of kindness, bravery, and understanding. Georgia Writers Museum is excited to announce a local true story of courage and compassion.

Tony Barnhart will be the December "Meet the Author" presenter on his new book, The 19 of Greene: Football, Friendship, and Change in the Fall of 1970. The event will be held at the museum on Tuesday, December 5th at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Following his presentation, Tony will be signing copies of his book. Tailgate-style refreshments will be served at the event. Tickets are $45 ($40 each for two or more tickets). A table for six is available for $200 (a savings of $40). Contact Georgia Writers Museum (www.georgiawritersmuseum.org) for tickets and to pre-order your copy of Tony's new book.

The 19 of Greene narrates Tony Barnhart's experience with integration as a member of Greene County's first integrated football team in 1970-71. The longtime sportswriter, also known as Mr. College Football, details the Tigers' surprisingly successful season, the enduring relationships he formed with his teammates, and the difficulties of school sports integration. As he witnessed the positive role that football played in the process of racial integration at Greene, his foundational experiences continue to help Barnhart navigate the persistent reality of racism more generally.

"Google 'Mr. College Football' and only Tony Barnhart pops up," wrote Bill Curry, head coach of Georgia Tech, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia State in his cover endorsement. "Barnhart has established himself with superb writing, copious research, and great integrity over a lifetime of sports journalism. 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."

Tony Barnhart is in his 47th season covering college football for radio, television, and the Internet. He 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, Tony was a college football analyst for ESPN, CBS, and the SEC Network. Tony has authored five books on college football. Two of the books are the autobiographies of Vince Dooley and Larry Munson. On May 22, 2021, Tony was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

Don't miss hearing this important true story from a man who has spent a lifetime capturing the drama and learnings from athletic contests.