Walk-On: My Reluctant Journey to Integration at Auburn University Hardcover – Import, 1 September 2008

This book was an excellent and easy read. I read this book in a few days. I am a native of Louisiana and I remember that time in our history like it was yesterday. It took a lot of courage to be the first to go to Auburn University. In my neck of the woods many Blacks went to the historic black colleges and universities.(i.e. Southern,Grambling, Xaiver or Dillard Universities) My educational journey involved attending all black elementary school until 1968. Integreation was suppose to start in 1967, however, the white community, cleared off a piece of sugarcane property and built Riverside Academy and flew the confederate flag along with the US Flag and of course the Louisiana state flag. However, the economic realities of the times cause many of the "Riverside Rebels" to come to public school. I would be nice to say that year of 1967 was without incidents, however, many school experience riots. I think this book is a much read for kids today. It shows us where we were, the progress we have made and the distance we have to go. I thank Mr. Thom Gossom, Jr. for writing the book. I am appreciate that he was a trailblazer, now it is up to us to keep the path clear.

Walk-On is War Damn Excellent! Gossom does an "Amazin" job of describing what life was like for the first group of blacks students and black student-athletes to attend the Loveliest Village on The Plains. He gives the reader an inside view of "Big Time" college football in the South. I found myself rooting for him and at times wanting to cry about what he, James and Henry faced. I was among the group of Black students to attend Auburn in 1974 and like Thom was a walk-on (basketball). Thom reached out to me and became a big brother/mentor. He, Henry and James have opened doors for Blacks at Auburn and have left a proud and everlasting legacy.

This is the story of a talented black athlete who not only was breaking the 'color line' to be admitted to a southern university as a student but to make the team in one of the major sports -- football. It also brings into play the rivalry between two strong state schools as well as with others in the Southeastern Conference. It was a great read.

This new book plus shipping was less than half of the regular retail price. It arrived in 3 days, with standard shipping. I look forward to other purchases from this seller.