CHS Press Release

1/15/2010

Author Thom Gossom to Hold Reading & Book Signing at NWFSC on January 20

The Collegiate High School Northwest Florida State College and the NWFSC African American Student Association will host author, actor, and producer, Thom Gossom for a book reading and signing for his book Walk-On: My Reluctant Journey to Integration on January 20 at 10:00 a.m. in the Building K Gallery on the NWFSC Niceville Campus. Mr. Gossom will read from his book and discuss the background content and writing process. The reading is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and Mr. Gossom will be available to sign books after the reading.

A coming-of-age tale about overcoming adversity and gaining success, ''Walk-On'' not only tells the story of how Gossom earned a spot on Auburn's football team, but it also offers a unique perspective on a major social change, showing readers what it was like to be on the front lines of college football desegregation in the South during the 1970s. Gossom was the school's second Black football player and, in 1975 became the university's first Black athlete to graduate.

Gossom was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. Thom Gossom, Jr. is an actor and producer who has appeared on numerous television series, including ''Boston Legal,'' ''Cold Case,'' ''NYPD Blue'' and ''In the Heat of the Night;'' and feature films, such as ''Fight Club,'' ''Jeepers Creepers II,'' and ''Miss Evers' Boys.'' In 2004, Gossom founded Best Gurl Entertainment, which produced his acclaimed play, ''Speak of Me As I Am.'' Thom divides his time between Los Angeles and Florida, where he lives with his wife, Joyce.

For more information on the reading, contact the NWF Collegiate High School at 729-4949.