TCU’s Lead On Campaign and Race & Reconciliation Initiative Task Force will host a book talk and celebration for a recently published book authored by two TCU professors and a graduate student.

Dr. Frederick Gooding Jr., Dr. Sylviane Ngandu-Kalenga Greensword and Marcellis R. Perkins co-authored “A History to Remember: TCU in Purple, White, and Black,” a collection of essays that explore TCU’s Black history.

Gooding, an associate professor in the John V. Roach Honors College, said they decided to write the book because people deserve to know more about the long-standing relationship between TCU and African Americans.

“It’s not so much about dwelling on what was negative, which are what I call the darker chapters,” he said. “For me, if anything, the darker chapters can provide a light into the path that we want to walk. How do we become a better TCU 150 years from now? Well, one of the ways is by learning from the past.”

He said the book and the book talk are opportunities for students, faculty and the community to learn about an important part of TCU’s history.

“The book is not just for people of color,” said Gooding. “It’s for anyone who dares to wear purple. What we’re looking at doing is building a community. A book like this is not supposed to be a bomb or be divisive, it’s supposed to bring people together.”

The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the Dee J. Kelley Alumni and Visitors Center.

It will begin with a jazz reception followed by a special guest panel. The panel is filled with TCU alumni who have contributed to the school’s history including Ronald Hurdle (‘71), Zoranna Jones (‘98), Aundrea Matthews (‘92), Leon Reed (‘01) and Trustee LaDainian “LT” Tomlinson (‘00).

The evening will conclude with a book signing.

You can get your free tickets HERE.