On Friday, March 23, 2007 the Temple University Libraries, in collaboration with Temple University Press, will host an author appearance by Tommie Smith, one of the most celebrated track and field athletes of all time. He will discuss his book “Silent Gesture: The autobiography of Tommie Smith” written by Tommie Smith and David Steele.

The author appearance is accompanied by an exhibit which reflects on Tommie Smith and his Black Power display at the 1968 Olympics, held in Mexico City. The exhibit includes originals or replicas of historical documents from the Charles Blockson Collection, Special Collections, and Urban Archives about Philadelphia’s response to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and the history of Temple University. A reception follows the discussion and book signing.

The event will be held in the Paley Library, Lecture Hall, Ground Floor beginning at 2:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact the Urban Archives at 215-204-5750.