COUNTY News:

Los Alamos Public Library presents an author talk about famous footballer Don Perkins. Dr. Richard Melzerwill present the talk, “Don Perkins: A Champion’s Life”, 7-8 p.m. Thursday, July 27 at Mesa Public Library.

Perkins was one of the most honored athletes in the history of the Dallas Cowboys and was a Lobo All American football player at UNM. His life was complex and at times, controversial. He experienced the traumas of racial discrimination, death, divorce, football-related injuries and a never-ending search for his own identity.

He ventured into sportscasting, public speaking, community relations, big-rig trucking, government work – and even amateur theater where he portrayed Frederick Douglass and other famous Black leaders. Through it all, he remained a kind, unassuming, charismatic man, universally admired by family members, friends, and millions of fans. Perkins passed away in 2022 and in “Don Perkins: A Champion’s Life” he receives a final tribute by Dr. Melzer.

Dr. Richard Melzer holds a PhD in history from UNM and is a past two-term president of the Historical Society of New Mexico. Ten of his books have received major awards.

The event takes place in person and is free to the public. For more information, visit the event calendar at LosAlamosLibrary.org or call 505.662.8250. Seats may be reserved via the event calendar.