In his 1995 autobiography, Ernie Barnes chronicles his childhood, coming-of-age and college years in the Jim Crow South.  At age 21 in 1960, Barnes' athletic achievements lead him to leave his hometown of Durham, North Carolina to play professional football.

Barnes shares his emotions and the struggles during his five seasons as an NFL lineman while knowing his true calling as an artist.  The book culminates with the 1966 opening of his first major solo exhibition.

This early glimpse of Barnes' dedication and his remarkable journey answers why he is the most interesting American painter of the 20th century.