Author Will Discuss The Secrets of Utopia Falls March 19 at U of M

For release: March 3, 2008
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey

Raymond Andrew Clark will discuss his novel The Secrets of Utopia Falls on Wednesday, March 19, at noon in the Ned R. McWherter Library, Room 226. Clark also will sign copies of the book. The event is free and open to the public.

The Secrets of Utopia Falls is a tale of gang violence, intrigue, murder, and racism. The central character is a young woman from Memphis' Hurt Village who struggles to elevate herself from the crime and violence of the housing project. The story follows her career as she gains prominence as a state prosecutor and is nominated as the first African-American female U.S. attorney general.

Raymond Andrew Clark

Raymond Clark grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and began writing while serving in the U.S. Navy. His career includes almost 30 years in law enforcement and security. He was the first black chief of police in the University of California system. Clark has received numerous civic awards, two Congressional awards, and has been honored in the Congressional Record for his service as president of the Oakland (Calif.) Black Police Association. Clark currently is a senior administrator in corporate security.

The event is sponsored by the University Libraries and Friends of the University Libraries. More information is available from Tom Mendina by phone at 901-678-4310 or from Kay Kroboth by phone at 901-678-2209 or via email at kroboth@memphis.edu