Walter Curry
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Walter B. Curry, Jr., Ed. D is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Dr. Curry received a bachelor’s degree in political science from South Carolina State University, and has earned several graduate degrees in education, which includes a doctorate degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Argosy University, Sarasota.
In 2018, Dr. Curry launched Renaissance Publications, LLC., a self-publishing company, that publishes and curate family histories. Dr. Curry published his first book, The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from the Past (1830-1960), and recently his second book, The Awakening: The Seawright-Ellison Family Saga, Vol.1, A Narrative History. In addition, Dr. Curry has done several book signings and presentations at local conferences, workshops, bookstores, and schools across the state and nationwide. His first published book is currently being used as a curriculum resource in Language Arts and Social Studies classes in both middle and high schools. Dr. Curry has received numerous accolades for his work and service which include the 2019 African American Historical and Genealogy Society Book Award in the Non-Fiction Category-Genealogy; a legislative resolution from the South Carolina General Assembly for his significant work in service to African American History and Heritage in South Carolina and congratulate him on his book award; and was selected to South Carolina State University Inaugural 40 Under 40 class who have made significant strides in their careers, contributions to their communities and an impact at the university. Dr. Curry is a member of several civic, historical, and professional organizations across South Carolina and nationally. For more information about Dr. Curry company, go to www.renaissancepubllc.com to purchase books, upcoming events, presentations, or book signings. |
The Awakening: The Seawright-Ellison Family Saga, Vol. 1, A Narrative History
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History
The Awakening: The Seawright-Ellison Familiy Saga, Vol.1, A Narrative History, is the first volume in a narrative history about the descendants of two families that share a common ancestor, Martha Kitchings Seawright Ellison. The book documents the family saga of Martha’s family of sharecroppers who lived near Williston, South Carolina during the Reconstruction Era and the circumstances that involved her marriages to Dave Seawright, Sr. and Joseph Ellison, Sr. The book documents the saga with contextualized resurrected stories of relatives that were forgotten and fragmented over the years who lived in Aiken, Orangeburg, and Richland counties in South Carolina and New York City. The book includes the famed stories of Floster L. Ellison, Jr., during the Civil Rights Movement, who became the co-founder of the Palmetto State Barbers Association and the first African American Barber Inspector In the State of South Carolina; and Tommy Ellison, whose experiences as a youth singing on the children choir, inspired him to pursue a legendary career in gospel music, affectionately known by many of his fans as “Mr. Superstar of Gospel”. The book includes an appendix section which consists of individual pictures, documented history of places and events, and primary sources relative to the family saga. 
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The Thompson Family: Untold Stories From the Past (1830-1960)
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History
Through the stories of enslaved ancestors and notable relatives, The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from The Past (1830-1960) chronicles the rich history of this Aiken County family. Several narratives that include a slave who purchased his freedom, an enslaved relative who served as a cook in the Confederate Army, a young relative who was tragically murdered, and a sharecropper who became a prominent soil conservationist. This book provides thoughtful insight on how family stories of hard life in servitude as slaves to achieving personal successes, personal/civic responsibility, sacrifice, ultimate freedom, overcoming adversity, and redemption gives us all a greater appreciation of how the past helps shape our narrative today. The book won the 2019 African American Genealogical and Historical Society Book Award ( Non-Fiction/Genealogy). 
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