PHOTO: Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr, acclaimed historian and author, brings African American history to life through storytelling, education, and community engagement.
Preserving Heritage Through Research and Education
Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr discusses his mission to uncover untold African American histories, his research process, educational outreach, and his latest biography honoring South Carolina medical pioneer Dr. Matilda Evans.
Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr. continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary and academic landscape with his deeply personal and profoundly educational approach to historical storytelling. Hailing from Orangeburg, South Carolina, Dr. Curry is an author, educator, and historian committed to preserving African American history by uncovering and sharing the stories that have long been overlooked. Through his writing and community work, he amplifies voices from the past, connecting them to the present and ensuring their place in future narratives.
As the founder of Renaissance Publications, LLC, Dr. Curry has published several award-winning books that spotlight the resilience and legacy of African American families. His titles include The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from the Past (1830–1960) and The Awakening: The Seawright-Ellison Family Saga, Vol. 1, A Narrative History, both of which explore his ancestry while charting broader historical movements. His latest biography, South Carolina Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer, honors Dr. Matilda Evans, the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina. Through this work, Dr. Curry brings to light a pivotal figure whose contributions to public health continue to inspire modern practitioners.
Dr. Curry is a passionate historian and educator whose storytelling preserves African American heritage with authenticity, depth, and unwavering dedication.
For Dr. Curry, storytelling is more than a literary pursuit—it’s a vital tool for education and social understanding. As Author-In-Residence at the Aiken Center for the Arts, he brings history into classrooms through dynamic storytelling sessions, interactive activities, and engaging lectures. These programs are designed to help students see themselves in the stories of those who came before them, cultivating both pride and curiosity.
In an exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Dr. Curry shared the inspiration behind his work, his research process, and the challenges of assembling accurate and compelling historical narratives. His motivation to write about the Seawright-Ellison family, for instance, stemmed from a desire to highlight the shared history of families connected through Martha Kitchings Seawright Ellison—a woman born into slavery in 1849 whose descendants lived through critical eras in American history. His storytelling offers a layered view of history, one rooted in lived experience and cultural legacy.
Research plays a pivotal role in Dr. Curry’s process. He blends oral histories gathered from family members and community elders with written documents such as newspaper archives, property deeds, and photographs. This dual-source approach allows him to construct more holistic, nuanced accounts. Still, challenges arise—especially when sources are fragmented or biased. To ensure accuracy and integrity, Dr. Curry cross-references his findings and employs visual aids like timelines to clarify events. His commitment to clarity and authenticity enriches every narrative he tells.
Reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Matilda Evans, Dr. Curry emphasized her enduring influence on healthcare access in South Carolina. She provided medical care to underserved communities at a time when such compassion was rare, and her work laid the foundation for more inclusive medical practices. By telling her story, Dr. Curry helps preserve her impact and brings attention to the ongoing need for equity in healthcare.
Through workshops and role-playing sessions at the Aiken Center for the Arts, Dr. Curry cultivates an appreciation for history among young people. His interactive approach encourages students to engage with the past in creative and critical ways, allowing them to experience history as something personal and relevant rather than distant or abstract.
To aspiring authors interested in writing historical or genealogical narratives, Dr. Curry offers practical and heartfelt advice: research thoroughly, seek out the unique details that bring stories to life, and draw on personal and familial connections to enhance authenticity. He encourages writers to stay persistent and open to revision, knowing that storytelling improves with practice and dedication.
Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr.’s work not only preserves African American heritage but also exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling. Through each page and public engagement, he helps ensure that the voices of the past continue to educate and empower the present.
This article was adapted from an interview with Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr in the latest issue of Reader’s House.
