Dr. Walter B. Curry, Jr., is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a distant cousin of Dr. Matilda Evans, through his great-great-great-grandmother, Lavinia Corley Thompson, the half-sister of Dr. Evans grandfather, Harry Corley.
Dr. Curry received a bachelor’s degree in political science from South Carolina State University, and has earned 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, which publishes books that focus on African American history through ancestry. Dr. Curry has published two award winning books, “The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from the Past (1830-1960)”, which include the ancestral history of Dr. Curry great-great-great-great-grandmother, Phyliss Corley, who is also Dr. Evans great-grandmother. Dr. Curry second book, “The Awakening: The Seawright-Ellison Family Saga, Vol.1, A Narrative History which includes the history of the Good Samaritan-Waverly Hospital, an historical hospital for African American patients in Columbia, SC, built in 1952, inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Evans.
Dr. Curry has done book signings and presentations at local conferences, workshops, bookstores, and schools across the state and nationwide.
Dr. Curry is the Author-In-Residence at the Aiken Center for the Arts located in Aiken, SC. As an Author-In-Residence, Dr. Curry provides learning engagements through exhibits to Aiken County Public Schools that brings the stories from his books to life. Dr. Curry has received numerous accolades for his work and service which includes two African American Historical and Genealogy Society book awards; legislative resolutions from the South Carolina General Assembly for his significant work in service to African American History and Heritage in South Carolina; Literary Titan Gold Awards; a recipient of the Martha Schofield “Work The Legacy” Award; member of the Inaugural South Carolina State University 40 Under 40; and selected as a 2022 Richland Two School District Black History Month honoree. Dr. Curry also serves as a member of the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum Commission, the South Carolina Arts Directory, and the South Carolina Humanities Speakers Bureau. Dr Curry is a member of historical and genealogical societies. Dr. Curry is also a Certified Interpreter Guide through the National Association for Interpretation.
Dr. Curry currently lives in Columbia, South Carolina with his wife, Takiyah S. Curry, who is a registered nurse and graduate of the University of South Carolina. They have two sons, Braxton & Braylon.To learn more about Dr. Curry company including purchasing his books, visit www.renaissancepubllc.com or contact him at renaissancepublicationsllc@gmail.com.
