Page 51 - Reader's House magazine

or guiding students through history using innovative techniques, he exemplifies a passion for learning and community enrichment. It is no surprise that his work has earned him countless accolades, cementing his reputation as a visionary scholar, storyteller, and educator. Reader’s House magazine is proud to present an exclusive interview with this extraordinary author. In the conversation that follows, Dr. Curry not only shares insights into the intricate process of unearthing hidden histories but also offers invaluable guidance to aspiring writers. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, and it is a privilege to showcase his voice within these pages. I encountered several difficulties that made the process quite challenging. One major issue was finding reliable sources of information, as some historical accounts can be biased or incomplete. To tackle this, I made sure to cross-check facts from multiple sources, like books, articles, and interviews with experts. Another challenge was organizing the information in a way that made sense and flowed well for the reader. I overcame this by creating outlines and using timelines to help me visualize the sequence of events. Additionally, I sometimes struggled with making the narratives engaging and relatable What inspired you to write about the to my audience. To fix this, I focused Seawright-Ellison family and their on including interesting details and journey through such pivotal moments in personal stories that would capture American history? the reader’s attention and make the history feel alive. The motivation behind writing about the Seawright-Ellison family stems from a How do you think Dr. Matilda desire to illuminate the shared history of two Evans’ contributions to families linked by their common ancestor, healthcare have influenced Martha Kitchings Seawright Ellison, who was modern medical practices in born into slavery in 1849 in Aiken County, South Carolina? South Carolina. This narrative chronicles the family’s journey through significant historical Dr. Matilda Evans made a events, including Martha’s experiences during significant impact by offering medical care slavery, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction to people who couldn’t pay for high-quality Era, as well as their life in Aiken County and healthcare. Her dedication to helping those beyond. Additionally, I aimed to preserve in need is truly remarkable, as she worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless Dr. Curry masterfully of their financial situation, had access to the medical services they required. Through her preserves overlooked histories, blending meticulous research with storytelling to inspire understanding, pride, and community connection. the family legacy by bringing to light the stories of relatives who have been overlooked over time, highlighting their contributions to African American history in Aiken County and beyond. D R A F T Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr.’s ‘The Thompson Family: Untold Stories From The Past (1830-1960)’ is a moving, richly detailed efforts, she not only improved the health of many individuals but also inspired others account of resilience and to think about the importance of providing care to underserved communities. Dr. Evans’ triumph. This award- legacy continues to remind us of the vital role winning masterpiece that compassion and commitment play in the field of medicine. connects personal As an Author-In-Residence at the Aiken genealogy to profound Center for the Arts, how do you engage historical events, offering students with historical storytelling? As an Author-In-Residence at the Aiken an inspiring look at an Center for the Arts, I find creative ways to African American family’s connect with students through the art of historical storytelling. I believe that history legacy. A must-read for Can you share some insights into your comes alive when we share it in an engaging history enthusiasts and research process for uncovering the manner, so I often use interactive activities, untold stories of the Thompson family? like role-playing or group discussions, to genealogists alike! The research process I employed to help students immerse themselves in the uncover the untold stories of the Thompson stories of the past. By encouraging them to family involved a blend of oral and written think critically about historical events and narratives. Oral narratives were gathered the people involved, I aim to spark their through interviews and informal discussions imagination and make them feel like they are with both relatives and acquaintances who part of the narrative. This approach not only had recollections of the individuals and makes learning fun but also helps students events associated with the Thompson family. understand the importance of history in In addition, written narratives were sourced shaping our world today. from newspaper articles, property deeds, photographs, and other primary documents. What challenges did you face while compiling historical narratives, and how did you overcome them? When putting together stories from the past, What advice would you give to aspiring authors interested in writing historical and genealogical narratives? If you want to write historical and genealogical stories, my best advice is to start by doing a lot of research. Look into the time periods and events you want to write about, and try to find interesting facts that can make your story come alive. It’s also really helpful to talk to family members or look through old documents to gather personal stories that can add depth to your writing. Don’t forget to pay attention to the details, like the way people dressed or the kinds of food they ate, because these little things can make your narrative feel more authentic. Lastly, keep writing and revising your work, because practice is key to becoming a better author. Reader’s House II 51