We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Wynn Earle, Jr. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Wynn , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I have always had a love of history. I credit several family members, including my father, for putting me on this path. They surrounded me with stories of past family members and events that fueled my love of our past. Over the years, that love has narrowed a bit. Now, most of my research and writing focuses on Memphis history and the history of schools for African Americans in Memphis and surrounding counties in West Tennessee. Learning about history and developing a love for it is far different from deciding on and perfecting an art form that properly conveys my appreciation of that history. While I published my first book, Early African American Schools in Memphis, in 2022, the idea had been on my mind for many years. The most vital skill to writing a book that inspires and attracts readers is the ability to tell compelling stories. Over the years, I have studied great storytellers such as former teachers, pastors, neighbors, and family members. These individuals have not only helped me as a writer, but as the school principal I am today. Earlier this year, this I decided to expand my love of storytelling with the creation of the Beacon Light Stories Podcast. Available on most major podcast platforms, this podcast captures the school days stories of “seasoned” Shelby County Citizens. I am always in awe of the amazing stories my guest share with me even after being out of school for over 70 years. When thinking of obstacles, they only barrier that I encountered was myself. I would often fall victim to symptoms of Imposter Syndrome. I’d ask myself, “Why would someone want to hear my stories?” I thank my wife for letting me know that I am more than qualified to share my stories with the world.
Dr. Wynn , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a life-long Memphian and a product of the legacy Memphis City School District. I am a graduate of Overton High School of the Creative and Performing Arts and the University of Memphis where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and a master’s degree in Elementary Education. I attended Union University where I earned my Education Specialist and Doctoral Degrees in Instructional Leadership. I began my career in education as a teacher at Klondike Elementary in 2004. Since that time, I have served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. I have been the principal of Kingsbury Elementary for 9 years. I am also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
I was inspired to write the book, Early African American Schools in Memphis, by my love of Memphis history which was fostered by my parents and grandparents. Growing up, I spent a lot of time listening to stories of the past from my grandmothers. While both attended school, one shared how she struggled to attend school in the 1930s and 1940s because of how things were in her home of Canton, MS, but she treasured the time she did have in school.
Those trips and conversations, coupled with my mom’s love of reading, make up the foundation of who I am as an educator and author today. I was also inspired to write this book by the late principal of Kortrecht High School in Memphis, Green Polonius Hamilton. Principal G.P. Hamilton authored the books Bright Side of Memphis and Beacon Lights of the Race. He was more than a school leader. He was a writer and community advocate. My book is my way of saying “Thank you” to my family, teachers, principals, and inspirations like G.P. Hamilton for the contributions they have made in my life.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Prior to releasing my first book, I was convinced that publishing a book required an act of congress! In actuality, it was very easy. These are the steps that I share with anyone who asks me how I did it: Here are the steps I took: 1. Identify a book or books that you want yours to look/feel like. It will make the process so much easier.
2. Find a template that fits the type of book you want to publish. There are free templates for nearly every genre on Google.
3. Map your book out. Chapters, sections, etc…
4. Start writing. Give yourself all the time you need. The process physically took me 8 months, but the structuring had been taking place in my head for several years.
5. Buy your own ISBN. Amazon will give you one for free, but you can only sell on Amazon with theirs. Buying your own ISBN will give you endless possibilities.
6. Hire a GOOD editor! Trust me, I got burned.
7. I created the Beacon Light Stories, LLC and self-published on Amazon under that name. All of my future works will fall under that umbrella.
8. Either create your own cover art or hire someone to do it. I created my own.
9. Thank the Lord because you are ready to publish at this point! Pray before you submit it!
10. Once it’s published, connect with local bookstores to host signings and to put the book on shelves.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a writer is that my contribution to this growing body of work will be read and referenced by others for years to come. I simply want to be remembered as an educator who loved the history of the early schools for African Americans in West Tennessee and was passionate about sharing their stories. The stories and books surrounding the early history of the education for African Americans in Memphis and surrounding counties is so limited, and I hope my works inspire others to share their stories. Early African American Schools in Memphis can be purchased in Memphis at Novel and Burke’s Books, and online at most major book sellers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beaconlightstories.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/901_history_guy?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Beacon-Light-Stories/100077644530225/?paipv=0&eav=AfZZkDKosiVz0SSIlI6DSZxtRmPxBwKWUVhPQkqLh0DYFpIpd-jyATxbJp-avGv5TSk&_rdr
- Other: Beacon Light Stories Podcast: https://music.amazon.com/es-
us/podcasts/2deadc27-ff63- 4566-b5f0-e96f214fccac/beacon- light-stories