Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr.

Dr. Walter B. Curry, Jr. 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. On September 1, 2018, Dr. Curry published his first genealogy book, The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from the Past (1830-1960) and his second book, The Awakening: The Seawright-Ellison Family Saga Vol.1, A Narrative History, which was released on June 19th, 2021. Both books chronicle the reflections and experiences of his relatives that shed new light on African American History in Aiken County and South Carolina. In October 2019, Dr. Curry received the 2019 African American Historical and Genealogy Society Book Award in the non-fiction category-genealogy for his book. On February 12, 2020, the South Carolina Legislature recognized Dr. Curry for his significant work in service to African American History and Heritage in South Carolina and congratulate him on his book award. In addition, Dr. Curry was selected to South Carolina State University 40 Under 40 Inaugural Class for his professional accomplishments and dedication to the university.

Dr. Curry is a member of several civic, historical, and professional organizations which include South Carolina Genealogical Society, Orangeburg County Historical Society, Aiken-Barnwell Genealogical Society, and the African American Historical and Genealogical Society. Dr. Curry is also a charter member/volunteer of the International African American Museum and recently appointed to the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum Commission.

In addition, Dr. Curry has done several book signings and presentations at local conferences, workshops, bookstores, museums, and schools across the state and nationwide. His most recent project is “Salley and The Thompson Family” an exhibit in the Aiken County Historical Museum that featured the founding of Salley, South Carolina and the illumination of his ancestors and relative stories through artifacts and primary sources. Dr. Curry book, The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from the Past (1830-1960) has been approved to use as a curriculum resource in several schools across Aiken County.

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.