Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Wynn Earle, Jr.
Hi Dr. Earle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
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 8 years. I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a lover of Memphis history.
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.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was blessed to be surrounded by educators and other professionals growing up as a child. Many of these people inspired me to write this book. An event over twenty years positioned me to become an educator and, ultimately, write about the history of schools for African Americans in Memphis. After graduating from the University of Memphis, my plan was to get a job within FedEx’s IT Department.
I had my first interview scheduled for September 12, 2001. This was the day after 9/11. Because of the events of that day, the interview was canceled and the position was eliminated. In the spring of 2002, I made the decision to enroll in graduate school at the University of Memphis to start working on a master’s degree in Elementary Education. I began teaching the following school year. The rest is history!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a school principal at Kingsbury Elementary and the author of the book, Early African American Schools in Memphis. I am in my 8th year of serving the students, families, and staff of this school. Being a principal can be very demanding, even more so following the coronavirus pandemic, but it is also very rewarding. I get to work with the most amazing children and teachers.
As an author, my goal is to tell stories of people and institutions that are often overlooked. The history of schools for African Americans in Memphis is not well documented. I tried to be very intentional about the photographs and names that I used. I want my readers to “feel” the photos and remember the names of the teachers and principals mentioned throughout the book. Their hard work and sacrifice made it possible for an African American child from North Memphis to be in a position to lead a school and impact lives.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve always said that I had an amazing support system. I’ve received some unbelievable support throughout the process of writing and publishing my book. My wife, parents, brother, and colleagues have been the most supportive.
To be able to give one of the first copies of my book to my parents was the best feeling in the world. They reinforced my love of reading and history years ago when they purchased the 1985 World Book Encyclopedia Set, and I owe my life to them. Two of the first people to purchase my book were the Deputy Superintendents of Memphis Shelby County Schools.
For them to take time out of their busy schedules to purchase my book and to ask me to sign it is something I will never forget. The teachers and staff of Kingsbury Elementary have amazed me with how they have supported this project. They have always supported me and allowed me to lead them, and their encouragement has meant the world to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beaconlightstories.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaconlightstories/?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beacon-Light-Stories-101975359052951
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Early-African-American-Schools-Memphis/dp/B0B928MLYR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=236CIOUJI1J32&keywords=early+african+american+schools+in+memphis&qid=1662521583&sprefix=early+afr%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1
Image Credits
Maurice Earle
