Rising Stars: Meet Freddie H. Gilyard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Freddie H. Gilyard.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
For years, my cousin Raymond Newton, a family heritage enthusiast, shared his research about the Glover-Williams side of our family. The information, although intriguing, nagged at my curiosity but was not activated until 2020 during the COVID-19 era. The time at home freed me to reflect on who I am and where I fit in the Glover-Williams family dynamics. We are a family of great cooks, which opened the gate to recipe-sharing conversations. The data were so delicious that my first publication, Family Cookbook From East 56th St Savannah, GA, established relationships with family members, some of which I’d never met. The recipe conversations gave way to stories about the family. As I gathered information, my mobile device, pen, paper, and computer became my best friends. I spent hours talking with cousins locally and all across the United States.  Maternal Ligon-Glover relatives all live away from Savannah. Paternal relatives, Glover-Williams, were mostly in Savannah. They along with others across the country, were enthusiastic about sharing their recipes and later stories about their family units. From this beginning, Just People, my second publication, was born. Glover-William’s relatives were asked two basic questions: What memories do you have of your life on East 56th Street and What was your relationship like with my daddy? It took me two years to write Just People. From the first interview to the first book published, the journey has been amazing, above my expectations. I have shared my books in book signings, Zoom chats, The LA Times Book Festival, and small group gatherings.

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?
The challenges of my authorship are time, marketing, money, and the publishing learning curve. Successfully publishing a book is expensive. I chose the self-publishing route for my first two books and for Love My Precious Cousin, soon to be available on Amazon. It requires very detailed self-editing and the investment of extensive time – making sure my publications represent my passion, love, and hope for reader’s interests. In this technological-business environment, marketing is essential. I engaged a company to get my books out to the global reading community and have learned that my self-produced marketing efforts are valuable, as well. Learning how to navigate the publishing process is intimidating. The competition is stiff, as many authors are vying for the same goal: recognized and appreciated literature. The road has not been totally smooth, and the numerous offers to publish and market with virtual companies can be overwhelming. I have experienced recognition through virtual and personal marketing. Community book signings and talks have been favorable. I’m grateful that the quality of both the Cookbook and Just People have created opportunities to confront and overcome most challenges.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
After graduating from Howard University, my 42-year public education career began in Washington, D. C. I taught at the elementary level with a concentration in mathematics before returning to Savannah in 1979. I’ve learned that children have the same needs at every level: love, respect, and opportunities to learn. I enjoyed teaching at all levels but realized much joy working in high schools. In retirement, my greatest delight is meeting students in public places who give me their “remember-when” story. It’s rewarding to know that, even though all circumstances were not pleasant, I am remembered as being fair, honest, and hardworking. I really enjoyed my time in administration. Being able to share leadership with the entire school community taught me to listen, see, and feel the hearts and needs of my staff, students, and parents. Everything I did in the classroom and from the principal’s office was intended to empower students to grow and be their best selves. The joy I have from students, staff, and parents who influenced me over the years is priceless.