Gloria Respress-Churchwell is an award-winning documentarian and children’s author, who is passionate about sharing nonfictional stories, especially those about unsung heroes. Having received an M.A. and M.F.A. from Simmons College in Children’s Literature and Writing for Children as a Lee & Low Books Scholar, Respress-Churchwell’s picture book Follow Chester! (Charlesbridge Publishing) debuted in 2019, describing how Dr. Chester Pierce became the first African American to play college football south of the Mason-Dixon line.

In 1947, Harvard’s football team stood with Chester as he made history against the University of Virginia. When Harvard traveled to the South, the Southern team expected that Harvard wouldn’t bring Chester. There was an unwritten college football agreement that said when integrated college football teams played schools in the South, they wouldn’t play their Black players. The all-white Southern team chose a player of equal talent to sit out the game. When Chester faced the indignities of Jim Crow laws in Virginia, his teammates experienced them with him. Follow Chester! empowers children to learn and experience American history, associating how they might feel if a wrong is committed against them and how to join with their friends to make things right.

Respress-Churchwell’s works are part of the Robert Churchwell’s permanent collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, a testament to their quality and significance. She is proud to expand her documentary and work, with her third documentary about Dr. Chester Pierce currently in production. Like her previous works, this documentary is produced and directed by her production company, Butter Pecan Productions.

Respress-Churchwell has self-published Robert Churchwell: Writing News, Making History – A Savannah Green Story (Jabberwocky Books 2014), a historical fiction book based on the life of Robert Churchwell, known as the Jackie Robinson of Journalism. Respress-Churchwell produced and directed a documentary about his life that won the Tennessee Tribune award at the Nashville Film Festival. The book and documentary are part of Churchwell’s permanent (displayed) collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Respress-Churchwell’s works are not just stories, but educational tools that engage young readers. Each of her stories is accompanied by music, specifically produced for her books, to further extend the educational experience. She believes that the message of the story carries through the music, benefiting students who learn best from hearing. Respress-Churchwell states, “During my school visits, seeing the smiles and hearing the children sing actual facts from the story is heartwarming. The connection of music is contagious and fun.” This unique approach to storytelling not only entertains but also educates, making her works a valuable resource for educators and parents.