"Jeremiah's New Beginning

 GREGORY FUNDERBURG INTERVIEW

Since July 2013, WTVC Newschannel 9 morning/noon anchor Greg Funderburg has been helping Chattanooga viewers start their day.  And in that time, he has become a viewer favorite due to his vibrant personality and lively approach to storytelling. He was voted Best of the Best TV Personality by readers of the Chattanooga Times Free Press and Best TV Personality in Chattanooga Business Elite’s Black Excellence Awards in 2021.

Before joining the WTVC news team, Greg was a reporter and fill-in anchor with the FOX affiliate in Greenville, South Carolina. The veteran broadcaster has also made stops at other stations throughout the southern region, including Columbus, Georgia, and Birmingham, Alabama.  At age 17, Greg started his television career as a morning host with The Abrams Broadcasting Company in Sylacauga, Alabama.  

Aside from his civic duties in media, Greg enjoys speaking to youth about the importance of getting an education, setting goals, and remaining optimistic. In his free time, Greg loves watching scary movies, likes to travel, enjoys working out at the gym, and appreciates spending quality time with family and friends. 

Holding memberships with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and The National Association of Black Journalists, Greg has a mass communications degree from The University of Montevallo and resides in Chattanooga.  

 

I get up early on weekdays to tune in to the Good Morning Chattanooga because you’re one of my favorite newscaster personalities.

I respect that, first and foremost, in ways, I don’t need to say aloud.

Secondly, I admire your wit and sense of humor because you are Greg of all trades and master of many.

 

Congratulations on your new book Jeremiah’s New Beginning.

 

It makes perfect sense that you would branch out as an author with your journalistic background. So the writing foundation is already there.

What inspired you to take the next step of becoming a published author?

Is there a reason you choose the children’s genre?

 

In my opinion, when you possess the ability to write and tell stories, it should be about something that makes a profound difference in the world.

 

The introduction to the story begins with Is Jeremiah’s School Strange?

Can you tell us why that question is so important?

 

Here’s an interesting statistic. Since 2014 racial disparity in children’s books has continued to grow but at a slower pace than in other cultures. According to ABCgo.com

 

I, too, feel it’s essential for children to see themselves depicted in positive ways in a world filled with negativity.

How do you think the gap can be closed? Or do you think it can?

 

Now, I quote: “If Greg can do it, I can do it.”

 

Your opinion matters to me, so for all the other writers who want to write specifically children’s books. If the divide is too great for that to matter, why do it?

 

Finally, what lasting impression would you like to leave with the audience and up-and-coming authors?

 

Thank you for being part of Book Chat today, and please share with the listeners where they can find your book and more information about the author.

 

 

Jeremiah thinks his new school is STRANGE! The teachers rap in the halls. They dance in the gym and think it’s okay not to sit at desks. Even more shocking is the big surprise waiting for him at lunch! But is Jeremiah’s school as strange as he thinks? Or could there be a mystery waiting for him to uncover?

 

We’ve all experienced a new school and all that came with it.

 

 

About the Author

For nearly 20 years, award-winning television journalist Greg Funderburg has strived to be a role model and show children if a little boy from little Sylacauga, Alabama, could grow up and follow his wildest dreams, they could too. As I’ve read to the kids in countless libraries and schools, I’ve noticed many of them were shocked to see me since they had few African American male teachers. The positive representation was also noticeably absent in the books I read to them. Greg has created Jeremiah, a young African American boy, to be a hero in his community. Through him, other children can see themselves and feel empowered to take the message of health and wellness home to the entire family. I’m striving to create something that all elementary kids can identify with while they learn a lesson that creates stronger, happier, and healthier families. Jeremiah’s New Beginning is a new beginning for us ALL.