Local author releases book

Paul Dysart of Tea released his autobiography last week, “Can’t We All Just Get Along? The Paul Dysart Story.”

“When I met Paul three years ago, we were featuring him in an article for the local paper, I knew then that his story was worth sharing. His account as a Black man growing up in South Dakota is both interesting, educational, and entertaining for the readers,” said Kelli Bultena.

She and Dysart continued interviews over the course of the next few years, and just this month completed the 128 page book.

“I’ve been thinking about passing on my experiences in this area for at least 30 years,” Dysart said. “With the exceptional help of Kelli I was able to realize this dream just in time for my eightieth birthday.”

The synopsis reads, “In the late 1750’s, from Ireland through Virginia to Kentucky, the white Dysart’s changed into Mulatto/Black to Black Dysart’s from Kentucky to Missouri to Kansas to South Dakota. And it was the Saint Joseph Cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD in 1946, a white community of 45,000 white people and 150 Black people, that presented this family of nine Black children, the first in the parish, the same privileged education as all the other Catholic kids.

“With a South Dakota accent inside his Black body, Paul’s journey began from high school through three-year US Army and six-year US Navy Seabee experiences, to the segregated John Morrell meat packing plant to the Post Office, IBM, Real Estate Sales, to a South Dakota Minority Business Enterprise, (concrete contractor) to school bus driver to shuttle driver for the Grandstay Hotel in Tea, SD.

“Paul hopes a few of his life lessons will cause a relatable pause, allowing one to recognize the real importance of family, voicing your truth and sharing love.”

The book Can’t We All Just Get Along? The Paul Dysart Story By Paul E. Dysart is available for order on amazon.com for $14.99 or locally from the author by calling 605-940-0753 or email paul.dysart7@gmail.com.