Destined for GREATNESS

by Felecia Goldsmith

If you haven’t started, you still have time for the Cleveland Reads Citywide Reading Challenge.

The goal is for the entire city of Cleveland to collectively read 1,000,000 books and/ or read 1,000,000 minutes in 2023. City residents are encouraged to sign up for this program. I would suggest reading the book, The Seeds of Greatness Are Within You: A Memoir by Wayne Dawson and co-author Deante Young.

Recently, I had the honor to sit down with Dawson and Young to discuss their new book during a Black History Month celebration and one of many book signing events at the Willoughby Hills Public Library. The book published in November 2022, as Wayne Dawson reflected on and celebrated more than 40 years at Fox 8 News. Perhaps motivational speaker and trainer Zig Ziglar said it best, “You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.” I was truly amazed by their humbleness, passion and their down to earth interaction with the audience.

If you didn’t already know, Dawson is a legendary Fox 8 Newscaster and Anchor; 11time Emmy winner; Pastor of Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church; Dawson Foundation co-chair and founder with his brother, East Cleveland Judge William Dawson; husband to his lovely wife LaVerne of 25 years; father of four amazing children and grandfather of eight. This is what the industry and his peers say who he is, but when I asked who is he, his humility and humbleness immediately shines through.

Who is Wayne Dawson?

I’m just someone who grew up in a single parent household on the eastside of Cleveland and was fortunate to rise above my circumstances. I try to speak life into people and I never forget that my strength comes from the Lord.

Who is Deante Young?

Deante Young is an author, book coach, publisher and content writer. He is also a professional learner who uses his life experiences to empower others.

How did the collaboration for the book occur?

Young admits that he’s been a longtime admirer and fan of Dawson and approached him about writing the book through the aid of a mutual friend, Margaret Clark, founder and CEO of LaChae Cosmetics. Young asked Dawson to be featured in his third book, Winning is For Losers, and the rest is history. “Wayne’s an icon and a pillar of the community. He has been exceptional for decades and I think that’s transformational for anyone who wants to know his story,” says Young.

Wayne, how did you start in broadcasting?

I attended East Cleveland public schools, graduated from Shaw High School and initially attended Tri-C with intentions on becoming a sports reporter. I later transferred to Kent State University, went to the school newspaper office, showed my sports articles from Tri-C and The Call and Post, and was told, ‘We have no room for you right now. Come back next year.’ The Lord definitely ordered my steps and because of my mother’s prayers, I persevered and went to the Music and Speech Department. I was told they had a slot for me and offered me the opportunity to do the sports report. I had never done broadcasting before. That’s how my broadcasting career began.

Wayne, who are your role models in broadcasting?

• Pete Carey (deceased) – The first Black reporter hired to cover the Hough Riots in Cleveland

• Virgil Dominic – Former Channel 8 news director who hired Wayne

• Leon Bibb – Fox 8 anchor and commentator

• Stan Childress (deceased) – Channel 8 reporter and anchor

• Neil Zurcher – Retired Channel 8 reporter best known for travel segment “One Tank Trips”

• Bill Jacocks – Channel 5’s and Cleveland’s first fulltime African American anchorman

Wayne, looking back over your career at Fox 8 News, is there anything you would change?

As an African American journalist in the broadcasting business, I had to work extra hard (put the work in). I was consistent and never gave up. Virgil Dominic was instrumental in my career by bringing me on in a minority training program. I would, however, learn how to edit and shoot video and be more versatile.

Wayne, which do like best, reporting or anchoring? I love reporting. We’re like a family at Fox 8 News. I love interviewing people.

Wayne, what advice would you give to young people pursuing a career in journalism?

Start early, be disciplined, hone your English and writing skills, have a quest for news and knowledge, be determined.

Deante, how many books have you written?

Seeds of Greatness is the sixth book I’ve authored and the first memoir I’ve written. My other books include, Face It, You’re Toxic!, Winning is for Losers!, Stick With Your Own Kind!, F**K your Insecurities! and Speak Before You Think! I’m currently working on my next book, Publish Your Pain, which will be released soon.

Get an autographed copy of The Seeds of Greatness Are Within You: A Memoir at upcoming book signing events listed in the Dirty Truth Publishing.

Join the Cleveland Reads Citywide Reading Challenge: sign up for the program here

The Legacy Begins:

What comes to mind when you hear the word legacy? Is it inheritance, money, or property? You can answer this question by talking to relatives. Consider asking them how your ancestors handed off the family legacy to your generation. Get an overview of how your ancestors were motivated and sustained a business through challenges. This will help you to plan your steps.

Discovering Your Passion: