Winston-Salem native has released his autobiography

“The Autobiography of Dr. Howard Shelf: A Legend of the Greatest Generation” is an inspiring story for all. It tells about how achieving the American Dream is possible despite serious obstacles, such as extreme poverty as a child, hardships, discrimination, prejudice and other setbacks.

Inspirational support from his grandmother (mama), his wife, Angela, and close friends, plus determination and hard work, guided Dr. Howard Shelf when life placed obstacles in his path. Beginning elementary school two grades behind his age group due to an inability to pay a sixty-five-cent tuition, did not stop him from graduating from high school with his peers.

Entering a recently desegregated military in 1949, he battled the lingering effects of the racial biases of those days. He confronted segregated housing, racist officers, and other obstacles that stifled progress in his career in the Air Force. Howard Shelf overcame all those obstacles and went on to rise to the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant before retiring. 

In retirement, he used the skills learned as a top Air Force recruiter to become an extremely successful real estate broker with over 100 realtors working in his company.

This book is important because it’s a real-life story, not something created by Hollywood. Dr. Howard Shelf continues to give back to those who have come after him. He is one of those quiet giants whose shoulders they stand on.  

The “Autobiography of Dr. Howard Shelf” includes a forward by Winston-Salem native Dr. Virginia Newell. See jaedpublications.com for purchase options.