From Beats to Books: My Journey as a Freelance Journalist and Independent Educator
- JB Quinnon
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
From Beats to Books: My Journey as a Freelance Journalist and Independent Educator
My name is JB Quinnon. I'm a freelance journalist, educator, and author with a passion for history, storytelling, and empowerment through knowledge. My path has been far from conventional, but it's one that's been fueled by curiosity, creativity, and commitment to the community.
I studied journalism, Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts (BECA), and Africana studies at San Francisco State University. Before that, I studied business at Humboldt State University, giving me a strong foundation in both storytelling and strategy. Over the years, I’ve used that foundation to build a life around independent education and creative expression.
For several years, I ran a Friday after-school program at the Boys and Girls Club focused on music and engineering—teaching kids how to record, make beats, and explore sound production. Our goal was simple: if kids could do it on the streets, we wanted them to have a safe place to do it with guidance, mentorship, and creativity.
When we eventually lost our funding and the facility, I pivoted. I even documented parts of this experience in a short documentary with the help of my friend Amber, a psychologist. Watch the documentary on YouTube. I developed a new program focused on African history, which I taught for a year, planting the seeds for something deeper.
Most recently, I’ve been awarded a contract with the school district to teach podcasting and animation at junior high schools. This work has allowed me to combine media, history, and technology in a way that reaches students where they are and shows them what's possible when they have access and encouragement.
In addition to teaching, I write. A lot. I'm the author of five books available on Amazon and Kindle. Each one speaks to different pieces of the bigger puzzle: American history, identity, gender, and even online entrepreneurship.
I don’t write for attention—I write because knowledge matters, and I believe in offering accessible, researched perspectives that challenge readers to think critically.
Here are my published works:
The Lost History Unearthed: The Shocking Transition from Indentured Servitude to Illegal SlaveryDelve into the transformation from indentured servitude to race-based slavery in early American history. This eye-opening work explores how labor systems evolved during the Elizabethan era in England and set the stage for slavery in North America
The Role of the MammyA thoughtful historical exploration of the “Black Mammy” figure in the Old South—examining her roles as caregiver, confidante, and symbol in plantation households. The book peels back layers of myth and stereotype to reveal the nuanced reality of her legacy.
Equality, Drafts & DomesticityThis thoughtful work explores the contrasting experiences of men drafted into wartime service and women relegated to the traditional role of housewife in the mid-century U.S. It examines how both groups were constrained by societal expectations—and how those defined “equality” in ways many don’t realize.
The Power of Tall MenThis analytical work uses statistical data and historical anecdotes to explore how height affects career success, dating preferences, and societal perceptions—deconstructing myths around “tall hype” and revealing the true influence of height in modern culture.
How to Make Your First $100 Streaming (Without the Need for Partnerships)This concise, step‑by‑step guide shares actionable strategies for musicians and creators aiming to earn their first $100 through streaming revenue—no partnership program required (includes tips on copyright, publishing, and royalties).
I don’t ask for donations or tips. Instead, I invite you to support independent journalism and education by purchasing my books. Learn something new. Question what you’ve been taught. Use history not to divide, but to connect. Because history belongs to all of us—and it should be used to inspire, not exclude.
My long-term goal is to replace my 9-to-5 with full-time teaching and writing about history and current events—especially where those two worlds intersect. I’ve also documented parts of my journey through film. With the help of my friend Amber, a psychologist, I turned my African history class into a documentary that captures the heart of the program and its impact on students. I encourage you to explore my work and join me in the pursuit of learning, truth, and self-determination.
Check out the books, dive into the blog, and stay curious.
— JB Quinnon
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