Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy
Before America declared its independence in 1776, before there was a Constitution, and before the nation even knew what it would become, people of African descent were already here. They were explorers, sailors, interpreters, farmers, craftsmen, soldiers, laborers, entrepreneurs, and property owners. Their presence in North America dates to the earliest years of European exploration.…
Keep readingAs the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, national and state-level America 250 commissions are shaping how the story of the nation’s founding will be told. Exhibits are being curated. I had my first one at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center in Charlottesville (enjoy the photos). There are educational materials being…
Keep readingOn this episode of The Neighborhood Law Center, I joined host Melvin Burruss for a conversation about why tracing African American ancestry can be especially challenging — and how families can still build strong, evidence-based histories. We talked about how the law shaped the way Black lives were recorded. Because enslaved people were legally treated…
Keep readingAt the crossroads of history and hope, the voices of our ancestors call out to be heard. As the Descendant Project Researcher at the University of Virginia and a proud member of the nonprofit “Descendants of Enslaved Communities”, (https://www.descendantsuva.org) I have witnessed firsthand the incredible power descendants hold in uncovering, preserving, and honoring African American…
Keep readingThe contributions of African American patriots in the American Revolution are often overlooked, yet their roles were vital in securing American independence. Finally Remembered: The Black Patriots of Central Virginia explores the lives and legacies of these individuals, shedding light on their service as soldiers, laborers, and supporters. This recent presentation for the Albemarle Charlottesville…
Keep readingA common misconception in genealogy is the idea that African Americans cannot trace their ancestry beyond the 1870 Federal Population Census. This myth, often referred to as the “1870 Brick Wall,” suggests that records of African American ancestors, particularly those who were enslaved, are virtually non-existent before this pivotal year. However, this is far from…
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