Tag: genealogy
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The Challenges of Tracing African American History
On 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…
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Honoring Our Ancestors: A Call to Action for African American Descendants
At 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…
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Dispelling the 1870 Brick Wall Myth: African American Ancestry Before the Federal Population Census
A 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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Genealogy and Fair Housing -Is there a connection?
National Fair Housing Month-Plan for April By Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy There is, in fact, a link. There is a deep and complex link between African American genealogy and the National Fair Housing Act. It includes historical wrongs, which we are all familiar with, the fight for civil rights, which also continues today, and current…
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Black History Month Reminder for 2023
Black History Month is celebrated every February in the United States as a way to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout the nation’s history. As a genealogical researcher it is important to celebrate Black History Month as American history because: Overall, Black History Month serves as an important reminder of…
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Thank you to George W. Hewitt, Franklin Co, PA Jan, 1828!
While reviewing a Virginia Chancery file that involved my 3rd great grandparents and their family I found the information very interesting and there is a story to be told. First, let me clarify that my 3rd great grandfather was Joseph Brand Jr, born about 1785 in Hanover County VA. He is a son of Joseph…
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Information available to help in African American Genealogy Research prior to 1870.
I am in a “not so good mood” because of something I read today on another blog. So I will make this a short response. It is not a good to tell people that there are “no records” if you are doing African American research prior to 1870. It is also not good to tell…
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MAAGI 2017, Ft. Wayne, In.
The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) 2017 planning is underway. We will be at the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne Indiana. You have an opportunity to pre-register. You can visit the MAAGI Facebook page and obtain the pre-registration form. This is a great opportunity to reserve your spot. You know the drill, three…
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African American Genealogy Research-Tips on how you get started! 1 & 2
It does not matter who or where in the U. S. you are researching, you need to know the fundamentals about genealogy research, records & resources. Most importantly be able to ask questions, managing your files, documenting your resources and share your findings. You need to be organized, if not you’ll become frustrated and quit,…
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