I ran across a two part series on the Family Tree DNA blog recently. Entitled  Researching the Ancestry of Formerly-Enslaved African American Families, the series was written by two well-known and respected researchers - Paul Heinegg and Ayo Heinegg Magwood. They have been researching and documenting both formerly enslaved and early free people of color for a long time. Heinegg and Magwood are both frequently found on genealogy lecture schedules. The authors have combined all the knowledge that they have gathered over the years in this series to share and empower others taking the same research journey. Each part of the series contains extensive information and puts links to the FamilySearch Wiki convienently at your fingertips at each new step. The FamilySearch Wiki is a knowledge base known for its vast and thorough content.  Part 1: Up to the 1870 Brick Wall  - The "brick wall" being the 1870 census, part 1 includes strategies for using all the standard vital...

This just passed through my genealogy newsfeed and it looks to be of interest to many.  Description from the shared website at Amherst University: A Monumental Discovery: The Trask 250 and Their 10,000-Strong Legacy ip to Main Content Tue, Feb 4, 2025, 7  -  8:30pm   (Livestream link accessible at the website below.) Science Center , Lipton Lecture Hall E110 Through meticulous archival work and groundbreaking DNA research, nearly 10,000 individuals are now connected to an initial group of 250 enslaved people, shedding light on 10 generations of African American history. Learn from genealogist Nicka Sewell-Smith how this massive undertaking has transformed the understanding of slavery, family and the enduring impact of the past, and is part of ushering in the descendant community movement. To participate in the Livestream event go to the link at the webpage -  https://www.amherst.edu/news/events/calendar/node/923936 Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Websi...

Saundra Cropps has assumed the post of Diversity & Inclusion Officer at WCGS. In this important board-level role, she will play a crucial part in making our society's goal of creating a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone looking to explore and embrace their family histories a reality. As the Diversity Officer, Saundra will work to ensure that WCGS programs and projects effectively cater to the varied requirements of the genealogical community. Please see the announcement at the Wakecogen homepage for more details of her new role and an additional article detailing our extensive list of resources for African American Research. Thanks to Saundra for keeping diversity topics on our radar. She is actively searching out and sharing content already.  Please consider these two events happening in early September:  Explore 100 years of History - Raleigh’s Unique African American Neighborhoods Exhibit September 2, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m The City of Raleigh Parks...