Genealogy, Family History and The Ties that Bind Famlies Together.
For over 400 years, more than 15 million men, women and children were the victims of the tragic transatlantic slave trade, one of the darkest chapters in human history. Remembering my ancestors and all the others who survived enslavement and carved a path into freedom and created a legacy for our country. You are remembered.
For genealogists’ family gatherings are a great time to take pictures, record video and ask questions of our family members about what the holidays were like for them growing up. We can never interview our relatives enough. Ask open ended questions, listen, video and take notes. Ask them to recall what the holidays, felt, looked, smelled and sounded like. What do they miss from that time? What traditions have they kept?
On this day, April 27, 1923 Anna Mae was born to Anna Neal and Frank. She was a lifelong resident of the Eastside of Indianapolis, Indiana. The eldest of three children born to her parents. Her formal education came from Indianapolis Public Schools. Mrs Anna Mae Bell Cox cutting her birthday day cake. She would... Continue Reading →
Great news was reported by the Indianapolis Recorder, oldest Black Newspaper in Indiana. (To be transparent I am a guest columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder, I was not paid for this piece.) See https://indianapolisrecorder.com/howard-university-receives-2m-to-digitize-black-newspaper-archive/ for more information on that particular article I've written about my successes in finding information concerning several family members through the... Continue Reading →
Today is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The culmination of several weeks of celebrations. I hope you are ready with your beads and celebratory food. King Cake (don't swallow the baby), Gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice! MardiGras #Jambalaya #KingCake #Gumbo #FatTuesday #Louisiana #RapidesParish #StMaryParish #Curtis #Cleveland If you have read my blog for a while,... Continue Reading →
Below is a link to an article by Imani Perry. It speaks to the challenges of researching ancestry when you are descended from enslaved people. I hope after reading the essay it encourages you to begin or continue your research. The cabin of Ann Rhodes. Formerly Enslaved Woman. My 3Great Grandmother. https://time.com/6139077/imani-perry-south-to-america-excerpt/ Anna Mae's Oldest... Continue Reading →
https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/reference/what-you-need-to-know-to-help-african-patrons-start-their-genealogical-research Learn how to start your genealogical research. Take advantage of the holiday season when you gather with family members. Family
Today is Juneteenth and I can't imagine what my ancestors would think of all of their descendants and the many things they have accomplished. This year President Joe Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a national holiday. For some people this is performative. For me this is a small step in helping the country to acknowledge the history and emancipation of Black people in this country.
Every Day is Black History - How much do you know about your family? Maternal (mother) & Paternal (Father). Do you know which side is which? Do you know the name of all 4 of your grandparents? Big Mama & PaPaw are nice. Learn their government names. Ask them about their history if they are... Continue Reading →
https://askleo.com/best-long-term-storage-media/ Useful article. Backing up is not a "one and done". We must continue to backup , update and label. Using the the cloud is also helpful. For example Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, IDrive, etc. Share important files with multiple family members. Don't lose all your work. "This is the management I referred to... Continue Reading →
The Ties That Bind 