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.
Finding the Past
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?
Happy Birthday Granny!
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 →
Digitization of Indiana Black Newspapers
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 →
Mardi Gras
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 →
How to Start Your Genealogical Research
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
Juneteenth 2021
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.
Archiving Your Files
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 →
Happy New Year!
The year that shall not be named, was really one for the books! LOL! In all seriousness the past year was one I will not soon forget. There were some highs and lows. I learned a lot of things that I will use moving forward. I did take time to do some micro-journaling and make... Continue Reading →
Merry Christmas to All !
On this Christmas Eve of 2020. I have so much to be THANKFUL for. Health, Family and Faith! I pray that everyone who reads this finds Peace & Health in the coming year. Take this time to talk to your family members. Write down and record stories. Take pictures (identify individuals and the location) print... Continue Reading →