The Importance of Genealogy in the Black Family

Genealogical research has become a popular hobby, and television shows such as the PBS series Finding Your Roots with Dr. Henry Louis Gates have helped to make it a multi-billion dollar business. Tracing your family roots is challenging, but it can be can be particularly challenging for African Americans. Before the Civil War, slaves were excluded from many public records and families’ histories were disrupted when children and parents were sold away from each other.

Learn more from Dr. Deborah Abbott of the African American Genealogy Society of Cleveland when she presents the virtual program, The Importance of Genealogy in the Black Family at 7 pm Wednesday, February 17. Dr. Abbott will offer advice on how to trace family roots and discuss why genealogy holds particular significance for Black families. Register here to receive a link to the Zoom presentation.

Deborah A. Abbott, PhD, is a professional genealogist specializing in African American research, manuscript collections. and genealogy methodology. She is past president of the African American Genealogical Society of Cleveland, a member of the National Genealogical Society, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and the Genealogical Speakers Guild. She is an instructor and a frequent lecturer.

Shaker Library is a good place to begin your genealogical research as it offers many free databases, such as African American Heritage and Ancestry Library Edition, which are devoted to family history research. And librarians are always happy to help lead researchers to additional research tools.

The African American Genealogical Society is a membership organization open to anyone interested in genealogy and family history. Members share their expertise through regular meetings as well as seminars and workshops held throughout the area. The AAGS website lists meeting and seminar dates as well as many online resources for African-American genealogical research.

This is the third in the Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity series of Black History Month programs.