Reclaim Your Roots, Preserve Your Legacy
African American Genealogy · Ancestry Research · Heritage Travel
I’m Aisha LaDon Abdul Rahman, MLIS, PhD — archivist, genealogist, and heritage traveler. I help individuals trace their African American and West African ancestry, preserve family history, and turn that heritage into a lived reality, through 1:1 genealogy research, self-paced courses, my book, and heritage retreats in Sierra Leone. I also consult with museums and cultural institutions on digitization and archival strategy.
For millions of African Americans, the paper trail runs out around 1870 — the point where enslavement erased names, severed family lines, and buried origins. I specialize in crossing that wall. Using pre-1870 research methods, DNA analysis, and West African historical records, I help you identify your ethnic origins, interpret your ancestry results, and — when the DNA points to a specific nation — navigate the path toward dual citizenship and a physical return to the land your ancestors came from. Whether you are just beginning your African American genealogy search, trying to break through a brick wall, or ready to make the journey to Sierra Leone in person, there is a place for you here.
How we can work together
Every ancestry journey begins somewhere
From breaking through your 1870 brick wall to making the journey to West Africa in person — here is everything I offer, at every stage of your research.
The Book
Tracing Our Roots, Reclaiming Our Legacy is a step-by-step guide to African American genealogy, pre-1870 research, DNA interpretation, heritage travel, and family history preservation. Start here.
Get the bookCourses
Self-paced online courses in African American genealogy, overcoming brick walls, digitizing and preserving family records, and sharing your family history. Learn at your own pace, on your own time.
Explore coursesKrio Griot
The AI genealogy research platform I'm building specifically for African American families — searching 100+ specialized databases to help you cross the 1870 wall. Currently in private beta. Join the waitlist for early access.
Get Early Access1:1 Genealogy Consultations
Work directly with a credentialed archivist and genealogist — research strategy, DNA interpretation, locating proof of enslaved ancestors for reparations documentation, Sierra Leone citizenship guidance, and full family archive digitization. All engagements begin with a Discovery Call.
View all services and pricingHeritage Retreat — Sierra Leone
The Ye-Ruqor Heritage Retreat is an intimate ancestral homecoming in Sierra Leone — a Temne naming ceremony, immersion in a living village community, and genealogy guidance grounded in identity and healing. Limited to four guests per year.
Join the waitlistBook a Discovery Call
Not sure where to start with your ancestry research? Start here. We will talk through what you are working on and find the right path forward together. 60 minutes — $50.
Book now — $50Send me a message
Have a question before committing? Reach out and I will respond personally within 2–3 business days.
Get in touchWhat people say
Voices from the ancestry community
I work directly with individuals tracing their African American and West African roots, and partner with museums and cultural institutions on digitization strategy and archival preservation.
Sakeema Payne
Director and Producer
On tracing her family history and reconnecting with her roots
"
I really thank you for helping me on this journey.
Joannes "Joe" Hotagua
Owner, Authentic African
On the impact of the heritage and genealogy work
"
The work you are doing is amazing and valuable.
Javon (@TheHoodooReaper)
Community Member
On navigating his own African ancestry journey
"
On a similar journey — your insights are very helpful.
Alpha
Community Member
On the ancestral reclamation journey
"
This work is changing lives and reconnecting our community to its roots.
BBC World Service
The Documentary Podcast — "Paths of Return: A Special Homecoming to Sierra Leone" · January 2025
Listen →
The book
Tracing Our Roots, Reclaiming Our Legacy
A step-by-step guide to African American genealogy, heritage travel, and preservation — everything you need to start researching your family history and reconnecting with your roots.
I am also building a series of self-paced online courses based on the book, launching September 2026. They will walk you through the same process, from your first genealogy search to planning your own heritage journey.
Get the book