African American Genealogy · AncestRY RESEARCH · Heritage PRESERVATION
I’m Aisha LaDon Abdul Rahman, MLIS, PhD—an archivist, genealogist, and transpersonal psychologist helping people of African descent recover the stories, people, places, and histories that shaped who they are.
Because genealogy is about more than finding names.
For many African Americans, there comes a point in family-history research when the records become quieter. Names disappear. Relationships become harder to prove. Our ancestors may appear in documents as property, numbers, or not at all.
But a gap in the archive is not a gap in your worth, your history, or your belonging.
The work is learning how to search beyond the obvious records—and then understanding what to do with what you find.
I help individuals and families research their ancestry, preserve the histories already in their care, reconnect with the places and cultures connected to their story, and transform what they discover into something the next generation can inherit.
We are not simply looking for the past.
We are recovering what we need to understand the present—and preserve something meaningful for the future.
For millions of African Americans, the paper trail becomes more difficult before 1870—the point where enslavement obscured names, separated families, and left generations of our history scattered across records never created with us in mind. I specialize in researching beyond that barrier. Using pre-1870 research methods, archival records, oral histories, DNA analysis, and historical context, I help individuals and families uncover the people, places, relationships, and stories that shaped their family history. But finding our ancestors is only part of the work. Reconnection asks us to consider what we do with what we discover—how a deeper understanding of where we come from can shape our sense of identity, strengthen our connection to family and heritage, and change what we choose to preserve for those who come after us. Whether you are beginning your research, trying to break through a long-standing brick wall, preserving your family's history, or exploring a deeper connection to your heritage, there is a place to begin.
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
1:1 Genealogy Consultations Work directly with an archivist and genealogist on the questions that matter most to your family—research strategy, breaking through genealogical brick walls, DNA interpretation, locating records of enslaved ancestors, reparations documentation, and preserving your family archive. 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, and preservation—everything you need to begin researching your family history, reconnecting with your roots, and preserving what you discover for future generations.
The self-paced courses based on the book take that work deeper—from beginning your genealogy research and overcoming brick walls to understanding DNA, preserving family history, sharing your story, and exploring meaningful connections to your heritage.
Get the book
The Reference Desk · Every Thursday · 7PM PT
Ask your question
Bring me one question.
Bring me one question.
I'll go find the answer.
Every Thursday I sit down with the questions that came in that week and work through them on camera — so that when I answer yours, the next person searching for the same thing finds their way too.
Submit Your Question