First-person accounts of African American genealogy research, heritage travel to West Africa, diaspora homecoming, and family archive preservation — from an archivist who has lived every part of it.
Breaking brick walls, reading Freedmen's Bureau records, interpreting DNA results, and finding enslaved ancestors in the archive.
Planning ancestry trips to West Africa, what to expect in Sierra Leone, and how to connect your research to place.
Sierra Leone citizenship, Temne naming ceremonies, building in Newton village, and what it means to return.
Digitizing family photos and documents, organizing a family archive, and protecting records for future generations.
In today’s digital age, uncovering your family history has never been easier, thanks to innovative tools like ChatGPT. This advanced AI model, developed by OpenAI, offers a wealth of possibilities for genealogy enthusiasts seeking to delve into their ancestry and discover hidden connections. In this......
01 April, 2024 Ancestry & Genealogy Digital Heritage Preservation
Embarking on the journey to uncover African ancestry through archival records is a profound endeavor, laden with both challenges and opportunities. For descendants seeking to trace the footsteps of their enslaved forebears, archival research represents a pivotal pathway to reclaiming lost narratives and honoring ancestral......
25 February, 2024 Ancestry & Genealogy Digital Heritage Preservation
Abstract: This article contends that countries involved in the colonial rule of Africa and the transatlantic slave trade should not impose fees for accessing records related to these historical atrocities. Rather, they have an ethical obligation to atone for their wrongdoings by making these records......
18 February, 2024 Digital Heritage Preservation
Tracing African American ancestry can be a difficult and emotional journey, with many challenges and roadblocks along the way. The history of slavery and discrimination has left a lasting impact, making it difficult to find information about ancestors who were once considered property. However, with......
07 May, 2023 Ancestry & GenealogyAll engagements begin with a Discovery Call. We'll talk through your research goals, family history, and what's already been found — so I can recommend the right path forward.
$50
60 minutes. Required before any other service. We'll map your research goals and I'll tell you exactly what's possible.
$100
60 minutes. Strategy session, DNA interpretation, brick wall analysis, or citizenship documentation review.
$500
Five sessions over 12 months. Ongoing research partnership.
$575
Proof of enslaved ancestors. Requires AncestryDNA. Covers 3–5 generations. Takes 3–6 months. For reparations, ADOS documentation, and citizenship applications.
$300
~3,000 items scanned, organized, and delivered in a searchable digital archive.
$700
~3,000 items. Digitization plus a curated family history narrative — a complete archive to pass down.
Questions before booking? Send me a message — I respond personally within 2–3 business days.