Tracing Our Roots, Reclaiming Our Legacy
A step-by-step guide to researching African American family history — from your first search to DNA testing, heritage travel, and preserving what you find. Written for beginners and experienced researchers alike, with worksheets, templates, and practical guidance rooted in real genealogical practice.
Buy on Amazon — $25What's inside
Everything you need to start
Step-by-step research guidance
From pedigree charts to advanced strategies for breaking through research dead ends, including the pre-1870 wall.
DNA and genetic genealogy
Understand how DNA testing works, how to interpret your results, and how to use them alongside traditional records.
Heritage travel
How to plan a meaningful trip to West Africa and connect your genealogical research to the places your ancestors came from.
Worksheets and templates
Fillable and printable worksheets to document your findings, organize your research, and build your family tree.
Preservation strategies
Practical guidance for digitizing, organizing, and protecting family records, photos, and documents for future generations.
Resource guide
Recommended websites, databases, archives, and tools to support every stage of your research journey.
Reader reviews
What readers are saying
Excellent resource and how-to guide
A step-by-step blueprint on how to construct a family tree using oral history and documents. Includes DNA guidance, heritage travel, worksheets, and templates. I strongly recommend this book as a first textbook for anyone researching their family history. What a wonderful contribution to the field.Brother WarrenVerified Purchase · July 2024
Tracing African American roots
A must-read for genealogy and DNA testing enthusiasts, heritage travelers, and families looking to preserve their history. Aisha inspires readers to connect with their roots and celebrate their heritage. Easy instructions to follow and helpful insights.ldsantiaVerified Purchase · July 2024
Easy start to family research
Perfect for beginning family ancestry research. Clear, easy instructions to follow. Print great for aging eyes. Beautiful cover.Amazon CustomerVerified Purchase · July 2024
Questions
About the book
Who is this book for?
Anyone researching African American family history. It's written for beginners and experienced researchers alike, and it starts at your first search.
Does the book cover research before 1870?
Yes. It includes strategies for breaking through research dead ends, including the pre-1870 wall where so many of our family lines seem to stop.
How much is the book and where can I buy it?
The paperback is $25 and the Kindle edition is $9.99. Both are on Amazon.
Are the worksheets included?
The book includes worksheets and templates you can print. The interactive, fillable worksheets are sold separately for $13. Get the worksheets here.
Does the book explain DNA testing?
Yes. It explains how DNA testing works, how to read your results and how to use them alongside traditional records.
Is there a course that goes with the book?
Yes. I teach live online classes through Sierra College Community Education, and self-paced courses based on the book are in production. See the class schedule.
Ready to start tracing your roots?
Available in paperback and Kindle edition on Amazon. The interactive worksheets are available separately for $13 — a perfect companion to the book.
Buy on Amazon — $25