Harrow Libraries welcome acclaimed author & genealogist Paul Crooks for an in-person masterclass on tracing African Caribbean Ancestry
Harrow Libraries are delighted to welcome back acclaimed author and genealogist Paul Crooks for an in-person masterclass on tracing African Caribbean Ancestry, as part of our season of activities commemorating Windrush 75.
In this event at Greenhill Library, Paul will share his pioneering research on uncovering his forebears’ records tracing his family’s Black history back to the 1880s and exploring records specific to Black research as well as other materials of general interest. Paul will discuss the challenges he encountered during his research and how he overcame them.
Paul’s talk is suitable for those who are new to exploring family history, those with some experience in searching for ancestors who want to learn about other sources of information, those facing challenges in furthering their search, and those seeking to develop their knowledge and understanding of Black History.
About Paul Crooks
Trailblazing family historian Paul Crooks pioneered research into Black genealogy during the 1990s. He traced his family history from London, back six generations, to ancestors enslaved on a sugar plantation in North America.
Paul was told that it would be impossible to trace records of slave-ownership let alone his Ancestors enslaved on plantations in North America. Undeterred, he embarked on a journey of discovery that led from suburban North London to North America and ultimately back to the Gold Coast.
His books, Ancestors and A Tree Without Roots – The Guide To Tracing British, African And Asian Caribbean Ancestry brought him international recognition for his breakthrough research into Black genealogy.
Paul is credited with inspiring an upsurge in interest in Black and British ancestry. He is also recognised for having spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy. Following an online session with Harrow Libraries during Black History Month 2022, we are delighted to welcome Paul to Harrow for an in-person event at Greenhill Library.