Black History Speaker masterclass revealing the secrets of tracing African Caribbean Ancestry.
Paul Crooks is unique among Black History Month speakers discussing engaging topics relating to the Black experience. Through the lens of his pioneering research into Black ancestry, Paul will discuss how
- he used passenger lists records to search for his family tree and back story
- the passenger list complements other sources of ancestry information.
- you can use the Windrush Generation Passenger Lists to explore your African and Caribbean history,
- you can fill a gap in your family tree and bring your family’s Windrush backstory to life.
Who is this talk for?
The talk is suitable for you if
- you want to develop your knowledge and understanding of the parallels between Black British history and Caribbean history
- you’re new to exploring family history
Premium Ticket holders
Premium Ticket holders will receive African, Irish & the Music of the Caribbean, A research project by Paul Crooks following the event.
About the speaker
Trailblazing family historian Paul Crooks pioneered research into Black genealogy during the 1990s. He traced his family history from London, back 6 generations, to ancestors captured and 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. “No one had tried because such records did not exist.” 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 Black genealogy.
Organiser of Black History | How to Trace Your Windrush Roots Using Passenger Lists
Welcome to Black History Speaker Paul Crooks’ masterclasses – a unique programme of onlaine and live events exploring Black Ancestry, whilst extending knowledge of Black History.
Paul Crooks is a Black History Speaker and pioneering Black genealogist. He helps people satisfy a deep need to understand how we fit into the broader world around us. Black History and Ancestry are journeys of many lifetimes woven together from the past, the present and the future.
There are lessons to be learned – both good and bad – from the way our ancestors have interacted to survive racial injustice. Those historical stories can serve to inspire individuals to higher levels of achievement. Inspirational stories from the pages of Black history fire peoples’ imaginations and spur them on to higher levels of performance in their personal and work lives.
Paul’s online and live events inspire a deeper understanding of difference. He speaks on important topics relating to the Black experience, including identity, inequality and national history.