Join renowned genealogist Paul Crooks for an enlightening online event this Black History Month. Titled “Black Ancestry | Tracing Ancestors Back to the 1860s,” this session uniquely blends Black History with Family History to illuminate the vibrant backstories of Caribbean and North American peoples.

In this online talk, Paul Crooks will share his pioneering journey into Black ancestry, guiding attendees through the fascinating process of tracing African Caribbean lineage to the mid-19th century. Participants will gain valuable insights into overcoming research barriers, accessing specific records for Black ancestry, and utilizing a range of materials to embark on their own genealogical quests.

The event promises to be an engaging exploration, highlighting:

• effective methods for utilizing public records and digital resources for genealogical research.
• the social, economic, and political landscape of the 1860s and its influence on people’s lives and movements.
• how public records have evolved since the 1860s, affecting today’s research methods and outcomes.

This event is perfect for those just beginning their journey into family history, experienced ancestry researchers, and anyone facing challenges in their search. It’s also an invaluable opportunity for those eager to deepen their understanding of Black History and its relevance to Caribbean and North American communities.

Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to delve into their own ancestry, understanding the past to enrich their present and future. This is not just a talk; it’s a journey into personal history, offering a unique window into the rich tapestry of Black heritage.

How to gain access to this event

This talk will be held over Zoom. Details of how to join the session will be in your registration confirmation email.

Plus Ticket: Along with event access, Plus Ticket holders will receive a digital copy of the ‘Africans, Irish, and the Music of the Caribbean’ eBook, delivered via email after the-event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/T-K6Yp-UW8s

Premium Ticket: Premium access includes all Plus offerings, plus a digital copy of Paul Crooks’ latest novel ‘Descendants,’ sent to you electronically after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/BmI8rTjUEmE

Deluxe Ticket: Deluxe attendees enjoy all Premium benefits, with the added bonus of the ‘DNA Testing Demystified: Separating Fact from Fiction in Genealogy’ eBook to deepen your understanding of genealogy sent to you electronically after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/mQanCy3o1XM

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 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 African Caribbean genealogy.