International African American Museum

Signal Boost: The Importance of Telling African American Stories through Genealogy and DNA

What if the missing pieces of your family’s story are already waiting in an undiscovered document or your DNA?
In this upcoming episode of the African American Untold Stories Podcast, our Center for Family History (CFH) team sits down with acclaimed authors Melvin Collier, Michael Willis, Kathy Marshall, and Orice Jenkins. They will discuss how genealogy and DNA testing transform family research into powerful published narratives—from books and stage plays to documentaries and digital media.
If you value reclaiming family legacies and bringing hidden history to light, this will be a essential space to join in on the conversation. Tune in online Saturday, August 15, for the CFH podcast episode “The Importance of Telling African American Stories Through Genealogy and DNA.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

– How to use DNA testing to uncover African American ancestry
– Ways to turn genealogical research into compelling stories
– Tools for writing or digitally publishing your family history
– Why reclaiming Black stories is essential for future generations

Your family’s legacy deserves to be told – not just discovered and not shared.  Join the conversation and start writing your family’s story today.

This is an ONLINE podcast episode, as part of CFH’s African American Untold Stories Podcast.

🔗 [Link to Untold African American Stories CFH Podcast Playlist]

Lane Street Project: Resting in Resilience — Preserving African American Burial Grounds Amidst Challenges

From the website of Charleston, South Carolina’s International African American Museum:

“The preservation of African American cemeteries and burial grounds is an important and multifaceted issue that highlights both historical and contemporary challenges. These sacred sites often serve as tangible representations of African American history, providing insight into the experiences and contributions of this community throughout various periods.

“However, many of these cemeteries face significant threats to their preservation, including neglect, vandalism, and insufficient resources for maintenance and protection.

“Join in on this discussion surrounding the preservation of African American cemeteries and burial grounds involves addressing systemic inequalities, raising awareness about their historical significance, and implementing proactive measures to ensure their long-term preservation and recognition within the broader cultural landscape.”