Good Genes Genealogy – Unlocking the Mysteries of your Family's History

“Unlock Your Family’s Past: Top Questions to ask your African American family members

Discovering our roots and understanding our family's ancestry history is a fascinating journey that can provide valuable insights into our identity. In this post, we have compiled a list of the top 10 questions to ask family members about their ancestry history. From family traditions and immigration stories to cultural customs and genetic traits, these questions will help uncover a wealth of information. With its straightforward format and practical approach, this post is an essential guide for anyone looking to delve into their family's heritage. So, get ready to explore your family's past and uncover hidden gems with these insightful questions.

Discovering Your Family’s Roots: Mastering the Art of Interviewing Relatives for Family Ancestry Stories

Discover the untold stories of your past with our guide on interviewing relatives for ancestry tales. Explore the rich history of your family through meaningful conversations, capturing memories and traditions for future generations to cherish. Our tips and techniques will ensure a successful and insightful experience, as you uncover unique perspectives and treasured anecdotes. Don't miss the chance to connect with your heritage and preserve your family's legacy. Start your journey today with our essential guide to interviewing relatives for ancestry stories.

Getting ready for our in-person Genealogy Group workshop at Hillside International Truth Center, Atlanta, GA

Prizes will be awarded to those who guess how many times the word “ancestor(s)” was spoken during the recent Ubuntu conference. Another free offering from Good Genes Genealogy Services via Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough

Enjoy this animated, easy-to-follow way to dig deeper in public photos to find your ancestors. Eatonton, GA

“Unlocking Your Roots: Mastering Ancestry and Genealogy Searches for a Strong Sense of Belonging”

I belong to several ancestry and genealogy research groups, chats, organizations, and regularly participate in training sessions. This aids in my development as a genealogist specializing in African Diasporan family searches. One of my favorite organizations is the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., especially the metro Atlanta chapter. Here’s a sample of the great […]

We always look for clues to our ancestors’ great lives through lots of tried-and-true research methods, many of whom I’ve recommended. Here’s a global conference that looks at the ancient stories of the special ancestors who may or may not be in our lineage. I’ve attached the schedule. Check out freebie global conference

The great thing about genealogy and ancestry research is that there are myriad of freebies available to help find our loved ones. Today, I am offering my newest, how-to video where you can learn how to research your loved ones in historical newspapers. All done for you in one-minute. Enjoy

How I found my Mom as the first-born baby of Helen and Eugene

Unlock Hidden Family History Gems with these Free Genealogy Resources in Libraries

Discover a treasure trove of free resources for genealogy enthusiasts with our latest WordPress post. From printable family tree templates to online databases and tools, unlock the key to tracing your family history and uncovering valuable information. With a diverse range of offerings and user-friendly interface, this guide is perfect for all levels of researchers. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your genealogy journey and get started for free today!

Decoration Day, May 1, 1865: Nation’s first Memorial Day

Happy Decoration Day! The Good Genes Genealogy team remembers when our Maternal Great Grandmother Edna Robinson would rise early in Omaha, Nebraska with family members so that they would be the first at the cemetery to clean and decorate the humble grave markers. On both sides of my family, we visited the relatives who were […]

Unlock Your Family History: Free ⁢Genealogy and Ancestry Finds

Uncover‌ your family's past with free ⁣genealogy and ancestry resources. Discover your roots and unlock the secrets of‌ your family history through‍ online databases and ⁤websites. Start your journey today.

This iconic photograph was taken by Gordon Parks as part of the Farm Security Adminstration and the Office of War Information

Embark on a ‌journey through⁢ time as you uncover family history with the help of U.S. government photos. From bustling city streets to rural ⁤country landscapes, discover the‌ visual ‌narrative‌ of your ancestors' lives.

Texas Red granite archway marks the entrance to the Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial. Two niches, located on either side of the arch, are adorned with life-size bronze figures (one in each niche). The free-standing figure on the left of the entrance, the so-called “Sentinel” or “Warrior,” is dressed in clothes inspired by the Benin culture of West Africa.

The history of Dallas' Freedmen's Cemetery dates back to the Reconstruction Era, serving as a final resting place for formerly enslaved individuals. Recent excavation efforts aim to uncover and preserve this crucial piece of history for future generations.

Unlocking Your Family’s Past: A Beginner’s Guide to Ancestry Research

Discovering and exploring your ancestry can be a fascinating and meaningful journey. In our latest WordPress post, we provide novice genealogists with the essential tools and tips to get started in ancestry research. From navigating through online databases to organizing family information, we uncover the key elements for a successful quest into your family's past. As we highlight the advantages of tracing your roots, we also showcase the distinctive qualities that make ancestry research a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Unlock your family's history and begin your journey today with our comprehensive guide on how to get started in ancestry research. Uncover your family's past and trace your roots with ease – learn how to kickstart your journey in ancestry research with WordPress. From building your family tree to finding historical records, this post offers practical tips and essential tools to help you dive into your genealogy. Unlock a wealth of information and connections, and embark on a fascinating quest to discover your identity and heritage. Don't miss out on this must-read guide for all those curious about their family history.

Bishop Jack (white suit) greets fellow family ancestry and genealogy researchers

Initiating a genealogy group is an awesome endeavor. On Sunday, March 10, 2024, it happened at my home church, Hillside International Truth Center. I expected about 25 persons; we more than doubled that number. We had a common interest: To explore and gain ground in learning our collective and individual family histories. The majority of […]

Today’s freebie is straightforward: Keep researching your ancestry in all regions of the world. Around the globe, the remnants of African Diasporan appear in most cultures. In this quick installment, see the results of the African American slaves finding safety in Mexico. Keep digging and learn of the great Gaspar Yanga. A huge statue in […]

Photo by Bruno Scramgnon on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-beer-bottles-on-wood-315658/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

For many, the question of where to begin the hunt for their ancestors, is huge. Here are a few of the questions and comments the Good Genes Genealogy Services (GGGS) team receives from our prospective and new clients: I am adopted and I don’t know anything about my birth family. I don’t know my mother’s […]

Floridians and nearby genealogy researchers: Meet up in Lake County

This wonderful event is from the Wilson Griot Legacy site: WILSON GRIOT LEGACY The Wilson Griot Legacy is a modern enterprise to create new sacred storytelling to unravel information inherent in our genealogical past. RESEARCHING BLACK FAMILY HISTORY Posted byWILSON GRIOT LEGACYSeptember 9, 2023Posted inUncategorized I will be joining with the Kinseekers Genealogical Society of Lake County, […]

Freebie Friday!

Middle Peninsula genealogy group to host virtual talk ‘Tracing Our Ancestors’ | Richmond Free Press m.richmondfreepress.com Historian and genealogist Karice Luck-Brimmer will discuss “Tracing Our Ancestors’ Footprints” and how Black people can reclaim their heritage during a virtual meeting of the Middle Peninsula African-American Genealogical and Historical Society on Saturday at 11 a.m. Ms. Luck-Brimmer […]

Working in the Right Place, Right time Eva Narcissus Boyd was a teenager who was a babysitter to the young child of the Brill Building songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin. They heard her sing and also loved her dancing. “Little Eva” was asked by the team to sing a demo of their anticipated song […]

Every tone {of the songs of the enslaved} was a testimony against slavery, and a prayer to God for deliverance from chains.” Frederick Douglas, abolitionist, activist, and author, from “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (1845).

Remembering sports ancestors who broke color barriers and overcame hate

Often, reviewing the hatred and violence suffered by African American ancestors, are tough matters to endure and often neglected in history books. Yet, the examples of persevering despite the sad circumstances, can spur on genealogy and ancestry researchers to compare and contrast the past with today’s societal practices. Good Genes Genealogy Tip: Interview your family […]

Mental health remedies found in researching ancestors

For many years, the Good Genes Genealogy team — Mark and Ann Lineve — did not know much about the man pictured above, our maternal Grandfather Eugene Gibson Owen, Jr. The short story is that Grandpa Owen moved away from the Midwest city and state, Omaha, Nebraska, when our mothers — Lyla and Angeline — […]

Linking today’s events with those of our ancestors

Tips on how you can break down brick walls By now, many of us who are searching for answers to the mysteries of our African Diasporan ancestors have found that the routes to getting research are often nontraditional. Consider another avenue to hopefully find your ancestors. Tap into your imagination, natural instincts and recall the […]

Sad, yet necessary sources for African American ancestry researchers

The last place many African Diaspora ancestors want to research is through the study of slave sales. The writing and imagery are sadly powerful in the historical accounts of financial transactions and public spectacles involving slaves. Yet, the mostly oddly written newspaper advertisements and posters, often offer great clues to African American, Caribbean American, Native […]

There is an active U.S. discussion about whether African Americans benefited from the horrific ills of bondage and slavery. A Florida governor who is a candidate for the Republican Party’s 2024 nomination for U.S. president is proudly touting such in his state education’s rewriting of history. His appointees are doubling down on the claim that […]

Find your family history in historical newspapers

Breaking through brick walls to learn more about your African American ancestors The tall dude to the right of the protest sign is Sampson Luster Wead, the paternal grandfather of Ann Lineve Wead Kimbrough of Good Genes Genealogy Service. It is from Ann Lineve’s perspective that this blog is written about a man born on […]

“What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

Abolitionist Frederick Douglass’s priceless speech on July 5, 1852 as depicted by James Earl Jones He was photographed more than Mark Twain and President Abraham Lincoln. He was born a slave and gained freedom, the skills of reading and writing, became a journalist, photographer, orator, author, abolitionist, father, husband and so much more. With his […]

Ice cold tips on how to research your ancestors

It’s hot outside. It makes one wonder just how they kept cool in those summers. Here’s a post to help you remember and research.

Photo by Christina Morillo on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sits-on-floor-facing-gold-macbook-1181569/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

‘Reconstructing the Black Archive’ Aims to Create a More Complete Picture of History in South Carolina 29 Jun 2023 9:22 AMAnonymous Twenty-four scholars from across the country will spend three weeks in South Carolina, learning how to teach and tell a more complete picture of American history, thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the […]

Freebie Friday: Genealogy and ancestry courses for your research weekend

We love freebies, especially when it helps our genealogy and ancestry pursuits. Here are a few great free workshops, seminars and other events: Always consult your government sources for free genealogy and ancestry help. After all, if you pay taxes, you’ve paid for these great services. Here’s one of my favorite, basic sites. The details […]

Freebie Friday: How your ancestors can get you a passport without a U.S. birth certificate

That “old” family Bible with authentic inscriptions about births, deaths and other life events such as weddings and baptisms, will serve you well if you are seeking to get a passport yet do not have a birth certificate. This Freebie Friday tip and more is available on the Good Genes Genealogy social media and our […]

Part Two: The rest of the short story about the U.S. freedom order in Texas

Editor’s note: The first part of this blog was published on the Good Genes Genealogy sites two days ago. Here is the rest of the preview of our upcoming Juneteenth audiobook. General Granger was assigned a difficult task that became worse for him after delivering the freedom message in Texas. According to historians, General Granger […]

Texas and the origins of Juneteenth

The word came through an in-person delivered order from the United States Government on June 19, 1865 Years before the state of Texas received official notification that its enslaved people were free due to the U.S. Emancipation Proclamation, all other rebellious Confederate states complied with the presidential order. The in-person announcement from U.S. Brigadier General […]

In honor of Juneteenth: Pick up an e-book to learn about the other “first” Black holiday

Our first e-book about African American historical and ancestry achievements, is highlighted with lively research about Juneteenth and August First. In honor of this year’s celebration of the nation’s official holiday, Juneteenth, pick up a copy from your favorite online store. “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the […]

Little known 1930s, “landmark” program aided Native Americans and U.S. environment

A special, free presentation by the National Archives on May 31, 2023, will highlight a little known program that involved 3 million Native American men who were hired by the United States government to preserve the nation’s natural resources. Known first as the Indian Emergency Conservation Work (IECW) program, and later named the Civilian Conservation […]

Photo by Czapp u00c1rpu00e1d on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-blue-dress-shirt-playing-piano-10419528/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

The global direct-to-consumer laboratory testing market projected annual growth is double-digit through 2030 If there is any doubt that genealogy/ancestry research is capturing the world’s attention, especially, take a look at the latest data collection regarding consumer-requested testing for DNA. The global, direct-to-consumer (DTC) lab testing market is projected to reach $7.92 billion by 2030, […]

Back by popular requests, we’re offering genealogy and ancestry seekers will find the following freebies to delve into:

In the words of our family’s maternal matriarch, the late Lou Edna Wilks Robinson, “every day is Mother’s Day.” Born in 1892 as the oldest daughter born in Springfield, Greene County, Missouri, to Melissa Catherine Gray and Robert Wilkes, our “Grandma Robinson” was the glue that kept our family together. We’ve often wondered how our […]

A bit of ancestry humor … and truth!

Photo by Nothing Ahead on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/words-in-dictionary-4440721/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

Free workshops, webinars and other sources of information are offered. We’ve listed several activities. It’s official name is Deoxyribonucleic acid and that is why it is shortened to DNA to describe “a self-replicating material that is present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.” Genealogists […]

This is an official United States government record.

Our ancestors words of wisdom remain relevant today …

From our companion blog: How DNA helped me to hit “jackpot” in genealogy research

Changing the world through the unsung missions of Black midwives

About 80 miles southeast of Atlanta, Georgia, lies Greene County. In Greene County, Georgia as it was in Greene County, Missouri, and across the nation, Black women midwives were and still are highly regarded. It was widely proved that midwives saved lives — babies and their mothers. They birthed presidents, preachers, teachers and several family […]

Check out the oriiginal human beat box group. Their vocal moves are amazing. One of the benefits of researching our ancestors is the “find.” In this case, find is pure gold through the super talented siblings who set the human “beat box” standards. They are the Mills Brothers. While combing through the online ancestry files […]

Photo by Alina Autumn on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/flock-of-cats-with-timber-house-painted-blue-in-background-11551694/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

The tradition continued with Gullah Geechees Look up the next time you walk up to Southern homes, especially those along the Atlantic Coast in South Carolina and Georgia. On the exterior undersides and interiors, you will likely find the unique color of “Haint Blue” on those structures. The long-forgotten history of haint — another word […]

Finding genealogy linkages through Depression-era photographs

Wading through the thousands of files in the Library of Congress, this one stood out because it is the housing projects where my father, Dr. Rodney S. Wead, lived while boy growing up in Omaha, Nebraska. We don’t know the man and young people in the picture. It was taken three years after Wead was […]

“Colored” farmer finds gold worth $604,000+ today

Colored farmer find $16,000 buried in land in 1897 Today, its valued at $604,429.88. Always keep searching for your ancestors and their stories. Here’s one about someone’s “colored” ancestor, D.H. Johnson, who was farming in February 1897. He hit hard ground while plowing a field near Hogansville, GA. He kept removing the layers of stone […]

Celebrity Activist shocked with her “Mayflower” ancestors while Canadian celebrates his Black ancestors We are all connected. Ongoing findings among the skilled genealogy and DNA researchers and amateurs, confirm such. The following two examples offer great hope to those who are steadfast in searching for the accurate stories of our ancestors. Finding her Mayflower roots […]

In every family, there are countless examples of women who courageously and quietly endured emotional, physical, societal, financial and other pressures. Yet, their lives crafted our family legacies. We are grateful. To honor them during Women’s History Month, dig a little deeper in your family archives and in the public domain to share their stories […]

Scholarships are regularly awarded to beginning to experienced genealogists. Here are a couple of great opportunities: Frazine K. Taylor African American Research Scholarship The Frazine K. Taylor African American Research Scholarship (application due by 1 March each year) is open to anyone committed to expanding their knowledge of African American genealogical research. See attachment for […]

The DNA and Mental Health Benefits in Genealogy and Ancestry research

Join us for the free, final weekend workshop The Good Genes Genealogy Services duo and Atlanta’s Hillside International Truth Center team up for the last weekend of the free genealogy workshops. The hour-long session is designed to inspire the beginners to seasoned genealogy researchers, and provide everyone with the tools to dig deeper into their […]

It’s tough to ask tough questions Have you ever wanted to ask questions of your relatives and backed away because it was not “a good time?” We have. It’s time to get busy. Grab a notepad, make sure your audio and video recorders are sufficiently stocked with new batteries, put on your listening ears and […]

Photo by Victoria Akvarel on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/relaxed-woman-lying-on-bed-with-big-plush-bear-7055799/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

Ann Wead Kimbrough just received her updated DNA results. She is prone to take daytime naps. Or is she? Here’s what Ancestry.com found: Taking naps Ann Lineve Wead Kimbrough’s results Ann Lineve Wead Kimbrough, your DNA suggests you’re equally likely to be a napper or non-napper. Based on your genetics, you’re right in the middle—neither more nor […]

From the Philly Voice: “Contributions of Black, Indigenous soldiers detailed in new collection at Museum of the American Revolution”

(Thank you, maggie@phillyvoice.com for this great article) Nearly 200 historic documents are being digitally archived for public use. Several are on display as part of the Black founders exhibit, including a discharge paper signed by George Washington Excerpts The Patriots of Color archive will be fully digitized and made available online at no cost to the public […]

Key to breaking “brick walls”: Ancestry and genealogy information collectors

Get forms for family research Go to the Good Genes Genealogy Services website and utilize the forms that we made available especially for participants in our two-part Sankofa Genealogy workshop in partnership with Hillside International Truth Center. Since the first workshop on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, several participants have telephoned, texted, emailed and visited their […]

Legacy partners present free, Third Annual Sankofa Genealogy workshops

Get your e-workbook Join us at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, for a valuable workshop via Zoom designed to prompt participants to find their “lost” loved ones and gain joy, satisfaction, identity and spiritual uplift on the journey. The workshop focuses on Black Genealogy and Ancestry family research and more. Sankofa Genealogy workshop attendees […]

Photo by cottonbro studio on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/dad-and-daughter-having-fun-while-reading-a-fairy-tale-book-6139612/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

‘Back in the day,’ our ancestors’ version of social media was human contact. Stories were shared by village griots about our roots. Physical signs such as smoke were used to communicate. Entries were manually entered into family Bibles. Long visits with food-in-hands were made to families whose loved ones transitioned. Telephone calls were made on […]

Photo by Shan Patel on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/portrait-of-man-wearing-shell-choker-necklace-2876486/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

In the worldwide Census data collection and distribution, there are straightforward and confusing results within the same reports. In the U.K. (England and Wales), the percentage of whites, for example, increased in the latest Census due to: The ethnic groups used in the 2021 Census were slightly different from the 2011 Census ethnic groups. There were […]

It’s here! Your next e-workbook is ready in time for our exciting Sankofa Month Genealogy workshop

The Good Genes Genealogy Services Team is pleased to offer our third annual Black Genealogy workshops, 10 – 11 a.m., Saturdays, Feb. 11 and 18, 2023, in partnership with Hillside International Truth Center, Atlanta, GA. We remain in a virtual setting via Zoom. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86148300328?pwd=R2djSXUrNXI1SFF1TTM1NlJ3S2lZdz09 Meeting ID: 861 4830 0328Passcode: 02112023Dial: 929 205 6099 US Hillside’s […]

In our stillness, celebrate our ancestors

Photo by RODNAE Productions on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-people-woman-art-6191985/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

Don’t you love Black History Month? Although February is the shortest month in days of our calendar year, it is nonetheless a time to pause, respect and relish the fantastic achievements of African American, Black and Caribbean ancestors whose works and lives were largely ignored or never revealed. That’s where your great genealogy research comes […]

Get this sweet treat for Black History Month: Recipes for Success e-book

Thank you for your support. It’s available on our Lulu Publishing site and on Feb. 1, 2023, on all other sites. Enjoy!

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-with-eyes-closed-while-praying-8817520/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

Whenever a prayer is publicly offered in honor of our ancestors, we are honored to publish it: MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2023I GIVE THANKS FOR MY ANCESTORS From Hillside Truth International Center, Atlanta, GA Individually and collectively, we are part of a never-ending story. The story has no beginning and no end. Our […]

After 90 years: Amazing genealogy research techniques locates famous ancestor

Charles I. Brown gets proper burial A founder of the 109-year-old international Black male fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., was long “missing.” He is now found. For serious genealogy researchers, it is a joyful and encouraging example of how customized techniques resulted in a fraternity victory and for Black genealogy research. The absence of […]

Helping children plant and build their photo and other modern family trees

Ann of the Good Genes Genealogy Services team began her interest in family genealogy at the age of 10. After asking her mother and paternal grandfather separate questions about their childhoods, siblings, families and more, Ann did not receive the replies she expected. In both cases, I could hear crickets (old schoolers will get the […]

How the passing of ancestors brings us life

Black Genealogy research requires attention to obits, homegoings and surviving family members Camden, Tenn. – About 340 miles northwest of Atlanta, lies a small community with a big heart that was originally named “Tranquility.” The community counted as one of its more than 3,000 residents a special lady, Delia Mae Tharpe, mother of Dr. Jack […]

Photo by Thirdman on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-s-hand-on-silver-laptop-computer-5592598/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

One of the best, free worksheets to conquer brick walls in Black genealogy searches is found in the easy-to-access and free databases of the National Archives. This worksheet is different from the family tree form that was recommended on this site via our post on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023. Both forms — the family tree […]

The beginning of 2023 is a great time to utilize the free genealogy resources from the National Archives. It is the family group sheet and ancestral chart.

The forgotten stories of “Black Magnolias” from Oakland Cemetery

First in a series Jihan Hurse, guide, Atlanta, GA.’s Oakland Cemetery’s “Black Magnolias” tour Atlanta, GA — On a chilly Saturday winter morning, Oakland Cemetery’s “Black Magnolias” Tour Guide and Author Jihan Hurse, excitedly gives highlights of the Black women who lie among its 70,000 “residents” in the city’s historic cemetery. The hour allotted for […]

Check out this wonderful Black genealogy program

Black Homesteaders of the South with Bernice A. Bennett On Saturday, February 4, 2023, 12 – 1:30 PM, the African American History and Culture Museum will host its African American History and Culture Event. It will be held on the Concourse, Oprah Winfrey Theater + streaming It’s free. It’s also recommended that you get tickets or register at […]

Celebrating January First … African American style

“What do the Africans do?” That is the question asked by a then-young girl, 11-year-old Terri Bandele, who was among the first families celebrating the first Kwanzaa celebration from Dec. 26, 1966 – Jan. 1, 1967. Her question and the organized determination of Dr. Maulana Karenga, Bandele’s parents and others, led to the creation of […]

Photo by Pixabay on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/fruits-eating-food-on-wood-326268/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

The Good Genes Genealogy team share maternal grandmothers. We benefited from tasty treats and meals from our Great-Grandmother Edna Wilkes Robinson, and equally great dinners and gatherings at the home of her daughter, our Grandmother Helen Wilkes Owen Douthy. In honor of the New Year, our thoughts and gratitude are in honor of both grandmothers’ […]

Christmas is the reason for the season of escape for the enslaved

No matter how scarce the food, clothing and other resources, our enslaved Black ancestors found ways to celebrate Christmas. Reverend John Wright was a Presbyterian minister active in Cumberland County, Virginia, during the 1760s. On the Feast of the Epiphany, 1761, he wrote to several benefactors in England describing the following Christmas scene: “My landlord tells me, […]

Tune in … read on for Black Christmas holiday traditions

We are movie buffs. We love to watch holiday movies, especially the ones we used to watch with our families. We are also avid readers and there are historical holiday stories that we recall listening to and reading with our families. Listed below are a few hard-to-find or ‘never knew’ existed entries to your holiday […]

Book the best ancestry gift-giving

The best gifts we can give to our family members are the ones that record our histories. Recently, a church member told me that her father’s wife has placed all of his legacy possessions in storage. Since his death, this church member said she has not had access to her father’s belongings, especially the family […]

Encouragement for family ancestry slueths: Finding a Christmas present in the past

This December 1963 photo unlocked a few mysteries about our maternal grandmother Often the Good Genes Genealogy Services team will encourage our fellow ancestry history seekers to review your family documents, spaces such as attics and garages, and other artifacts for clues to our family history. We used our advice. Searching through our grandmother’s boxes, […]

Photo by Victoria Emerson on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/striped-christmas-candy-cane-and-red-baubles-placed-on-green-table-6037904/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

“When I was a child, I remember my grandmother giving each of her grandchildren a large candy cane and $5 in an envelope. It didn’t matter how young or old we were, we all waited for and loved getting this gift at Christmas,” said Veverly Byrd-Davis of her grandmother who is now one of our […]

Cyber Monday e-books on sale from Good Genes Genealogy

The Good Genes Genealogy team is honored to offer free or very low cost services to our clients. To keep our costs free for great consultations and other research, check out our Cyber Monday e-books. Check us out on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lulu Publishing. Thank you. We are grateful for our blog readers, social […]

We are thankful that you are a member of our genealogy family. To show our gratitude, the Good Genes Genealogy Services team is offering our November 2021 ebook, Family Ties That Bind, to you at a Black Friday 2022 rate. We are providing you with preview of the book. Please follow the link to our […]

From NPR’s It’s Been a Minute

WUAL APR Weekend Edition Saturday “No Stone Unturned: Preserving Slave Cemeteries in Alabama” An APR news documentary Alabama Public Radio | By Pat Duggins Published November 4, 2022 at 7:07 PM CDT Alabama voters head to the polls next week for the midterm elections. One ballot item would abolish slavery in the state. The vote takes place […]

All set: Precious finds from our grandmother’s China set collection

There are many ways to learn of our ancestor’s good taste in fine things. The Good Genes Genealogy team — First Cousins Ann Wead Kimbrough and Mark Owen — are fortunate that our grandmother, “Mama” Helen Wilkes Owen Douthy, was a collector of fine items, including china settings. Mama Helen always found discreet ways to […]

White Cane Day: Seeing ways to celebrate visually impaired ancestors

In our family, we are aware of at least two relatives — one is an ancestor — who were and are visually impaired. In our lineage, Great Aunt Ada Chitwood Wilkes, became blind during our Grandmother Helen Wilkes Owen Douthy’s youth. The other visually impaired — fully blind — relative is John Charles Kimbrough, 36, […]

Laboring Days for Black Americans: The story behind the September holiday

It’s’ Labor Day. The “celebration” is a U.S. holiday and has been dubbed the unofficial closing of summer. There are many layers to the meaning of Labor Day for Black folk. Here is an excerpt from the ebook, “Black Laboring Days,” Copyright © 2021 by Ann Wead Kimbrough, Mark Owen Chapter FourLabor Day and Black […]

MONDAY MAY 30, 2022I STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF MY ANCESTORS<code>Your connection to your ancestors is the shortest path to God. Whatever your connection to your ancestors is- whether it is a heart connection or whether it is a distant memory- they are a part of you. And you are a part of them. Your connection with them transcends lost stories, names, and pictures. You are here because of them, and their soul lives in your heart, bones, and flesh. I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors. I know that whether I know their stories or not, I am connected to them. We are bound together by a divine web of life. I call on them every day. I call on my biological ancestors, as well as my spiritual ancestors. My connection with my ancestors gives me life. It is my foundation. Thank you, Power, in me, through me, as me, around me, through the Christ within. And so it is.</code>Honor your father and your mother,that your days may be long upon the landwhich the Lord your God gives you.Exodus 20:12Daily Thoughts from the HillCopyright: Hillside International Truth Center, Inc.Bishop Dr. Jack L. Bomar – Executive BishopBishop Dr. Barbara L. King – Founder

Photo by Kerde Severin on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-person-using-iphone-x-1542252/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

One of the best ways to attract the attention of the genealogy “police” is to utilize materials that are either copyright protected or belong to private collections. Instead, find the copyright owners and utilize government archives and subscription services — including those that require fees — to remain free and clear in your postings. For […]

Fun Family history via public photos

How I found myself in random research The next time you look at a public photo, take a second and third look. Look at little closer. I did just that and discovered a few gems that otherwise would remain barely etched into my childhood memories. At the picture in this blog feed, you will notice […]

Documenting the Boyhood Hometown of a Legendary Jazz Musician

A recent visit to East St. Louis, I’ll., yielded highs and lows. Jazz musician ancestor Miles Davis grew up in the deep South…that is, southern Illinois. Nearby Davis’ boyhood home are stark images of ravaged homes such as this one I captured while riding in the back seat of a SUV. What are you capturing? […]

“Negroes catching small catfish with their hands. Bait to be used in shoals of Little River near Eatonton, Georgia” — U.S. Library of Congress

It’s time for you to dig those old photos out of boxes, closets and other places to display for us to share in your family history. Check out Putnam County. Let’s guess the year!

Black History Things to Do: Benjamin Banneker’s Home Story | Healthy Kyla

Check out this cool site. Time to get out and experience the USA history makers. https://stories.app.goo.gl/S4di

The ancestry research journey often begins online

GEORGIA ARCHIVES The Georgia Archives, a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for a part-time Administrative Research Assistant for an NEH grant. SUMMARY The Administrative Research Assistant will be a member of a team working on a National Endowment for the Humanities grant-funded project to identify Georgia […]

FREEBIE FRIDAY!

Join this listing, especially if you know the names of your families’ enslavers. Even if you are like us and have not confirmed those names, join the ones who have located this part of their legacies. https://beyondkin.org/enslaved-populations-research-directory/?s=09

Closing the Month of Sankofa with Ancestral Prayer and Healing

On a warm Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, Hillside’s Presiding Bishop Dr. Jack L. Bomar, led the sacred, community “Ancestral Prayer” ceremony. It included drumming that girded the rhymical and ancestral honoring blessings with the pouring of libations by Hillside member Sharon A. Smith. Today, she said, “I am the High Priestess” while acknowledging the oldest […]

Watch “2002 SPECIAL REPORT: “BLACK SEMINOLES”” on YouTube

Black families, 20th century portrait projects

I love these great photos of our ancestors. https://pin.it/4c4zGdu

Photo by Ian Beckley on <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-photography-of-rock-formation-2440079/" rel="nofollow">Pexels.com</a>

PRESENTED BY VALERIE TOLIVER IN THE FORM OF A COLLAGE During the month of February 2022, Good Genes Genealogy Services presented three Saturday virtual classes involving family ancestry and genealogy. Theme: “Walk With Our Ancestors Participants: Adults. Assignment: Express families’ histories in varied formats. Others showcased their various projects. All shared with classmates to spark […]

Good Genes Genealogy Services

Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough

Good Genes Genealogist

Featured Videos

Roots Revealed

Juneteenth :

GGGS Blog