Welcome to the 425th episode of the African Roots Podcast and the Digging the Roots portion of this podcast for Black History Month, 2018.

We both get nourishment as we are Digging the Roots, and a shout out to our composer of our theme song–Digging the Roots, by no one other than your son Jaylon Carter.
Jaylon is also the creator of the “We Were Never the Problem” t-shirts that many see these days. (here is a link to his website.)

What brings you to Maryland?
We are both here for a genealogy conference in Laurel celebrating African American genealogy.
Shirley’s topic: We Were there–African Americans in the American Revolutionary -Talking about over 6000 black men who served in the Army.
Angela’s topic: Nurses, Matrons, Laundresses & Cooks – Black Women in the Civil War.

Special Black History Month event in Central Virginia:
Fluvanna County Virginia – an All day event at the Fluvanna Historical Society with workshops in the morning and in the afternoon–the courthouse will be open for research! There is also an exhibit in the 19th century jail and a special tour.

 

 

 

 

 

A Special Day Today!
We were able to tour historic Oella Maryland which is adjacent to Catonsville MD, and we visited some of the places where he lived and is said to be buried. We visited the grounds of Mt. Gilboa AME church, and the burial ground. We then went to the Benjamin Banneker park and saw the replica cabin, the Mollie Bannekey home on the grounds.  And for a treat—we made some videos that can be viewed on Facebook LIVE that we taped today.

(Image from Today’s Tour)

To see videos–follow Shelley Murphy on Facebook to see the footage.

So—black history month begins. We will be taping tomorrow as well at the conference tomorrow.

For us, every month  is Black History Month. For me, there are others who join me during this time to explore our wonderful history. I have a personal commitment to exploring the history. But I know that a few times during this month that some may share events, lectures, books, and events that interest me. It is a great time to share information.

And at months end we are headed to Salt Lake City to attend Roots Tech-the largest genealogy event in the world. Other MAAGI colleagues and Black Pro Gen colleagues will be there. Stop by booth #133.

And a great way that our day ended–was that we were able to have fun with genea-friends on Twitter – on #Genchat–a biweekly online chat that focused tonight on Black History Month. A shout out to Renate Yarborough Sanders who co-hosted with our dear friend SirLeprachaunRabbit and they moderated the chat. The chat flowed so quickly–everyone who follows #genchat joined in and time was flying in amazing speed. If you missed it, and the questions were answering so many things from strategies.

So—the month has begun—remember to keep researching, keep documenting and keep sharing what you find!!

Join us next time—as we are Digging the Roots!!