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Hello, and welcome back! My name is Angela Walton-Raji and this is the African Roots Podcast. You can always reach me at AfricanRootsPodcast@gmail.com.
Hello to everyone, I am coming to you from Reno Nevada! I am being hosted by members of Bethel AME Church for two historical and genealogical presentations. I will be discussing community area studies and how studying the community can lead you to clues about your own past. Every person has a story, and every family has a story as well. Sometimes finding those stories comes down to studying the very community from which the family came.
While I am enjoying beautiful weather and sunshine here in the west, I know that many good friends are enjoying themselves in Knoxville Tennessee who are attending the FGS Conference through Saturday.
Are you interested in learning more about how technology can be applied to your genealogical projects? Then next year in 2011 there is a workshop for you. I am refering to the Roots Tech conference. It will take place in Utah in February. I think this is a neat event to attend, particularly because I had the chance to sit in on a few workshops back in June and was impressed with how some presenters were using things like Google Earth and their GPS to document old cemeteries and the possibilities are limited only to your imagination. Take a look—this is in Salt Lake City in February, and the Call for Papers has just been released. So click on the link and see what it will have to offer.
Some news to genealogists, especially those who may be near Memphis, Tennessee. The home of Alex Haley, author of ROOTS and the one who inspired many to research their own histories, his home has been converted to a museum and it was dedicated this week. In addition, his home will offer a place to conduct research as well, so those who visit the site will have a chance to research their own family history.
I also learned that an old historical site has been honored in the state of Georgia. Being one who appreciates old structures, but who also reads historical markers on the road. Well an historical high school in Athens Georgia, has been honored by being put on their historical register in the state and a marker has been placed because of its rich history. The Georgia Historical Society along with the AHIS/BHHA Alumni Association, will unveil a new historical marker to recognize the Athens High and Industrial School . Athens High and Industrial School (AHHS) began as the Reese Street School in 1914 as a facility to teach elementary aged African American children. Two years later, authorities renamed the school Athens High and Industrial when they removed the lower grades to focus primarily on high school education.
The network of African Ancestored people—the diaspora is widespread. In the America’s we mention Canada, but often forget or overlook western Canada. Well Alberta has a rich black pioneer history and there is an interesting website looking at its history. ALBERTA’S Black Pioneer Heritage is an interesting website to explore and you are urged to visit the site and learn how this black pioneer Canadian community thrived.
Well as I go and prepare for a presentation to the community here in Nevada, I want to encourage all of you to also take a community and embrace all of it’s history. Going a step beyond your own immediate family circle will actually enhance your own genealogy and enrich your appreciation of the strength of your family, by learning about the issues that confronted them beyond the home. This is where the stories will emerge.
Well thanks for listening once again. I appreciate you and encourage you to stay focused on your research and continue to tell the story. In the meantime, keep researching, keep documenting, and please, keep sharing, what you find!
