Welcome back to episode 368 of the African Roots Podcast! You can always reach me HERE.
Well, this has been an amazing week—lost of ups and downs, and genealogical high points. I did manage to get to the Archives yesterday and comb through some Civil War pension files. This is always a treat, because I was going through files, some over 100 years old since they were last opened! And of course many of us are taking delight at the pending changes in American currency about to come about in a few years. Harriet Tubman lead the headlines most of the past few days, which should come as no surprise. But in addition there are other women whose faces will be on US currency in the future, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Marian Anderson, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and others. It is not only about time, but clearly something that has warmed the hearts of many of us. In addition our Civil Rights leader Martin Luther Kings face will also adorn some bills as well. The announcement was one of those kinds of announcements that one was not only not expecting, but never would have believed that such names would have ever been considered. So–this was a week of many highs.
*****************************************************************************************************
I had a great time working with a Civil War Widow’s pension that was over 100 years old. I studied one file in particular that was that of a man whose actions in the Civil War saved lives. I plan to blog about him in the future. But beyond that—I feel energized by having the opportunity to comb through amazing records of these men who were true Freedom fighters. I suggest that those who have a particular community of interest–that they undertake a Civil War projects and embrace it, and document it to tell the stories that have yet to be told! Truly amazing.
*****************************************************************************************************
Have you Thought of a Lineage Society?
Last night on Bernice Bennett’s show Shelley Murphy and True Lewis were her guests as they spoke about the process of joining a lineage society like the NSDAR – National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. Also joining the group in the chat room was Michael Henderson a member of the SAR, who shared info with chatters as well. The discussion should inspire many to push through a point where many of us stop–that 1870 census. Some assume that if one’s ancestors were enslaved, then there is nothing else to find. Some of us in fact don’t even confirm the need to check to see if ancestors can be found in 1860. I recently conducted some research reflecting this for a family in Maryland from the Eastern Shore. And in this particular case, it turned out that the family had a relationship with some of the Ross family of Eastern Shore Maryland. If you don’t know–Harriet Tubman’s name was Harriet Araminta Ross, from Dorchester County on the eastern shore of Maryland. We should take inspiration from the show to push our research to the next level, and embrace so much much more of our history.
The discussion was a good one last night and you can dowload the podcast and hear it. Ms. Bennett’ Show airs every Thursday evening at 9pm on Blog Talk Radio.
**************************************************************************************
Rest in Peace Prince
Well, the low point of the week came yesterday when we lost a musical legend. Prince, the legendary guitar virtuoso, and man who crossed multiple musical genres, passed away at the age of 57. So sad to see a man of talent leave us too soon, and it is also sad to see one in the prime of life leave. But he left behind a legacy and he emerged from simply being himself, polishing and practicing his craft and sharing it with the world.
We should also be so inspired to take our own specialty–whether music, art, writing storytelling–and first commit to doing it, and then to polish, practice and then–take it to the world. Let us all be so inspired to leave our mark and leave our legacy! Rest in peace, Prince.
**************************************************************************************
Well, thanks again for listening. I appreciate hearing from some of you this week. Lots of things to make us all think and be reflected, grateful and to embrace life’s blessings. Thank you for communicating with me, and thank you for also simply being there and tuning into the podcast each week as well. As we move on to month’s end, let’s stay focused and recommit to our tasks. In the meantime, remember to keep researching, keep documenting, and keep sharing what you find!
