The history of the annual African American Family History Seminar in Sacramento is one of progressively expanding awareness of the community’s great thirst for education and knowledge about one’s ancestors and the methods for researching family roots. Since March 2006, the annual seminars have provided just the right blend of introductory instruction in genealogy, black history, and current technology for advanced research. Anticipation for the annual African American Family History Seminar, scheduled on the second Saturday of March, grows each year.

 

The first seminar, held at Sam Pannell Community Center in South Sacramento, was organized by the Seminar Working Committee, chaired by Dennis Holland, and included a group of local African American genealogists working with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints (LDS) and volunteers. The original idea for a one-day seminar was triggered by a Roots Simulcast on black family history viewed by Mr. Holland, Jackie Chauhan, and Linda Bradley at the Sacramento Family History Center on April 30, 2005. The simulcast, transmitted by satellite technology from the Oakland Family History Center, constituted a “virtual black genealogy workshop” and so captured the imagination of the group in Sacramento that they began discussing a plan for a local genealogy event. And so it came to be.

 

Ron and Lynette McDowell, Directors of the Sacramento Family History Center, planned, organized and set up the first committee meeting. The McDowells were the guiding force during the early years of the Seminar. Sponsors of the first African American Family History Seminar were Councilwoman Bonnie Pannell, the California Black Chamber of Commerce, and the LDS Church. Keynote speakers were Karen Massie and Dana Howard of KXTV News 10. The class topics offered at that first seminar were: growing branches of your family tree, Cherokee Indian research, computer use in genealogy, use of the Sacramento Family History Center, reconstructing a family history, finding ancestors during the Civil War, and new frontiers for family history research. The number of attendees was estimated at 85-100. The Seminar theme and logo, Families Are Our Strength, took hold and became the sustaining emblem for all the seminars that followed.

 

The inaugural African American Family History Seminar in 2006 was so successful that a demand for a second event was immediate. The March 2007 Seminar required a larger capacity venue with expanded classroom space for additional classes and workshops; therefore, the Sacramento Regional Family History Center and Library on Eastern Avenue became the permanent location for subsequent annual seminars. Keynote speakers have represented a variety of disciplines and all have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the mission of the African

 

American Family History Seminar which is to illustrate, cultivate, and educate the Sacramento region’s African American community on the values of ancestor research and self-discovery.

 

The March 2008 Seminar drew close to 225 attendees when Ugo. A. Perego, Director of Operations for the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, distributed free DNA kits. The fourth annual Seminar in 2009 saw a doubling of the number of classes to 15, with recurring tracks for beginner genealogy, slave ancestor search, research methodology, Native American research, DNA testing, Civil War research, and computerized genealogy. In recent years, up to 25 classes and genealogy workshops have been offered. A corps of experienced genealogists and capable guest speakers have presented workshops for interested attendees over the years.

Speakers have come from the local Sacramento area, the Bay Area, and out-of-state, and have represented a broad spectrum of educators, businesspeople, community leaders, teachers, genealogists, published authors and private individuals.

 

The 2013 event maintained earlier standards of excellence by featuring Regina Mason's keynote address on the rewards of in-depth research to uncover life stories of enslaved ancestors escaping to freedom. Her documentation of the life of William Grimes, runaway slave, was a fine example of dedication to the quest for knowledge of one's roots.

 

The timing for each March seminar is a strategy capturing the residual fervor aroused each February when Black History Month is celebrated throughout the nation. Attendance reached a peak of more than 350 persons for the March 2016 Seminar. Targeted groups for participants and supporters are the African American community in general, black churches, genealogy societies, historical societies, black social and recreational organizations, local political figures, community organizations, corporate sponsors, historians, educators, fraternal organizations and black newspapers. Past and present sponsorships have included the California Black Chamber, Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, Golden 1, East Lawn Memorial Parks, A-4 Promotions, Councilwoman Lauren Hammond, Mayor Kevin Johnson, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Fish 103.9 FM, KTKZ News Talk 105.5 FM/1380 AM and the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau-Juneteenth Committee.

 

With its track record of consistently high caliber program delivery, the African American Family History Seminar is a yearly coming together of genealogy devotees from the Sacramento region, the Bay Area and the Central Valley. The testimonials have sung the praises of the Seminar’s value to hundreds of people each year. Feedback and evaluation surveys have drawn comments such as “it was fantastic, great for beginners”; “many sources for research”; “very well organized”; “all sessions excellent”; “extraordinary conference”; “fine display of exhibits and African American books”.

 

Each season, the cry has been for more…more classes, more days, more topics, more publicity and promotion, more computer time. The ongoing need for increased support and resources, volunteers, donations, and fundraising is a challenge for committee organizers and supporters.

 

The Tenth Annual African American Family History Seminar in March 2015 celebrated a decade of genealogical excellence. Tony Burroughs, nationally known author of Black Roots, delivered a rousing speech about the future of African American genealogy. A local chapter of the Buffalo

 

Soldiers Re-enactment Group joined the celebration in full regalia and a prominent exhibit of Tuskegee Airmen was also on site, reminding everyone of the military exploits of the World War II fighter squadrons and the courageous pilots of the P-51 Mustang planes. Dennis Holland was honored for his vision and ongoing support of the seminar. During this period, after years of dedicated service, longtime committee members Linda Bradley, Jackie Chauhan, Barbara Tyson, Karen Burney, Eric Thomas, Lynette Williams and Sandra Lunceford retired.

 

The current committee consists of Bruce Anderson, Committee Chair; Sharon Styles, Committee Co-Chair & Publicity Chair; Sharry Covington, Curriculum Chair & Syllabus Chair; Ray White, Youth Outreach Chair; Denise Griggs, Exhibit Chair; Ruth-Marie Chambers, Seminar Gift Bag Chair; Jennifer Laret, Hospitality Chair and Tim Steinberger, Logistics Chair.

 

Building on the firm foundation of previous workshops, this new committee brought fresh ideas to the Seminar. Among the recent implementations are morning speakers, new classes with new instructors, updated syllabus, gift bags, book giveaways, one-on-one research assistance, art displays, a streamlined registration process and more.

 

In 2016 keynote speaker, Kenyatta Berry, host of the PBS series Genealogy Roadshow, spoke about her professional experiences as a genealogist and her research findings. Kenyatta was shown some Sacramento hospitality by being honored on the floor of the State Capitol with a resolution by Assemblymember Jim Cooper naming a "Kenyatta Berry Day". Members of the Seminar Planning Committee were present on the Assembly floor during the presentation. Vice Mayor Rick Jennings II arranged a VIP evening at a Sacramento Kings game and Kenyatta was a featured guest of Courtney Dempsey on Good Day Sacramento.

 

Kenyatta drew an overflow crowd and the seminar saw an increased effort at youth involvement in African American family history and genealogy. Dr. Ray White took the leadership role as Youth Outreach Chair on the Seminar Planning Committee.

 

For the 2017 Seminar, Paula Williams Madison guided the enthralled audience through her fascinating exploration of her Jamaican-Chinese-African American roots. In her book, Finding Samuel Lowe, Paula illuminated a side of Jamaican-Asian cultural ethnicity not familiar to many people. A documentary of her personal journey of search and discovery, also entitled Finding Samuel Lowe, aired on The Africa Channel, which Paula and her family own. It later aired on PBS. Vice Mayor Rick Jennings II was the morning speaker and shared his genealogical journey.

 

A further highlight of 2017 was the efforts of the Seminar Planning Committee, members of the African American Genealogy Society of Northern California (AAGSNC), and the Family Search Library in support of the California Legislative Black Caucus' Juneteenth Celebration at the State Capitol. The group provided research on the family history of Assembly members and gave onsite assistance to them and their staff. Several members of the California Black Judges Association were also assisted with their research. The Seminar Planning Committee returned to the State Capitol in 2018 for a follow-up to the 2017 successful event.

 

In 2018, leading African American genealogist, Angela Walton-Raji was the keynote speaker. Angela, author of Black Indian Genealogy Research and founder of the Midwest African

 

American Genealogy Institute, enlightened the audience with perspectives from her ongoing genealogical research on African American-Native American history. Assemblymember Jim Cooper was the morning speaker. One-on-one assistance was offered in the computer lab. Local artist Dr. Clay Wilson, D.D.S., gifted the event with a display of his original paintings. The late Bonnie Pannell was honored for her unwavering support of the seminar.

 

There was an extraordinary moment during the opening of the 2019 Seminar when Thom Reed's morning address was so powerfully moving that many in the audience were brought to tears.

The Deputy Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch International presented an overview of his work partnering with national and international organizations on projects having major impact on African American family history and research. Thom presented video clips of LeVar Burton's emotional receipt of a "Roots" commemorative honor, and of Lonnie Bunche recounting the meaningfulness of familiar objects of home life such as those displayed in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It was a unifying experience indeed for Seminar attendees.

 

While in Sacramento, Thom Reed met with community leaders to discuss strengthening African American communities, families and individuals by helping millions of people discover their African ancestral roots. Thom visited Sacramento in 2017 for the Juneteenth genealogy event at the State Capitol.

 

Keynote Speaker, Patricia Bayonne-Johnson, shared her family story of enslavement by the Jesuits at Georgetown University and subsequently being sold down the river to Louisiana.

Patricia’s research, along with others, is the basis for the Georgetown Memory Project and the discovery of thousands who are descended from the original 272 men, women and children from the 1838 sale.

 

Befitting the spirit and style of the occasion, Patricia further drew the 2019 Seminar attendees into the intricacies of tracking the lives of ancestral families impacted by institutional transactions such as those made by Georgetown University more than 180 years ago. The legacy of that 1838 sale of enslaved human beings continues to resonate in Patricia and her family as well as for several of those present in the audience.

 

The year 2020 was a truly historic year for mankind. A pandemic swept around the globe infecting and killing millions. On March 11, 2020 Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a delay of all gatherings with more than 250 people. Our March 14, 2020 seminar was postponed until September 26, 2020. However, the Covid-19 virus was still not under control in September and we were once again forced to postpone the event.

 

Committee Co-Chairs, Bruce Anderson and Sharon Styles, arranged for the committee to meet via Zoom and discuss the best way to move forward. Uncertain of when the pandemic would end, the committee agreed a virtual seminar would serve the needs of the community.

 

Ken Adams contacted Eric Davis to provide an online workshop. Sharry Covington reached out to the instructors and requested they record their presentations. Kieth Merrill, Gary McFadyen and their team filmed as well as edited instructors who were unable to record their presentations.

 

Denise Griggs collected information from exhibitors to arrange for virtual exhibits. Jennifer Laret organized and executed the huge task of shipping a syllabus and gift bag to every registered guest. Under the guidance and leadership of Bruce Anderson it all came together.

 

The morning welcome and keynote address were live, whereas all other class sessions were pre- recorded. Karen Massie, mistress of ceremony, opened the program with a moment of silence for all those lost during the pandemic followed by a prayer for us the living.

 

Nicka Sewell-Smith presented a dynamic keynote address, The Benefaction of You. Nicka wove her personal genealogical journey and family story into a passionate presentation on the benefit of capturing the breadth and depth of our ancestors’ lives, not just noting birth and death dates on a tree. She also encouraged us to think outside the box when searching for data on enslaved ancestors. It was inspiring, uplifting and absolutely wonderful! Perfectly suited for such a time as this.

 

Some committee members, along with volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and African American genealogists, once again participated in the Juneteenth 2021 celebration for the California Legislative Black Caucus and Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber.

Although the pandemic was slowly winding down, the decision was made to hold another virtual seminar in 2022. Kieth Merrill, Gary McFadyen, Patrick Twomey and John Lyde orchestrated the recording and editing of instructors who were unable to videotape their presentations. Eric Davis took charge of the Zoom process and did a magnificent job. We also opened the Family History Library for a small group of guests to view the broadcast on-site. A few other locations were designated viewing sites as well.

Gina McVey, our keynote speaker, gave a fantastic presentation on her grandfather, Lawrence McVey. Corporal Lawrence Leslie McVey was born in Texas and migrated to New York where he was drafted and served with the Harlem Hellfighters during WWI. McVey and his regiment earned a French Croix de Guerre for their bravery on the battlefield. Gina researched his story and collected documents as well as artifacts which she donated to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

With a renewed focus on encouraging guests to tell their own stories, classes were offered in writing family history, producing a documentary film, researching family members who served in the military, using DNA to connect with living relatives and a variety of classes for those in every stage of research.

With a nod to our inaugural event when Karen Massie was the first keynote speaker, Karen presented a case study of her cousin, Samuel Proctor Massie, Jr., a chemist and college professor.

In recent years, we have taken the time to recognize outstanding community leaders who recently passed away. Among those honored are Councilwoman, Bonnie Pannell; Dr. William H. Lee, founder of the Sacramento Observer and Aubrey Lee Stone, President of the California

 

Black Chamber. Our 2022 honoree was educator and advocate, Franklin Withrow. Sadly, Mr. Withrow was the beloved husband of Karen Massie.

Karen Massie has served as Mistress of Ceremonies for several seminars. Karen has consistently promoted and taken an active role in the Seminar's activities since the inaugural event in March 2006. The Sacramento Observer has faithfully covered each Seminar with beautiful feature articles following each event. Courtney Dempsey and Good Day Sacramento have spotlighted our keynote speakers and committee members for many, many years.

 

In addition to a growing variety of workshops in African American family history and genealogy topics presented by well-prepared instructors, there are now art exhibits; free book tables; gift bags containing pamphlets, brochures, and booklets regarding historical sites, museums, and places of interest relating to African Americans across the nation. The Buffalo Soldiers, in full military dress, are always a popular exhibit. There have been fabulous quilt hangings, photography displays, African American artifacts and other visual exhibits to capture the attention of Seminar attendees. Over the years, Barbara Tyson has filled a niche on the floor of the Exhibit Hall with her library collection of books on African American history, black genealogy, United States Colored Troops, Native American history and state-specific reference tools for genealogical research.

 

In response to seminar attendees seeking to further their personal research on African American family history and genealogy, one-on-one assistance was offered in the Family History Library (FHL) beginning in 2018. FHL volunteers, instructors, committee members and AAGSNC members were utilized to assist guests.

 

Each year's seminar syllabus adds to the documented history of the African American Family History Seminar and its value to the Sacramento region and community. A collection of these notebooks and CDs provides the holder with a reference file on the evolution of black genealogy as a field of study for years to come. A complete list of committee members, instructors and exhibitors can also be found in each syllabus.

 

Once Ron and Lynette McDowell completed their assignment as Directors, the mantle was taken up by Ed and Linda Lucky, followed by Gordon and Janet Orchard and John and Judy Hansen before being assumed by Phil and Donna Horner. All of the directors graciously shared their time and talents in support of the seminar.

 

The mission to inspire, inform, and educate the Northern California community in the history of their ancestors and the methods of genealogical research continues to be achieved in March of each year, as ever increasing numbers of knowledgeable, experienced family historians gather in Sacramento for the African American Family History Seminar. May the glory of this annual event live on!