Blacks search for their rootsConference fuels interest in genealogy By James Scott
The Post and Courier
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Conference fuels interest in genealogy Charleston resident Mary Thomas can trace her family back five generations in Charleston. Then, like many blacks looking for clues to the past, she hits the painful era of slavery and information vanishes. "Some people have memorabilia. We don't have all that," said Thomas, 75, who is eager to learn more about her family so she can share it with her nieces and nephews. "We don't have our own last names." Thomas joined nearly 100 other men and women Saturday for Roots and Branches: An African American Genealogy Conference at the College of Charleston. The daylong event included seminars and guest speakers, offering advice on researching the past and anecdotes about the challenges blacks face in uncovering family history. Event organizer Wevonneda Minis, The Post and Courier's genealogy columnist, said the conference will be followed by six workshops next year designed to help people interested in genealogy network and share ideas. One theme many voiced during the conference is the challenges blacks face in tracing their history, from dealing with plantation bookkeeping practices to the challenges of segregation-era record keeping. Dorothy Spruill Redford, author of "Somerset Homecoming: Recovering a Lost Heritage," detailed her challenges in piecing together the history of 500 slaves from the North Carolina plantation where generations of her family were enslaved. In doing so, she said she disproved a misconception historians and genealogists have long believed: that many former slaves changed their names after emancipation. That idea has been cited for the difficulty in tracking the 4 million freed slaves. Instead, Redford said the challenge lies in deciphering the individual bookkeeping methods many plantation owners used to catalog slaves. Since it was against the law for slaves to be numbered, she said owners often created various ways to name slaves or added on names to differentiate between them. In some cases, she said slave owners used adjectives such as "old" or "big." In other cases, she said plantation owners listed slaves by their middle names. "Don't blame the victim for the problem when the problem is not the victim's creation," said Redford, who is also the executive director of Somerset Place plantation. "Enslaved people didn't write the records." Deciphering the bookkeeping from the era of slavery is not the only obstacle genealogists face, said Tony Burroughs, author of "Black Roots: A Beginner's Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree." Burroughs said the era of segregation presented its own unique challenges. "In order to do genealogy, we have to place a person into the historical context," Burroughs said. "It is one of discrimination, segregation, racism — all of that affects our research." Lillian Miller, who attended the conference, faces challenges in her search. Miller, 71, has pored through the state archives in Columbia as well as searched out headstones in at least one area graveyard. The challenge, she said, is finding good information. So far, Miller said she only has been able to trace her family back to the 1920 Census. "It's for me," she said of her interest in tracing her roots. "I share the information with my family. I think it is important for them to have an idea of how we are connected in this country." |
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Comments
This article has 18 comment(s)
Posted by RHamilton on October 28, 2007 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is actually regarding the "Discipline disparity on front burner" News article. It’s sad that the News & Courier does not allow a comments section on the page in question. I am therefore commenting on all of the other pages regarding such.
I am an African American that fully recognizes that there are major race issues here in our city and state but I do not think that focusing on the fact that my race has more suspended children in schools compared to other races is valid. That is like saying that black on black crime and incarceration of blacks in prison compared to whites or other races is valid. We have an issue here and trying to hold the school responsible for something that parents (and older teens involved) should be responsible for is wrong. We the parents (and yes the teens) should be held accountable. Should the school change its rules to allow anyone preferential treatment because of race? Um, no!
Now if the school is indeed singling out a certain race over another we should contact the SC Governor’s Office, White House and US Department of Justice to come in and take completely take over the situation – this is very-very serious. The entire district would be shut down and we’d have every news organization across the country setting up camp here. No one from the SC Governor’s Office or anywhere is coming to help us with this. I doubt this is actually happening and it is certainly easy to place blame but seriously, saying that more blacks are getting arrested or that more black children are getting suspended because of racial discrimination is horribly absurd. We have a problem that we (the parents) should be handling.
I am very disappointed in the News and Courier restricting comments.
R Hamilton
City Of Charleston
Posted by lexylady on October 28, 2007 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sick and tired of the word racism! It is a joke. It is only a way of keeping certain people rich, and others looking for an easy way out. We alone are responsible for letting this get out of hand. If anything, it is reverse racism. For instance, if you are white, who comes screaming and marching and suing and causing a ridiulous media frenzy? There is no NAAWP, nor is it wanted. If you do the crime, do the time. I don't care if your ancestors were slaves or not! That was way before our time. I am sure it is used to teach children today, but for reasons other than History. It doesn't matter if you are white, black,tan,olive,green, or orange. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!! I grew up poor with no Daddy in my household too, and I wouldn't even consider doing a criminal act. Excuses, excuses, excuses. They are like a rocking chair; they will keep you going, but get you no where.
Posted by megaward on October 28, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well said RHamilton.
Posted by Diamondhead on October 28, 2007 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think problem here is that most if not a majority of African Americans (including liberals) view slavery in the context as a racist institution as oppose to an institution that was practice by every culture on this planet at one time or another. Even the word “slave” is derived from the Slavs a people occupying eastern Europe. In the Muslim world slavery didn’t come to an end until the 1960s and even then it is still practiced today in some outlining areas. If the purpose of this article is to impose some kind of white guilt on someone who is generations removed from the actually practitioners of this institution, then the only thing you will accomplish is more antagonism between the races. Race relations will keep marching backwards instead of forward but I guess that is what the liberals and the NAACP want.
Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on October 29, 2007 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This particular story could have been tied in with the Drayton Hall story! Good on anyone who wishes to trace their roots to learn their heritage. It’s a personal choice and is often frustrating because there are lots of roadblocks, as stated in the article.
Good luck to you Mrs. Miller as you attempt to learn more about the your ancestors. The knowledge of their family history is a priceless gift that you will be able to give your children and grandchildren.
In response to the previous comment:
“I think problem here is that most if not a majority of African Americans (including liberals) view slavery in the context as a racist institution as oppose to an institution that was practice by every culture on this planet at one time or another.”
“African Americans” have enough sense to see slavery as it is and was. Regardless to the fact that slavery was practiced and is still practiced by every culture on this planet, the involuntary servitude of slavery exists when one group renders themselves superior and another inferior for any reason. At that particular point in time in the United States of America, to include Charleston, SC, the superiority/inferiority was based on RACE…face it. Slave owners, Black and White were racists! They enslaved people based on prejudices and stereotypes related to race at that time.
“Race relations will keep marching backwards instead of forward but I guess that is what the liberals and the NAACP want.”
Race relations will keep marching backwards instead of forward due to hateful, small-minded, discordant people, distinct from race and political affiliation. Get real!
Posted by bhippey on October 29, 2007 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Blacks search for their roots"
Nice title P&C. Referring to them as "blacks". Watch out, you'll be the next target of racial disparity.
Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on October 29, 2007 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bhippey,
What’s wrong with the term "blacks"? Believe it or not "Blacks" is not viewed as a disparaging term although sometime ago that was it’s purpose. African-American or African “anything” is not exclusive to people with brown skin as evidenced by White South Africans who may move from Africa to various parts of the world. They are just as much African as any person with brown skin. Also, you should know that not all people with brown skin refer to themselves as “African American“ that‘s an ignorant assumption. Just like the terms Latina/o and Hispanic can be used interchangeably, so are the terms Black and African American.
“Black” suffices for many people of color, especially those who recognize that they have lineage from other races in addition to their African heritage. I guess you were trying to incite another “disparity” battle and it's truly unnecessary.
Posted by Girleygirl on October 29, 2007 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't have a problem being called a Black American since I never came from Africa. I have a problem being addressed as colored, negro, or Afro-American. Get rid of the surveyors since they always want to know your race. They are the ones that want to know if you like Captain Cruch or Frosted flakes instead.
My sister is currently trying to trace our families' ancestry as well and she was saying its really hard because she does not have alot of info just old pictures that are helping her identify people and find "distant" cousins.
Posted by justme2 on October 29, 2007 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Agree 50cents, on both posts.
Early, it is not extremely difficult. THere are pages and pages of Slaveship manifestos that have lots of information and many ancestry search organizatons that will assist you in finding your roots, no matter what color or race you are. And, it is fun trying to do your ancestry search. I have and have enjoyed it, so far have gone back to 1832. It is amazing what you will find and who you are related to. I'm stilltrying to go back further, with th e help of a professional. Good for family Reunions. I won't tell you who my ancestors are in Charleston,you will be surprised. I have also found the Family Coat of Arms and have a picture on it that dates back to England.
Posted by justme2 on October 29, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Girleygirl contact me and I will give you a link for your sister.
Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on October 29, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Justme2,
Please share...I've always run into road blocks and haven't gotten far at all! As a result, I just assumed the information did not exist. I'm interested in any information you can provide.
Posted by dixie on October 29, 2007 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you early. Either you are African or you are American. You need to decide what you are and live in that country and follow all rules and laws of that country.
Posted by dixie on October 29, 2007 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why does color have to be associated with being an American. Why would you be addressed as a Black American? What is so wrong with just being an American?????
Posted by Girleygirl on October 29, 2007 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do consider myself an American. I am American who happens to be black. I have a problem with pick Negro (in the 70's) then oh no thats politically incorrect pick African-American (in the 80's). I know how to identify myself it's "others" that do not.
I was referring my post to Bhippey whom said:
Nice title P&C. Referring to them as "blacks". Watch out, you'll be the next target of racial disparity.
So like I said its not me its other folks that have problem with the term "black". Not saying Bhippey has a problem or anything I don't know if he/she was trying to be funny, wanted a clarification or what.
Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on October 29, 2007 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dixie,
Are you sincerely asking or are you just being absurd? Have you ever participated in a census? Have you ever completed an application? Do you have a birth certificate? People are asked, and in some instances required to identify yourself by race. If you have never encountered that, which I doubt, at some point you will. Typically, none of those questions read, “Are you American, American or American?” The only thing that can be done as a “curve ball” is to check OTHER. Many things are centered around race. It’s a vital statistics issue. Why that information is important, who knows? Can’t state them all. However, when asked, one has the option to provide the information, throw a curve, or not answer the question.
Everyone belongs to one or more racial categories…Why shouldn’t a Black person identify his/herself as Black or a White American identify his/herself as White? American is your national origin not your race…Why don’t you protest that for the next census? Contact the US Census Bureau and let THEM know you think every American, Black, White or Other, should only be identified as AMERICANS. No one on this forum makes public or governmental policies. We were having a civil discussion about tracing ancestry.
Additionally, I agree with Early too as did many other posters. We had already arrived at the fact that African American is not a preferred "title" for everyone. We also concluded that African American in not exclusive to people of color. An Afrian American can be White.
Posted by Girleygirl on October 29, 2007 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Just2Me. I got the information and forwarded it to my sister. Thank you for adding in your 2 cents My_50cents_worth. :>) It was worth it because I really did not want to get into that census bureau crap.
Posted by My_50Cents_Worth on October 29, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I meant an "African" American can be White.
Posted by jammer on October 29, 2007 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Early, a grant??? ahemmm here's an idea, how about you donate your hard earned money for them to search their roots... not mine, I'm already taxed for way too many things that have absolutely no advantage to me or mine
50cent, that was worth at least a dollar dude... Afrian White? you meant Aryan White???? jussssst kidding dude... lol
I know I know you meant African White
I actually have an uncle who's a South African White, and he's actually from S.Africa himself as in he's a S.A. citizen... not some long lost forgotten dead relative of his
I wish these people luck in finding their ancestry