
African American people are defined as individuals who are Black American of African descent and reside in the United States of America.[1] Individuals within this ethnic population may have partial or total ancestry from various African ancestors from various countries. Some African American people identify as Afro American or as Black American or simply as Americans. As a collective group of people, they are culturally diverse for many reasons. [2] Understanding the timeline and history of African American people in the United States of America is especially important prior to engaging in African American genealogy research.
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A brief history and timeline of African people in AmericaA brief history and timeline of African people in America
Much debate exists as to when the first African people arrived in what would later become the United States of America. Some historians suggest African people arrived as early as the 1500s while others point to the August 1619 arrival of 20 to 30 enslaved Africans in Virginia as the initial arrival of African people in America.[3] What is certain is that the relocation of captive African people into America’s society of enslavement was forced across hundreds of years.[4] Although the importation of captive Africans was made illegal in the United States in 1808, the institution of enslavement of people of African descent continued domestically until the end of the Civil War.
The long-lasting impact of forced migration, separation of families across oceans, separation of families across the North, South, East and West of the United States as well as discriminatory laws against African Americans well beyond the period of enslavement nearly devastated the ability of African descendants to trace their lineage. Nonetheless, the pursuit of African American genealogy can be just as rewarding despite painful, complex, and challenging histories.
Tips for conducting recent African American family researchTips for conducting recent African American family research
Traditional genealogy research methodology is much the same when setting out to trace the history of most families, including African American people. However, significant challenges extending the lineage of African descendants in America typically occur around 1870. Here are some tips for research up to 1870 and for conducting research prior to 1870.
- First and foremost, be mindful of the cultural attitudes and sensitivities towards researching families of African descent who may have been formerly enslaved within the region(s) of research. Light reading on the community where the ancestors of interest were from could be beneficial for overcoming possible challenges in research.
- Next, begin by conducting family history interviews of close relatives such as parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Interviews should include asking relatives for their recollection of vital particulars and important events such as a move from one location to another.
- Work to connect each generation going backwards in time using vital records, census data, social security applications and other record collections such as newspapers, military, education, and wills and probate records to start.
- Obtain as much vital record information as possible on siblings of direct ancestors so complete family groups can be established and confirmed using documents.
- In African American research implanting research of Friends, Associates, and Neighbors (FAN Club Principle) of one’s direct ancestors is encouraged sooner rather than later. This methodology helps to fully understand dynamic family structures post-enslavement and can better assist in understanding family structures once research enters the mid to late 1800s.
Historical African American genealogy research in 1870 and earlierHistorical African American genealogy research in 1870 and earlier
The 1870 U.S. Census was the first census to record African American people by name, yet the relationships between household members who may have been formerly enslaved prior to 1870 were not always clear.[5] Family surnames may have no biological connection to recent or more distant African ancestors, rather surnames of African American people may be the surname of their former enslaver. Surnames of African American people post enslavement may also be surnames of their choosing to distance themselves from their former enslaver’s identity. All this change is problematic for using traditional research methodologies to identify biological relatives within communities of enslaved people.
Special record collections and manuscripts containing information regarding ship manifests, auctions, plantations, enslavers, and those who were enslaved are available to assist with uncovering additional information on formerly enslaved ancestors. Using these collections will require time-intensive research and strong research leads.
Direct descendants of ancestors of African descent may choose to perform DNA testing with one of the major DNA testing companies for the purpose of using genetic evidence and DNA matches to shine a light on their African ancestral origins. Genetic testing for ancestry research is one of the greatest tools at the disposal of descendants of African ancestors and worth pursuing if research using traditional genealogy research methodology in records hits a brick wall.
See alsoSee also
Explore more about African American genealogyExplore more about African American genealogy
- 1870 US Census record collection at MyHeritage
- How to Research Your Ethnicity with Genealogy on the MyHeritage Genealogy Hub
- African American Genealogy Challenges: What You Need to Know! webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- African American Genealogy Resources at the Library of Congress webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- A Checklist of African American Resources webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- Best Internet Resources for African American Genealogy webinar at Legacy Family Tree Webinars
- The 1619 Project - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
References
- ↑ African American. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- ↑ 2. Family history, slavery and knowledge of Black history. Race Is Central to Identity for Black Americans and Affects How They Connect With Each Other. Pew Research Center, 2022.
- ↑ America’s History of Slavery Began Long Before Jamestown. History Channel
- ↑ Africans in America. Library of Congress
- ↑ African Americans and the Federal Census, 1790–1930. National Archives and Records Administration