Racial labels like “Mulatto” and “Colored” weren’t neutral—and they weren’t fixed. Learn how historical language has shaped Black genealogy records and why understanding context is key to accurately reading your ancestors’ stories.

Before 1870, most formerly enslaved people were not listed by name in federal census records. They appeared as numbers—age, sex, and skin color—under the name of an enslaver. The 1870 census changed everything. It was the first federal census to list formerly enslaved people by name, acknowledging them as individuals and families.

February 2, 2026 - Your elders are your best source of information. Conversations about the past matter! Talk to an elder today to capture your family's stories. The most valuable records that you already have are your elders' stories. When people begin researching their family history, they often head straight to online databases. Census records, DNA tests, and digitized documents feel official and reliable. Over time, I learned an essential truth about Black genealogy: som

Happy Black History Month Folks! This blog is a little longer than most, but it comes from my step-by-step guide to starting your family...

It’s the fourth day of Black History Month, and I’m already a day behind folks! But I will be blogging for the entire month. I’m excited...