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.

The Great Migration was one of the most transformative periods in American history, reshaping the cultural, economic, and social landscapes.

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...