WHO ARE WE? Embark on a Journey of Self Discovery by Exploring Your Heritage with Black Genealogy and History. Understanding our heritage is not just a matter of curiosity; it is a fundamental part of our identity.
OCTOBER IS FAMILY HISTORY MONTH!
One day after 9/11, the late Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, home of the most extensive genealogical library in the world, introduced a resolution designating October as Family History Month. Two weeks later, on September 26, 2001, the Senate passed the resolution unanimously without amendment and with a preamble; a few statements from the preamble are:
Whereas it is the family, striving for a future of opportunity and hope, that reflects our Nation’s belief in community, stability, and love;
Whereas the study of family history gives individuals a sense of their heritage and a sense of responsibility in carrying out a legacy, their ancestors began;
Whereas individuals learn about their ancestors who worked so hard and sacrificed so much, their commitment to honor their ancestors’ memory by doing good is increased; Whereas interest in our personal family history transcends all cultural and religious affiliations…
S.Res.160 Agreed to in the Senate of the United States
The Senate requested that the “President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
Let us celebrate! Now is the time to get together and explore and preserve your family history, memories, traditions, and stories. Eleven ways to celebrate Family History Month are:
- Write your autobiography. “The younger generation of today can benefit from your struggles and triumphs if you leave a legacy for them to read,” stated Tony Burroughs, author of Black Roots.
- Read a book about the local people and your community.
- Carl Maxey: A Fighting Life by Jim Kershner
- Black Spokane: The Civil Rights Struggle in the Inland Northwest by Dwayne A. Mack
- African Americans in Spokane by Jerrelene Williamson
- Our Community: Spokane Black Leaders by Stephanie Courtney (children’s book)
- Make one of your family’s favorite foods each week during October. I will cook gumbo, jambalaya, oyster po boy, shrimp creole, red beans, and rice.
- Visit the ancestral home online or in person. Some small towns’ records are not online. Years ago, I visited the courthouse in New Roads, Louisiana, and was allowed to go into the file cabinets and pull the records for my great-grandfather, Jules Bayonne. Visit historical societies to find maps, family histories, and photographs.
- Visit the ancestral church. My ancestral church and cemetery were built on land donated by their last slaveholder. It was a little white church in the woods but has now been replaced by a brick building with a plaque that names the founding families.
- Use Find a Grave to find an ancestor’s or relative’s headstone. FamilySearch and Billion Graves are online websites that can help you find a headstone, but I have not used them.
- Visit a cemetery where your ancestors or relatives are buried. Clean the headstones and make headstone rubbings (with permission). Check to make sure this is allowed. Children enjoy this activity.
- Watch “Finding Your Roots” each week in October on your local PBS TV channel.
- Research your surname. I did this many years ago and found two places with my surname. One is Bayonne, New Jersey, in Hudson County. The other is Bayonne, France, in Basque Country in Southwest France. Bayonne is known for its hams.
- Build your family tree for free on Ancestry.
- Take a DNA test. Kits can be purchased from Ancestry, My Heritage, and 23andMe.
Choose one or more activities to celebrate Family History Month. If you do not see an activity that appeals to you, google Family History Month for more ideas. Our family history, memories, and traditions create our heritage. Embrace the spirit of Family History Month, cultivate an appreciation of your roots, and pass on your family’s legacy to future generations.