X-chromosome DNA, commonly called X-DNA, is an important component of genetic genealogy, yet it seems to receive considerably less attention today than it once did. I suspect that part of the reason is simply accessibility. Many DNA testers do not have easy access to information about their X-DNA matches. Nevertheless, X-DNA should not be ignored …
Category: History
Weaving Through a Highly Endogamous Web
Over five years ago, I noticed something both intriguing and unexpected: my family shared DNA with people with immediate roots from Washington County, Alabama—despite my family having no known genealogical ties to that area. Initial research revealed that many of their ancestors were classified as “mulatto” in the 1850 and 1860 censuses, indicating they were …
Book Review: “10 of 10”
I am deeply grateful for the many thoughtful reviews my new book, From Fragments to Foundation: Uncovering a Buried History of Tragedy and Triumph, has received so far. Each one means a great deal to me, but this particular review from Lori Herbison, posted on Amazon, was especially meaningful. She titled it “10 of 10” …
A Small World
In Season 12, Episode 5 of Finding Your Roots, which aired this past Tuesday night on PBS, Henry Louis Gates Jr. explored the ancestry of basketball stars Brittney Griner and Chris Paul. I was stunned when Chris Paul’s family history revealed the identity of one of his ancestors, Zachariah Clinkscales of Anderson County, South Carolina. …
Was Matilda—the Ancestor of Appalachian Coal Miners—My Ancestor’s Long-Lost Sister?
In 1996, I learned that my mother’s great-grandfather, Edward Danner of Panola County, Mississippi, was a Civil War veteran who served in the 59th Infantry of the United States Colored Troops. Edward was born about 1835 in South Carolina and died on 15 September 1876, leaving behind his widow, Louisa “Lue” Bobo Danner, with ten …
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NOW AVAILABLE: From Fragments to Foundation
I’m overjoyed to share that my new book, From Fragments to Foundation, is officially available! This project comes straight from my heart, mind, and soul. It’s a seven-generation odyssey that brings history to life through the lens of genealogy, resilience, and discovery. More than just my family’s story, it’s a teachable journey—revealing how to uncover …
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COMING SOON: From Fragments to Foundation
GREAT NEWS: This book is now available. Click HERE to order. I have exciting news! I am happy to announce that my new book, From Fragments to Foundation: Uncovering a Buried History of Tragedy and Triumph, will be released in late October. Ordering will be available soon. Stay tuned! Please see book details below for a …
Our Elders Are Passing
I’ve had this poem saved on my computer since 2001. It highlights the vital role of oral history and the importance of interviewing our family elders. Their memories and stories are priceless. Since then, many of my own elders have passed away, but I’m deeply grateful that they shared so much of my family’s history …
Drawing Strength from the Ancestors’ Stories 2
Celebrating Black History Month should be done continuously with intensity; nothing or no one can take our history, even while national forces aim to hide the accomplishments of Black people, women, and other marginalized groups. Let's continue to highlight the sacrifices, diligence, bravery, and unyielding resiliency of our ancestors. All of that is in our …
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Drawing Strength from the Ancestors’ Stories
Happy Black History Month! Lately, I have been thinking a lot about how our ancestors survived and persevered through centuries of inhumane, ungodly mindsets, some of which we still face. The operative verb here is "survived." Like my mother’s paternal grandfather, William "Bill" Reed of Tate County, Mississippi, only three generations away from me. In …
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Roots Revealed 