African American families
Ten of the oldest African American families whose history can be traced back to the early 1800s are paricitpating in a widespread genealogy and DNA reseach project. Find out if your family name is on the list.
The history of Africans in the Western world usually begins with a story of enslavement but time and space being what it is, we know there are Other truths to the stories we have been told.
Since 2007, CAAGRI has been at the forefront of collecting DNA samples from the Motherland to assist the Diaspora with finding their lost relatives, scientifically.
Contrary to what it is we think we know, the African Diaspora exists in every industrialized nation. Diaspora means to scratter widely. 'dia' means through, in different directions, between. 'spora' comes from the root word, "sparse" and it means to scatter, sow, spread.
Fredericksburg, Virginia
reclaiming our time
Ten of the oldest African American families whose history can be traced back to the early 1800s are paricitpating in a widespread genealogy and DNA reseach project. Find out if your family name is on the list.
How to...
research the diaspora
Access to sources of information can be costly. We have complied a list of FREE online databases to help you on your journey.
I.AM.ARAPI. is a true story about three African families and their story of enslavement until 1945. Your can read chapter excerpts here.
Credible sources are important to understanding the public policies that affect people of African descent, globally. Distinguishing between bias, and conspiracy takes some work, but there are a sea of responsible scholars who have studied and written about the diaspora over the last 50 years.
Writing your personal family story or writing about new information you have discovered while tracing your family history is important to ensuring that the story is never forgotten. We've put together a short guide to help you begin writing the story of your lifetime.
What makes us the same, makes us different
cultural zones
In the Americas, African descended people perform the same or modified traditions without knowing how we came to know these rites. The footprints of enslavement were created to disassociate ancient practices amongst the kidnapped to discourage a longing for home. In Africa. Where we came from. Each African kingdom had its own customs, language and history, so knowing what those unique characteristics are, gives clues to where we came from.
Expand your
knowledge base
A small tribute to honor the memory and legacy of early pioneers who may not have been as notable as others whose names are well known.
Tracing the diaspora requires maps. This resoure discusses the idea of mapping and provides free resources and tools for you to add to your research project.
Did you know if your state has money in the bank with your name on it? Check here for more information on how to reclaim your money!