Speak On It!

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Genetic Genealogist Lisa A. Fanning, as she shares her powerful work with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre DNA Identification Project.With over 30 years of family history research, Lisa has explored her deep Southern and Midwestern roots, focusing on the histories of enslavement, migration, and Tri-Racial Isolate communities. A descendant of Kate Anderson—born in 1670—Lisa has traced her lineage to early emancipated families in Virginia and free African American settlements in Indiana.As a genetic genealogist, Lisa lends her expertise to impactful initiatives such as the DNA Doe Project and the Tulsa Race Massacre Project. She serves on the Board of the National Genealogical Society and the leadership team of MAAGI, and has presented both nationally and internationally, including for PBS and the United Nations.Professionally, Lisa brings three decades of leadership experience from Washington, DC, where she championed diversity and expanded workforce opportunities across the U.S., Africa, and the Middle East. She is also an award-winning photographic artist and currently serves as Director of Culture, Community, and Impact at Indiana Tech. Lisa holds a B.A. in French and an M.A. in Intercultural Communication.

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation/interview with Dionne Patterson of UGR3DAY.Dee Patterson, also known as Conductor Dee, is the CEO and Founder ofUGR3DAY Underground Railroad Experiences Inc. She is also an acclaimedstoryteller and conductor of the Underground Railroad experiences. A historian, Dee isalso a nationally certified cultural interpretive guide, a certified genealogist, curriculumdeveloper and education consultant. She brings her research-based narratives, poeticstorytelling, and creative energy to each UGR3DAY experience.https://ugr3day.com/

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a compelling interview with Orice Jenkins as he recounts his visit to Blakely, Georgia, alongside descendants and cousins of the Early County Massacre victims. Orice will share their powerful experiences from a weekend of commemorative events honoring their ancestors.Orice Jenkins is a recording artist, performer, educator, and genealogy researcher from Hartford, Connecticut. His music has been featured in Jazz Times magazine and charted at #11 on the iTunes Jazz chart. Jenkins has performed extensively across all genres, including Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and Classical music. He serves as the Executive Director of Música Franklin, an afterschool music program for youth in Franklin County, Massachusetts.Orice is also the author of Chesta’s Children, a genealogy blog that explores his deep stateside roots as a descendant of enslaved Americans. He ties his passions together in his lectures and historical presentations, commenting on the relationships between racism, culture, art, and family. He was a Contributing Author to the book: Black Homesteaders of the South and Author of Early County Massacre, The: Goolsby vs. The State of Georgia.

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for their interview with Dr. Denice Evans-Sheppard regarding Community History in Oyster Bay, New York (Long Island). She will share her connection via her ancestor, David Carll, a United States Colored Troop (US Civil War).Dr. Denice Evans-Sheppard recently earned a Doctorate in Education Degree from Molloy University on December 13, 2023. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Oyster Bay Historical Society for the past seven years and has provided the community with lectures, programs and curated exhibits promoting the significance of the Town of Oyster Bay’s incredible history. Her dissertation focused on The Unknown Bedrock: White Perceptions of African American Historical Contributions in the Hamlet of Oyster Bay, NY.Currently, Denice serves on the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action (IDEA) Committee for the Oyster Bay East Norwich School District and has collaborated with multschool districts in Great Neck, Syosset, East Woods to discuss an insider’s perspective of Indigenous and African Americans during the colonial period on Long Island. Denice is a tribal member of the Montauk Tribal Nation and has been actively involved with the reinstatement of their tribal recognition since 1997.Denice is mostly known for being a family historian and historical gatekeeper of the Carl familyhistory which encouraged further research of the history of her great, great, grandfather, Civil Warsoldier, David Carll of Oyster Bay, who voluntarily served in the N.Y. 26 th USCT Regiment. Her research had been utilized to further assist her cousin, celebrity/actress Vanessa L. Williams on the Channel 4 WNBC “Who Do You Think You Are”. Moving forward to 2022, Denice collaborated with relatives, Vanessa Williams, Iris Williams and Francis Carl to garner an Emmy nomination and a successful win for a 10 min historical segment during Black History Month. As a direct descendant of David Carll, she was presented with the Emmy award as a family research contributor through television Ebony Roundtree, producer for WABC Channel 7 Network.https://www.oysterbayhistorical.org/

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for an interview with Cheryl Wills and Ethan West, descendants of Sandy Wills (U.S. Colored Troop). This is an update to two prior podcast interviews with Cheryl and Ethan and how their determination to confirm where their ancestor was buried and to do everything possible to make sure that he was honored and received a proper burial. The results of their dedication is remarkable.Cheryl Wills is a nationally recognized award-winning television personality for Spectrum News’ flagship national news network, New York 1 News, headquartered in New York City which is aired on select cable systems throughout the United States and Japan’s MXTV. She is also the host of the talk show “In Focus with Cheryl Wills”Ethan West is a Family Historian and the Founder of Elyria Black Legacy Connection. He has conducted extensive research on his ancestors, contributed to a number of social media platforms sharing his journey to research, document, share, and preserve his family history. Numerous media outlets have covered his journey, and we look forward to him sharing with us.CHERYL WILLS HALF HOUR SPECIAL ON SANDY WILLSSpecial on 60 minutes

Join Janice and Cherekana as they interview Ja'el (YaYa) Gordon for a conversation regarding protocols for contacting DNA matches.Louisiana native, Ja’el “YaYa” Gordon is a Professional Historian and Genealogist who specializes in interpreting antebellum history, genetic genealogy, Descendant group research, and conducting oral history interviews. Ja’el has over twenty years of experience as a researcher with a special focus on the Deep South antebellum/plantation history. Most notability, Ja’el is a Contributing Writer and Researcher for ARRAY’s newest learning companion, the Queen Sugar 101 Learning Companion (queensugar101.org), which is based on the critically acclaimed Oprah Winfrey Network series QUEEN SUGAR created by filmmaker Ava DuVernay.Her expertise also includes repository research, collection curation, exhibition installations, transcribing and indexing, cemetery preservation, database management, and conducting genealogy and history-related workshops. Ja’el holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge, a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Southern University New Orleans and is a Ph.D. Candidate in Higher Education at Jackson State University.https://jaelyayagordon.contently.com

Join Janice Cross Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for an interview/conversation with Denise Griggs, author of the new book, I Know Who I Am On The Family Tree - A Children's Guide to Genealogy. Denise has been the family genealogist for over 35 years. With the help of family, cousins, Internet friends, and others, she has discovered ancestors from various continents and countries. Some countries are Africa, Australia, England, Ireland, and North America. Denise has researched her maternal ancestors from eighth-century England to southwest Mississippi. She has written a book about it entitled, A Mulatto Slave, The Events in the Life of Peter Hunt, 1844-1915. The book received the Phillis Wheatley book award from the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage and earned a Finalist Award from the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Ms. Griggs also author’s books for children on subjects of diversity and theology.She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), formerly serving as Chapter Parliamentarian. She is also a volunteer for the National Park Service, and the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Committee in Natchez, Mississippi. For the past several years, Denise has been the Exhibit Chair for the board of the Greater Sacramento African American Genealogy Society. She graduated with honors from a Christian University. She is presently the Publisher and Owner of Glass Tree Books® and Blue Eclipse Publishing®. She has several family genealogy presentations on her YouTube channel, D.I. Griggs Media. Denise loves family, friends, history, technology, research, writing, speaking, art, and travel.

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for our conversation/interview with Robyne Walker Murphy.Robyne is a nationally recognized art and social justice thought leader and cultural strategist. From2016-2022, Robyne served as the Executive Director at Groundswell, a social justice youthdevelopment program that uses the transformative power of public art-making to ignite personaland societal change. Before her position at Groundswell, Robyne held positions at the NationalGuild for Community Arts Education and Dreamyard where she served as the director of theDreamYard Art Center in the Bronx. Under her leadership, DreamYard Art Center was recognizedby the Obama White House as one of the top programs in the nation. Since stepping down fromGroundswell, Robyne has worked as an arts and cultural strategist and consultant for organizationssuch as the Ford Foundation, The Cricket Island Foundation, and The Billie Holiday Theatre.Currently, she is the Leadership Strategist and Curriculum Developer for the Brooklyn ArtsLeadership Collaborative, an initiative of the Brooklyn Museum and the Joe and Clara Tsai SocialJustice Fund, which aims to support the work of eight Black and Brown-led arts organizations withbudgets under 500K.Robyne has conducted workshops and delivered keynotes at conferences andinstitutions across the country on art and social activism at institutions such as Harvard University,Lincoln Center, Seattle Art Museum, University of Chicago, American University, and many others.She is a member of New York City’s Cultural Advisory Committee, a Metropolitan Museum of ArtWomen’s History Month Honoree, and Chair of the Board of Directors of 651ARTS. Robynegraduated from Clark Atlanta University (B.A. in English) and the University of Washington, Seattle(MFA, Acting). She resides in Brooklyn with her husband, Tarik Murphy, and her son, Ras. 

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for an interview withDanielle Romero.  She is a storyteller and historian who started her YouTube channel, NYTN, to uncover her hidden Louisiana heritage and share the stories of her ancestors. Her work blends personal exploration with a passion for understanding American identity through history and genealogy. 

Join Janice & Cherekana  for a conversation with Joyce Willis, featured guest on Finding Your Roots/Viewers Like You.  Joyce is a native of Philadelphia PA. She attended the High School for the Creative and Performing arts and is a graduate of Temple University. She has been a civil servant for 11 years and has 1 beautiful daughter. Her interest in genealogy began as a child when she would hear some of the stories passed around by the “grown folks.” Although not much was said around the children, a desire to search for family history was kindled by some of the conversations about relatives She never met. Once she and other family members tested on Ancestry.com, many questions were finally answered. Buy there is always more to uncover!

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Chianta Dorsey - The Great Migration Griot. Chianta Dorsey is an archivist who is currently researching her family's history and their participation in the Great Migration. She received her Bachelor's in History from Xavier University of Louisiana, where she specialized in African American Studies.She hopes her Instagram page, the Great Migration Griot, can develop into a space where descendants of the Great Migration can share their family stories and discuss the legacies of this movement. Great Migration Griot (@greatmigrationgriot) • Instagram photos and videos  

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Nubia Lateefa from The People's Porch. Nubia is a native Kentuckian, an independent archivist, and collector. She is the owner of The Peoples Porch, a collection of Black memorabilia and literary archives specializing in vintage and rare Black literature. Nubia will share her journey regardng curating Black archives that started with her grandmothers. Her grandmothers maintained a vast collection of family history dating back to the 19th century. The People’s Porch Collection (@thepeoplesporchcollection)       

Red Clay Legacies is a project led by Mell Fisher, who believes that preserving the ancestry of others is her calling. Mell is an Ohio resident with family roots in Pikeville, Bledsoe County Tn., Muscogee and Harris County Ga, and Pemiscot, Mo. She grew up listening to her grandparents’ stories about their childhood and relatives. She felt like she had known them all her life despite the fact they never met. In 2013 after a tough breakup, Mell delved into her maternal family history, which led her to solve some family mysteries and investigate a rumored family murder plot. She unexpectedly found a new passion for family research and created Red Clay Legacies, becoming what is now known as a Genealogical Biographer. She builds family trees and creates reference books from those trees that will last generations. Mell has been featured in the Bledsonian-Banner newspaper and is a completely self-taught family researcher. Red Clay Legacies | family history research (authormellfisher.wixsite.com)

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Orice Jenkins, Author of The Early County Massacre: Goolsby vs. The State of Georgia. In his book, Orice  tells the full story of Ulysses Goolsby and the massacre more than 100 years later, highlighting the relationships between the victims and survivors and emphasizing the noble accomplishments and sacrifices of Grandison and Mary Goolsby. Orice Jenkins is a recording artist, genealogist, educator, and author from Hartford, Connecticut. He began researching his family history upon discovering that Whitney Houston’s grandparents were from his grandmother’s hometown of Blakely, Georgia. Since then, he has traced his ancestry back to 1756, uncovering the stories of several formerly enslaved Americans. Orice is a member of the Sons and Daughters of the U.S. Middle Passage and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. He has been featured on podcasts and radio shows such as “Research at the National Archives & Beyond” and “Grating the Nutmeg” and presented his findings to Racial Justice Rising and at the Indiana African American Genealogy Group annual conference. Orice has worked as a consultant for Dr. Matt Baker, the creator of UsefulCharts.com, collaborating on genealogy videos that have garnered millions of views on YouTube. In 2022, he contributed to Bernice Bennett’s latest book: Black Homesteaders of the South (Arcadia Publishing/The History Press) and appeared with other Homesteader descendants at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture during Black History Month in 2023. Orice also publishes a blog called Chesta’s Children and serves as the Executive Director of a youth music program in Greenfield, Massachusetts. www.oricejenkins.com

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Mica L. Anders. Mica is a professional genealogist who focuses on African American family history and anti-racist genealogy. Her work combines artistic creativity, thanks to her MFA in visual arts, with in-depth historical research. She is passionate about bringing family stories to life through compelling narratives and visually engaging exhibits. Her collaborations with museums and cultural organizations have led to diverse community history projects, emphasizing inclusive and underrepresented narratives in Midwestern family histories. These projects not only fulfill her professional goals but also fuel her passion for uncovering and sharing multifaceted historical stories. www.andersgenealogicalservices.com  

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Joy Charles Kay regarding the Black American Heritage Flag.  Melvin Charles, an Elizabeth, New Jersey Native, co-designed the Black American heritage flag along with his friend, Gleason T. Jackson, in 1967. After the untimely death of Jackson, Charles continued to work tirelessly to make the flag a significant piece of living history for Black America. He wrote the book “The Rallying Point” to share his journey, from the concept and design of the flag to the often difficult and sometimes heartbreaking work of promoting and sharing the flag with the public. He appeared at hundreds of meetings, conferences, conventions, churches, and schools along the East Coast, and as far west as California, as well as making television and radio appearances. He was also a talented musician, photographer, and painter who worked for several years in the field of design-display. He served in the United States Navy, receiving an Honorable Discharge. Melvin Charles passed away in 2017. Joy Charles Kay spent her undergraduate years at Rutgers University where she earned a BA in Political Science and English.  She completed her graduate degree at Montclair State University where she studied Counseling with a focus on Administration and Supervision.  She is currently the Executive Director of Montclair Shared Housing Association, which owns and operates The Montclair Inn.  The only daughter of the late Melvin Charles, the co-designer of The Black American Heritage Flag, and the late Ernestine Pryor Charles, the former Director of Pre-Trial Intervention in Union County, NJ. Ms. Charles Kay is the President of The Black American Heritage Flag, LLC.  This company’s mission is to establish and maintain the legacy of The Black American Heritage Flag. 

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Kimberly Knight of Black Indians NC and Frederick Murphy of History Before Us regarding their upcoming film, "Duality: A Collection of Afro Indigenous Perspectives." The film is a collection of personal reflections told by individuals of African and Indigenous ancestry who identify as Afro-Indigenous across America. Since Frederick Deshon Murphy was young, he always enjoyed talking to his elders and hearing stories of family history. In 2016, he founded History Before Us, a project centered on capturing, preserving, and advocating influential history.  Kimberly Knight is a Black Indian woman from Eastern North Carolina. She is the Black Indians NC 2021 Powwow Advisory Council Chair, and a member of the Triangle Native American Society.  History Before Us - The True American History | Black History www.facebook.com/BlackIndiansNC  

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Dr. Vincen Alexander Davis regarding Transformational Genealogy. Vincent Alexander Davis, Ph.D., is a Saint Xavier alum, class of 2010. Before teaching, Davis was a longtime employee for Ricoh USA, Inc. for 19 years as site manager. During his employment with Ricoh, Davis returned to school, receiving an associate degree in mass communication, and has since gone on to earn a Ph.D. in communication studies from Regent University in 2023. The title of his dissertation is: The Family Tree: An Examination of Genealogical Influence in Identity Formation and Interpersonal Communication.” His research sought to create an intersectionality between genealogy and communication studies by arguing that there is a genealogical aspect to how individuals see themselves and communicate interpersonally. Davis is a full-time faculty member at SXU and has won several teaching awards. He is also a Genealogist/Family Historian and volunteers to help others. His genealogical research was the driving force behind his dissertation. Vincent Davis (sxu.edu) Awards/Recognitions Teaching Excellence Award (2020 winner, '21 and '22 nominee)African-American Achievement Award for Outstanding Faculty (2018, '20, '22, and '23 winner)  

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Darius Brown, Author of At the Feet of the Elders: A Journey into a Lowcountry Family History. Darius M. Brown is a Research Assistant (Genealogist) at the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC. He has more than 6 years’ experience in genealogy with an emphasis on researching enslaved African Americans in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. He has researched several lines of his family into the colonial period and has reconstructed the enslaved population at several plantations including Old Fort, Otaheite, Blue Mud, and the Blake Plantations, which were located in Beaufort, Charleston, and Colleton Counties, South Carolina. Mr. Brown has conducted genealogical research on the enslaved families in Dr. Edda Fields-Black’s forthcoming book Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War (Oxford Press). He is also featured on a drive and tour app called Free & Equal, available on Apple and Google Play store. Mr. Brown is currently finishing his Bachelors degree in Organizational Management at the College of Charleston. At the Feet of the Elders: A Journey into a Lowcountry Family History: Brown, Darius M.: 9798862414622: Amazon.com: Books

Join Janice and Cherekana for a conversation with Tayyib Smith regarding the 7th Ward Tribute - Legacy Reclaimed.Tayyib Smith is a serial entrepreneur, founding partner. and chief strategist at The Growth Collective a partnership with the vision is to provide access to resources and capital that will elevate communities of color and generate wealth for neighborhoods victimized by systemic racism. A principal at Smith & Roller Holdings, a real estate company that engages and invites diverse stakeholders of neighborhoods to become part of a growing, multicultural, and multi-socioeconomic tapestry. Tayyib has long been a successful conduit of professional and cultural ecosystems. He is a member of the regenerative leadership team at The Guild of Future Architects and sits on the boards of the Kensington Corridor Trust, All Together Now PA, The Prizm Art Fair in Miami, Memphis Slim House, and Black Star Film Festival.Tayyib is dedicated to cultural competency and the ability to engage multicultural and intergenerational audiences. He co-founded Pipeline Philly to serve as an inviting and dynamic co-working space filled with professionals from various backgrounds and industries, creating one of the most diverse workspaces in the region. The Artists: Beth Naomi Lewis:  Philadelphia-based educator and artist. Amelia Carter: Multidisciplinary artist and producer from Philadelphia. Li Sumpter: Mythologist and multidisciplinary artist who applies strategies of worldbuilding and mythic design toward building better, more resilient communities of the future.   7th Ward Tribute  

Join Janice & Cherekana for a conversation with Brian Sheffey, Director of the Center for Family History at the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. He is also the founder of the popular African American Genealogy website Genealogy Adventures. He is the host of the popular African American genealogy, culture, and history television series Genealogy Adventures which he presents with Donya Williams on e360tv. His research areas have focused on the U.S. regions to the east of the Mississippi River, including the northern British American Colonies. He has a particular expertise in researching enslaved people and enslaved communities in the early British American colonial era. In 2023, he was hired by the University of Virginia Foundation to research and find the descendants of the enslaved community held at William Garth’s Birdwood Plantation in Charlottesville, Virginia. He has also spent the past few years researching the ancestry of communities of enslaved people held by the Bull, Butler, Middleton, Brewerton, and Guerard families in South Carolina. Brian is the author of two award-winning Amazon Top 10 selling genealogy books: Practical Genealogy: 50 Simple Steps to Research Your Diverse Family History and Family Tree Workbook: 30+ Step-by-Step Worksheets to Build Your Family History. iaamuseum.org

Join Janice and Cherekana for a conversation with Black Archaeologist, Dr. Brittany Brown. Dr.  Brown is from Jacksonville, Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida with a major in Anthropology. While attending the University of Florida she completed her undergraduate fieldwork at Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville, Florida. She earned her Master of Arts Brittany is an American historical archaeologist. Her regional areas of specialization include the African American Southeast and the British Caribbean. Her current research interests include post-emancipation-era mortuary practices among African Americans in Jacksonville, Florida, and maritime archaeology.

Debbie-Ann Paige is a public historian specializing in community and local African American history and a professional genealogist.   She is co-president and a founding member of the Richard B. Dickenson Staten Island Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) and an appointed member of the New York City Council task force created to examine monuments, statues, public art and historical markers on city-owned property.  She has worked on numerous local history projects including “In Pursuit of Freedom'' with the Brooklyn Historical Society; “Farm to City,""Women of the Nation Arise!” and the Access, Collaboration and Equity in Genealogy (ACEGen) initiative with the Staten Island Museum. She established the “Louis Napoleon House '' as a site with the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to freedom on behalf of the Sandy Ground Historical Society. She has developed an app representing Staten Island’s African American past with a modest grant from Staten Island Arts and most recently was the historical consultant on the recently published book, The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis. Debbie-Ann has also appeared as an historical interpreter on the Emmy-winning show “Secrets of New York,” WITF Toward Racial Justice: Tracing Family History, and PBS programs Metrofocus: Juneteenth and Treasures of New York: Snug Harbor episodes. She also facilitates public history forums focused on the historical perspectives of race and race relations. She holds a BS in Business Studies from Southern New Hampshire University, and both a BA and MA in History from the College of Staten Island, CUNY. She is currently working towards a Doctor of Education in Community-Based Leadership at the College of Staten Island.    

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Lahnice Hollister regarding her ancestor, Dr. John A. McFall.  Lahnice Hollister has evolved from public school teacher to corporate manager. While researching her enslaved and freed South Carolina family, she re-discovered her passion for history and most importantly discovered the history not taught in school. Additionally, she found in the archives of her alma mater, Fisk University, three unpublished manuscripts written by her grandfather’s brother, Dr. John A. McFall. In 2021 Lahnice self-published one of the manuscripts as:  Resisting Jim Crow: The Autobiography of Dr. John A. McFall. Dr. John A. McFall (kittawahpress.com)  

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with LaJoy Mosby, President of the Afro American Historical & Genealogical Society. Ms. Mosby currently serves as the National President of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. (AAHGS). She also serves as the president of the Central Maryland Chapter of AAHGS. Ms. Mosby has been researching her ancestors from Alabama and Kentucky since the 1970s. In addition to AAHGS, Ms. Mosby is a member of the National Genealogical Society, Inc., a charter member of African American Genealogy Group of Kentucky as well as a member of the Woodford County Historical Society, the Kentucky Genealogy Society and the Alabama Genealogy Society. LaJoy is a recipient of the 2021 Paul Edward Sluby Sr. African American Scholarship sponsored by the Board for the Certification of Genealogists. She has completed coursework at various genealogy institutes including MAGGI, SLIG, TIGR, IGHR and GRIP. Ms. Mosby’s professional career includes experience in both public and private sectors. Mosby retired as the Deputy Project Manager of the Office of Minority Health Resource Center in 2018 after 23 years of service. She holds memberships in community organizations and professional associations. She is Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Bronze Villagers, a community organization devoted to improving the academic achievement of African American students in Howard County, Maryland. Ms. Mosby is an active member of The Peoples Community Baptist Church where she serves as Host Site Coordinator of Project SHARE, a food for community service program. She is a life member of the National Black MBA Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ms. Mosby obtained a B.S. in Microbiology and an M.B.A. in Health Services Administration from Howard University. www.aahgs.org

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Mayor Yamekia Robinson, the first African American Woman Mayor of Historic Lake City, SC. Mayor Robinson will share how a major challenge to her community led to her community activism, election as Councilwoman and her journey to becoming Mayor. The Honorable Yamekia Robinson is a native of Lake City, SC. She served as a Councilwoman from January 2021 to January 8, 2023 and began her tenure as Mayor on January 9, 2023. This was her second time running for Mayor. She is the mother of five amazing children and a grandmother of two beautiful granddaughters. She graduated with honors from Lake City High School in 1997. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor's degree in Science and Biology. She's currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies at Post University.  Her professional experience includes a career of as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (20 years). She also worked as an Office Manager at BioSpine Health and Wellness LLC in Lake City, SC for three years. Mayor Robinson has written for a local magazine, Our Neighborhood News (ONN) since 2017. Mayor Robinson is the Founder and President of Women of Wisdom Empowerment Group which she established in 2019 and she is a member of the CommUnity Group of Lake City, a member of the Lake City Boys & Girls Club board, Co-chair of the Pee Dee Youth Day Initiative and she's very active in her local community. She's a Transformational Leader and most important has a strong faith in God (A Daughter of the King).

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for an interview with Angela Walton-Raji (Author, Genealogist, and Blogger) as she shares information regarding her new book:  Oklahoma Freedmen of the Five Tribes. Angela Walton-Raji a native of Fort Smith Arkansas is known nationally for her genealogical and historical research and work. Among her specialties are Oklahoma Native-American records, Arkansas Black history, and Civil war history on the western frontier. Her website Arkansas Freedmen is the only website documenting history around the historical community of Fort Smith. She documents the seldom spoken history of the Ft. Smith Freedmen’s Bureau Field Office site, the 1866 treaty signing site that abolished slavery in Indian Territory, and the history of Freedmen of the Five Tribes in nearby eastern Oklahoma. She is a descendant of Choctaw Freedmen and she is the only professional genealogist in the country devoted to documenting this unique history of African people in bondage in all of the Five Tribes outside of Fort Smith, in nearby Indian Territory. In addition, she focuses on the history affecting tribal Freedmen that occurred on the grounds of the National Historic site in Fort Smith. For more than 30 years, Ms. Walton-Raji has spoken nationally at most major genealogy conferences, and statewide conferences such as the Arkansas Historical Association and she is the founder of two large and ongoing genealogical communities AfriGeneas.com, and she cofounded a genealogy institute the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI), now in its 9th year. www.arkansasfreedmen.com www.african-nativeamerican.com

Join Janice and Cherekana for an interview with Dolly Marshall, historical preservation activist, researcher, genealogist and lecturer. Ms. Marshall leads many community partnerships related to African American experiences and the African diaspora, bringing this crucial part of history to life for the public. Ms. Dolly Marshall is the Historic Preservation Specialist for the City of Camden, Education & Interpretation Associate for the Pinelands Preservation Alliance and a Trustee of The Mount Peace Cemetery Association. She is a member of the Association of Black Women Historians, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. She is the recipient of the 2023 NJ Historical Commission Award of Recognition, the 2022 Public Service Award from the Preservation Alliance for greater Philadelphia, the 2022 Chancellor's Award for Diversity, Inclusion and Civic Engagement, Rutgers University-Camden and in 2021, winner of the David H. Knights New Preservation Initiatives Award. She continues her devoted stewardship of Mount Peace Cemetery and considers her work with the younger generation at the cemetery critically important. Ms. Marshall attended Rutgers University-Camden and recently completed her degree in Africana Studies and History. Some of Ms. Marshall's ancestors' stories can currently be seen at the Museum of the American Revolution's Black Founders Exhibit: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, whom Ms. Marshall is a descendant of through her maternal lineage. Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia - Museum of the American Revolution (amrevmuseum.org) History | Mt Peace Cemetery (mtpeacecemeteryassociation.org)

Join Janice and Cherekana for a conversation with Trisha Mays-Cummings and her husband, Phillip Cummings as they share their passion for research, genealogy, and assisting researchers (especially beginners). Trisha has researched her family history since 2011. She is the content creator of Journey Through the Generations, which includes a genealogy blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. She is a member of the Jackson County (AR) Historical Society, the Arkansas Genealogy Society, Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society, and the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage lineage society. Phillip began researching his family in 2019 after attending his first RootsTech conference in Salt Lake City, UT. He manages the technology for Journey Through the Generations, including their social media platforms. He is also a member of the Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society.  Phillip and Trisha began Journey Through the Generations to share the information Trisha found about her family and how she found it. Their focus is to help people get started researching their families and inspire those who have stopped searching to get started again. Trisha and Phillip are graduates of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., respectively. Currently, Trisha works as a Medical Laboratory Technician for the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and Phillip is a Modular Development Manager for the largest retailer in the world. Phillip and Trisha have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of one son, Wesley. www.journeythroughthegenerations.com  

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Robert and Larry Cox as they share their genealogy journey. Robert Cox is the Vice President of the Mountain View Historical Association (of Mountain View, CA). He writes two columns for the association’s newsletter: “Finding Your Family History” which provides general genealogical advice, and “Mountain View Family History Fun Facts,” which highlights interesting family history discoveries of Mountain View’s leading citizens.  He first studied genealogy in Dallas, TX in 1990. Since then, he has constructed a family tree with over 53,000 entries, all of which are featured on the Wikitree genealogy website (www.wikitree.com). His Wikitree profiles include those of his first cousin, Larry Cox, who is also a guest on this show, and distant relative Cherekana Feliciano.  Larry Cox spent 20 years in leadership positions at Amnesty International, beginning in 1976 at Amnesty International USA where he served as its first Press Officer, Communications Director, Deputy Executive Director and coordinated its Program to Abolish the death penalty. Cox was the Executive Director of the Rainforest Foundation, an international organization collaborating with indigenous peoples in the Brazilian Amazon to protect their rights and environment. He served 11 years as Senior Program Officer for Human Rights at the Ford Foundation. A graduate of Union Theological Seminary, he also co-founded and co-directed Kairos: The Center on Religions, Rights and Social Justice. Spurred on by his Cousin Robert and a surprising discovery about their great grandfather, he has become passionate about genealogy.  

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Conductor, Vocalist,and Composer, Emorja Roberson regarding his journey to research, document, and share his family history. Emorja Roberson graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance, where he studied with Krzysztof Biernacki. In 2019, Roberson served as the choir director for Kathleen Battle's The Underground Railroad: A Spiritual Journey tour with the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center at the University of Notre Dame. He was awarded with the 2021 Academic Freedom Award from the Department of Africana Studies and is the recipient of the 2022 Sr. Jean Lenz Award for his leadership that promotes a more diverse, inclusive campus community for all students. BE-SPOKEN, his most recent oratorio, highlights the experiences of the Black experience through jazz, hip-hop, and gospel. The premiere included artists, such as, Anthony Walker, King Chav, HarRell D. Young, Donishisa Ballard, and Grammy-Award winner, Ledisi. In June 2022, Roberson became the first African-American to graduate with a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the Sacred Music Department at the University of Notre Dame. He is now the Assistant Professor of Music and African American Studies at the Oxford College of Emory University. One of his interests is family history which certainly caught our attention! If you fail to try, you forfeit the opportunity to see your strength. If you forfeit to test your strength, you fail to grow. If you fail to grow, you will never experience the full capacity of your talent.  By Emorja G. Roberson www.emorjaroberson.com

Join Janice and Cherekana as they interview Dr. Dawn Chitty, Director of Education at the African American Civil War Museum. Dr. Dawn Chitty is the Director of Education at the African American Civil War Museum where she has worked since 2010. Before joining the staff at the museum, Dawn was a curriculum specialist and social studies teacher serving school districts in South Carolina. Dawn specializes in 18th and 19th century education and historical interpretation. She has developed interpretive programs in colonial life, chattel slavery, and archaeology for several historic sites in the Charleston area and operated a successful tour company specializing in low country African American history called “Low Country Walks.” She holds degrees in Anthropology and Education and holds a doctorate in Education in which she focused her research on the topics of museum curriculum and pedagogy about slavery and abolition in the United States. As a doctoral student, she learned a   great deal about the importance of historical memory and its connection to inclusive pedagogy. Dawn dedicates her time to initiatives and organizations that center around diversity, equity and inclusion in curriculum and interpretation practices. www.afroamcivilwar.org African American Civil War Memorial and Museum:  It is the mission of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum to correct a great wrong in history which pretty much ignored the heroic role of 209,145 US Colored Troops in ending slavery and keeping America united under one flag. The Museum uses a rich collection of artifacts, documents, primary sources, and technology to create a meaningful learning experience for families, students, Civil War enthusiasts, and historians about the period from the American Civil War to Civil Rights and beyond.  

Join Janice Gilyard as she interviews Cherekana Feliciano regarding her ancestor, Larkin Woodruff, a U.S. Colored Troop and the amazing discovery that was recently made regarding him. Cherekana Feliciano is a family historian, public history enthusiast and law school graduate. She has conducted her family history research for almost fifteen years and currently serves as the Vice President of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) – New Jersey Chapter. By day, she works for a trial consulting company as a researcher, locating expert witnesses for litigation. Alongside her cohost, Janice Gilyard, she is one half of a genealogy podcast entitled, Speak On It! History and Genealogy Conversations with Janice and Cherekana on BlogTalkRadio. Cherekana also conducts informal research on African American cemeteries in New Jersey. She blogs her genealogy findings and musings at curiousconjurerblog.wordpress.com. She is a New York City native and Rutgers University (Douglass College!) alumna.

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Guy Weston regarding Historic Timbuctoo, New Jersey. Guy has been engaged in genealogy research for over 25 years, with substantial focus on his maternal ancestors in Timbuctoo, NJ, where his fourth great-grandfather bought his family's plot in 1829 for $30. His introduction to genealogy came when he had to do research to secure the title on his family’s property. Most of his recent work has encompassed research and public history initiatives to raise the profile of Timbuctoo and antebellum free African Americans in New Jersey history. These have included interpretive signage in Timbuctoo, coordination of a curriculum development project in collaboration with local teachers, and preservation efforts for the Timbuctoo cemetery, where the oldest gravestone is dated 1847. Guy currently serves as Managing Director of the Timbuctoo Historical Society is a Visiting Scholar at Rutgers University and is the editor of AAHGS Journal. In addition, he is active in the Association for the Study of African American Life ASALH in Philadelphia, and the James Dent Walker Chapter of The Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society in Washington, DC. He has contributed articles about his research to the AAHGS Journal, AAHGS News, National Genealogical Society Magazine, and New Jersey Studies. He maintains a website which can be found at www.timbuctoonj.com. He has a master’s degree in Bilingual-Bicultural Studies from LaSalle University.

Join Janice & Cherekana for an interview with Christopher Everett, President of Speller Street Films. Christopher Everett is a film director, producer, social media specialist, and graphic artist. He founded the creative studio, Speller Street Films in 2015, while directing and producing his first feature-length documentary, WILMINGTON ON FIRE. Everett combines his love for history and visual storytelling in this award-winning film to chronicle the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898. Christopher was recently selected for Firelight Media’s Documentary Lab 2021-2022 fellowship for his upcoming martial arts documentary, GRANDMASTER, and is currently wrapping up production on the sequel to WILMINGTON ON FIRE, WILMINGTON ON FIRE: CHAPTER II.  He is also working on a new docuseries with Preservation North Carolina We Built This:  Profiles of Black Architects & Builders in North Carolina. http://www.spellerstreet.com/

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Lamont Pearley of The African American Folklorist.  Pearley is an award-winning Independent Filmmaker and radio journalist. Pearley is an applied folklorist, ethnographer, African American traditional music historian, and practitioner enrolled at WKU in the African American and Folk Studies programs. The founder and Editor in Chief of the African American Folklorist Magazine, Pearley also hosts a weekly segment on WKU Public Radio & NPR called the African American Folklorist. He was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame as Great Blues Historian and TV/Radio Producer (2017) and Great Blues Artist (2018).  Pearley works in Folklore's academic and public sectors, where his expertise assists communities and local advocacies to document their stories and strategize and implement long-term goals for cultural sustainability.  http://theafricanamericanfolklorist.com/

Join Cherekana and Janice for a conversation with award-winning poet, fiction, nonfiction writer and educator, Shonda Buchanan. A Pushcart Prize nominee, Oxfam Ambassador, USC Los Angeles Institute for the Humanities Fellow, and a City of Los Angeles (COLA) Department of Cultural Affairs Master Artist Fellow, Shonda Buchanan is the author of five books, including the award-winning memoir, Black Indian. Shonda has been a journalist for 25+ years, publishing in the Los Angeles Times, the LA Weekly, AWP’s The Writer’s Chronicle, Los Angeles Times Magazine, Indian Country Today, and The International Review of African American Art. President of Beyond Baroque Literary Art Center’s Board of Trustees, Shonda is also a Sundance Institute Writing Arts fellow, a PEN Center Emerging Voices fellow and a Jentel Artist Residency fellow. Finalist for the 2021 Mississippi Review poetry contest, Shonda’s memoir, Black Indian, won the 2020 Indie New Generation Book Award and was chosen by PBS NewsHour as a “20 books to read”; to learn about institutional racism. Shonda is also the newest fiction faculty member in Alma College’s MFA Program. Writing on Tongva/Chumash land, Shonda is currently shopping her book of poetry about Nina Simone. shondabuchanan.com

Join Janice and Cherekana as they interview Dr. Wanda Lundy regarding the 313+ Ancestors Speak Research project in Elizabeth, NJ.  Dr. Wanda Lundy is currently engaged in the Ancestors Speak Research Project 313+, an initiative that researches the identity of free and enslaved African people buried in unmarked graves in the Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth, NJ cemetery. Its ultimate goal is to establish a monument that honors and sustains the memory of their families, their contributions to the history of First Presbyterian Church and to the City of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Moreover, this project is linked to NYTS’ Mentoring track entitled Mentoring for Thriving in Ministry in the City. Dr. Lundy, an ordained Presbyterian (USA) minister, has 35 years of experience in pastoral, institutional and academic ministry. She was the recently elected moderator of the newly formed Northeast New Jersey Presbytery. Her travel venues include Cuba, Brazil, Israel, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Honduras, Senegal and Korea. Rev. Dr. Wanda M. Lundy, Pastor, Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth, NJ New York Theological Seminary, Assistant Professor of World Christianity, Director of Mentoring for Thriving in Ministry in the City (MTMC) Director of Eleanor Moody-Shepherd Research Center for Women of Faith Educational Background ● BA Alabama A & M University, Normal, Alabama ● MA Howard University School of Divinity, Washington D.C. (Courses) ● MDiv Interdenominational Theological Center/Johnson C. Smith Seminary, Atlanta GA ● DMin New York Theological Seminary, NY, NY ● PhD student, Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture, Ghana, West Africa Website: 313ancestorsspeakproject.org

Are you a descendant of a Black Homesteader?  Join us as we interview Author, Bernice Alexander Bennett and contributors, Orice Jenkins, Deborah Mitchell, and Dr. Nona Edward Thomas regarding the new book: Black Homesteaders of The South.  The Homestead Act of 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation and subsequent Reconstruction amendments didn't just abolish slavery - they gave African Americans a chance to earn a living and own land. Even though their names were never mentioned alongside the other rugged heroes of frontier lore, a startling number of homesteaders were Black men and women in the South, toiling on familiar land but now in unfamiliar fashion - as owners.  For many of the Black pioneers, this meant risking their lives to achieve this American promise of freedom.  Author Bernice Alexander Bennett sets  to change the narrative about the largely unknown Black homesteaders in the South. Bernice Alexander Bennett is an award-winning author, genealogist, nationally recognized guest speaker, storyteller, and producer-host of the popular Research at the National Archives and Beyond BlogTalkRadio program. She is also the first recipient of the Ida B. Wells Service Award, given by the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage, for her dedication to broadcast stories about enslaved and indentured ancestors of African descent. Bernice also received the Elizabeth Clark-Lewis Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) Genealogy Award in 2019 for original research in support of African American genealogy. Bennett is a volunteer with the Homestead National Historical Park Service and has devoted her grass-roots skills to identifying and encouraging descendants of Black homesteaders to share their stories.

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Phyllis Biffle Elmore as she discusses her book, Quilt of Souls - A Memoir and her family history.  Phyllis Biffle Elmore was born in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of four, she was sent to the tiny town of Livingston, Alabama to be raised by her grandmother Lula Horn (1883-1988), who made beautiful quilts out of the clothing of her loved ones. Each strip of fabric tells the story of the wearer’s life and death. She shared these mostly tragic, sometimes witty, but always moving tales with little Phyllis as she sewed their clothes into a quilt that threaded broken lives back together. Phyllis now shares these profound stories with the world as Grandmother Lula told them to her. After retiring in 2013, Phyllis began writing full-time and started her memoir, Quilt of Souls. Soon after, she began promoting her ‘Quilt of Souls’ quilt via lectures and other public presentations. She self-published a portion of her memoir in 2015, which garnered a great deal of buzz from social, print, and television media. As a result of the popularity of her Quilt of Souls exhibit, she has been interviewed and appeared in over 35 media outlets including internet blog talks, online newspapers, social media forums, television, radio, and media advertisements. She has also been a guest speaker at over seventy venues including, libraries, genealogical conventions, quilting clubs, book clubs, colleges, and secondary schools throughout the United States. Phyllis received her Master’s Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Denver. Phyllis Biffle Elmore (thequiltofsouls.com)

Join Janice and Cherekana for an interview with Maya Davis. Maya is the new director at the Riversdale House Museum. Maya was also a Research Archivist and Legislative Liaison at the Maryland State Archives. During her time at the Archives, she consulted on statewide projects that document, interpret, and preserve African American history and culture and facilitated discussions on state legislation and contemplated legislation. Some of Maya's recent projects include the installation of the Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman statues at the Maryland State House, the Annapolis Port Marker project, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Visitor Center. Maya also serves as a Commissioner on the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and is a board member of the Prince George’s County Historical Society. Previously, Maya served as the Interim Director of the Banneker-Douglass Museum and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, staff at the City Museum of Washington, DC, and Vice Chair of the Annapolis 1864 Commission to Commemorate the Emancipation of Slavery in Maryland. A native Washingtonian, Maya is a graduate of Howard University and The George Washington University, where she obtained degrees in history and museum studies. Riversdale House Museum | MNCPPC, MD (pgparks.com)  

Walter B. Curry, Jr., Ed. D  received a bachelor’s degree in political science from South Carolina State University, and has earned several graduate degrees in education, which includes a doctorate degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Argosy University, Sarasota. Dr. Curry taught  social studies for five years and is an adjunct professor of education at Claflin University. In 2018, he launched Renaissance Publications and on September 1, 2018, he published his first book, The Thompson Family: Untold Stories from the Past (1830-1960) chronicling the reflections and experiences of his relatives sharing new light on African American History in Aiken County and South Carolina.  In October 2019, he received the 2019 African American Historical & Genealogy Society Book Award in the Non-Fiction Category-Genealogy for his book. On February 12, 2020, the South Carolina Legislature recognized Dr. Curry for his significant work in service to African American History and Heritage in South Carolina and congratulated him on his book award.  Dr. Curry is a member of several civic, historical, and professional organizations including the South Carolina Genealogical Society, South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce, Aiken-Barnwell Genealogical Society, Friends of the Aiken County Historical Museum, Aiken County Historical Society, Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society, African American Historical and Genealogical Society.  He is also a volunteer for the International African American Museum. As a volunteer, he coordinates outreach efforts to local stakeholders to solicit memberships and partnerships. His most recent project is “Salley and The Thompson Family” an exhibit in the Aiken County Historical Museum that featured the founding of Salley, South Carolina and the illumination of his ancestors and relative stories through artifacts and primary sources. www.renaissancepubllc.com

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Adrienne G. Whaley from the Museum of the American Revolution. Adrienne G. Whaley is an educator and history-lover who currently serves as Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Museum of the American Revolution. Adrienne earned her bachelor’s degree in African American Studies from Harvard University and her Master's in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked in both art and history museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, and loves the potential for objects, artifacts, and primary source documents to enrich student learning experiences. Adrienne carries her love of history and for uncovering the stories of common people into her spare time as an avid genealogist researching her own family history and as Programming Chair and former President of Philadelphia's African American Genealogy Group. As both a museum educator and as a genealogist, she has presented on television and in workshops and conferences both locally and nationally.

Join Janice and Cherekana for a conversation with award winning author, Denise I. Griggs.  She will share her research journey with us regarding her enslaved ancestor, Peter Hunt (1844-1915). Denise Griggs is an Author of books for children and young adults about Genealogy, Diversity, and Theology. She is the Owner/Publisher of Blue Eclipse Publishing for young adults and Owner/Publisher of Glass Tree Books for children. She earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees from a Christian University and has worked in both Education and Ministry. Ms. Griggs volunteered for over 30+ years in children's ministry, family genealogy research, and teaching African American Genealogy. She has researched the Griggs and Hunt families for over 40 years and for the Hunt family back to eighth century England, and Ireland. She’s connected with DNA cousins in Ireland, Canada, England, MS, and across the United States. To learn more about Denise Griggs, please visit blue-eclipse-publishing.com and glasstreebooks.com or check her out on Twitter twitter.com/digriggs. Denise is a 2021 Phyllis Wheatley award recipient from the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage, a 2022 Finalist Award recipient from the Next Generation Indie Book award in the category of African American History & Culture. She is the Exhibit Chair of the Greater Sacramento Genealogy Society, and a prospective member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also volunteers for the subcommittees of History and Research, part of the PR/Marketing Team for the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Monument Committee - Natchez, MS, a volunteer for the National Park Service and she has an ancestor who was a homesteader listed on their Black Homesteader webpage.

Join Janice and Cherekana for a conversation with Alex Da' Paul Lee.  Alex is passionate about conducting family research and connecting with all of the descendants of his ancestors.  He will share some of the extensive work he has done, what he is currently working on and what compels him to search relentlessly for accurate information regarding his ancestors. Alex Da’ Paul Lee, Sr., is a native of Beaumont, Texas and is a graduate of Beaumont Central Medical Magnet High School. In college he was pursuing a degree in Musical Education and History at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. During summer break he took a trip to Eunice, Louisiana, and there he met with a great Aunt, saw a photo of his Great grandfather for the first time and began researching his family history. During his research, he has preserved thousands of family photos, documents and conducted numerous interviews.  He’s connected with thousands of relatives through social media and his mission is to preserve and archive as much history as possible. Alex has done several news interviews, written articles for several magazines, gone viral on social media, and given genealogy presentations at private family gatherings, State Parks, and Universities. His research continues to expand daily and he’s looking forward to meeting as many people as he can, especially those who share his passion for genealogy and history!

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Tanzy Ward. Tanzy will share her unique journey to becoming an antique dealer, author, historian, antiquarian and how she blends both in her successful business.   Dedicated to historic preservation and education, Tanzy Ward began her journey as a business owner, specializing in the preservation of antique heirlooms at Zanathia Jewelry. Her keen interest in antiques and history has helped her gain extensive knowledge in the decorative arts field, which includes writing content on various historical events and trends that have influenced the industry. A graduate of the Asheford Institute of Antiques, Tanzy earned her certification in antiques, collectibles, and appraising. She is a proud member of the Asheford Associate Membership Program and The American Society Of Jewelry Historians. Her fascination for antiques and history helped her gain extensive insight and expertise on historical collectibles. She seeks to educate, learn, and share her passion for history and antiques with others.

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Paige Cummins. She will share her personal research journey, why she started a genealogy research service, examples of research mysteries she solved, and how her faith factors into the work that she does. Paige Cummins is a passionate genealogist and family historian. She’s the Owner and Lead Genealogist at Cousin Paige’s Genealogy Services, LLC based in Jacksonville Florida. She and her husband Robert started their company in 2020. Paige, also known as “Cousin Paige,” started researching her own family in the early 2000’s, and later began helping others with their family history research after she took her first commercial DNA test. When she first took the DNA test in 2017, it completely changed her perspective about genealogy, and she realized the power of genetic genealogy. She’s been since immersed in the world of genealogy, DNA and loves experimenting with new technologies and methodologies to help her with client projects. Now a full-time genealogist, she actively takes on new clients and helps them with a variety of services. She graduated from the HBCU, Lincoln University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in English and pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She’s held a variety of corporate positions and ministerial related staff positions. Paige is currently working toward a certification in Genealogy Methodology in her continuing education journey. She is a member of the Jacksonville Genealogical Society, led small groups focused on genealogy, and participates in various local and national genealogy conferences.

Join Janice Gilyard and Cherekana Feliciano for a conversation with Robyn Smith of Reclaiming Kin.  Robyn will share the purpose of creating Reclaiming Kin, Genealogy Skill Building tips, and highlights from her personal research journey.  Robyn has researched her family and others for over 25 years. An engineer by day, Robyn applies those research and problem-solving skills to the field of genealogy. She specializes in Maryland, Court Records, African American and Slavery research. From 2008-2012, Robyn taught an Advanced African American Genealogy class at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. Robyn has lectured widely at regional and national conferences, and has taught at the Maryland Genealogical Society, the Maryland State Archives, and the Reginald Lewis Museum. Robyn writes extensively and for more than ten years has authored a popular genealogy teaching blog called Reclaiming Kin (www.reclaimingkin.com). In 2015, Ms. Smith published the book version of her blog, The Best of Reclaiming Kin, which was recommended in the syllabus at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research. She recently published part 2 of that volume in PDF format. In addition to writing and teaching, Robyn also has a special passion for documenting the histories of communities and promoting adherence to genealogical standards.

Join Janice & Cherekana for a conversation with Eunice Buffington of The Family Tree Buff.  Researching your family history is so important, but how do you deal with the trauma your ancestors experienced or traumatic experiences you have dealt with? Eunice will share her personal experiences and the work that she is doing to be an agent of change to stop repeated cycles of trauma in families.  Her mantra is Triumph Over Trauma! Eunice Buffington is a Genealogist, Family Historian, Entrepreneur, Generational Trauma Coach, Speaker, and YouTube Host.  Through her business, The Family Tree Buff, her mission is to research, record, and reveal the unvarnished truth of lost and hidden blood ties using research and DNA analysis. Part of her mission is to raise awareness of the generational trauma inherited from ancestors and break the cycle of generational dysfunction by revealing the hurt in order to heal.  Eunice also endeavors to preserve pride in the importance of family by connecting the blood drops, one cousin at a time, and make an impact in communities through activism and being a voice for change.

Join Janice and Cherekana for a conversation with Rita Fuller-Yates:  Your Local History Matters.  She will share some of the work she has done in Columbus, Ohio to research, document, and share her findings regarding African Americans. Rita Fuller-Yates is an acclaimed Author and Historian from Columbus, Ohio.  Fuller-Yates obtained her bachelor’s degree in history from Ohio University and later her Master’s degree from Savannah College of Art & Design. She grew up near the East side of Columbus, Ohio and attended Columbus’ East High School, and she found herself emerged in the rich history and culture of the community that surrounded her. Early on in her life she developed her love for family and tradition. She has focused her attention on African American history within the various communities of Columbus, Ohio. She hosts a weekly interactive TV show called “History In da Streetz”, where she takes her viewers on a journey to discover amazing African American history right in their backyard!  Her mission is to share historical facts and interesting topics with the community.