An Afrigeneas.com Scholar Awardee, Regina Waters Calloway invoked by #Dance Spirit coalesces Genealogy and Technology to empower Families, Communities and Artists to unearth their story. With #Genealogy as a driving tool, she leverages her specialty in African Dance and Diaspora Cultural traditions to bind Ancestral lines with #Dance mediumship narratives. Through workingmylines.org, Ms. Calloway's dedicated research and field works blazes new pathways of discovery, conducting Family History workshops, Communal kinship sessions, while elevating Ancestral Healing initiatives. #byanydivinemeansnecessary
My Maternal Family celebrated my Grandmother’s 90th Birthday. Held in the Bay Area, it was a grand occasion Hotel banquet style, catered by our own. Generations hailed up the crown of our honorable Matriarch in Dance, Kinship, and appreciation. Above is the mini-bio she and I created for the day’s offering. Get to know a little about our Mama Elsie.
And, although we are grieving the loss of one of God’s greatest gifts to our Family, our Hearts will forever be filled with her memory. #givepraisetolife //
First steps and my first flight to continue my Genealogical field research. Quarantined for 3 years, grateful for the wealth of my Health, I am determined to service the wealth of my Family and Family History.
During this era of “pandemic re-opening” my #MaskON protocols are intact while I explore exciting Pedigreed pathways. #Ancestorproject
Just back from a monumental experience tromping the homesteads, lands, and burial grounds of my Ancestors. Fulfilled a personal commission to touch the hem of my paternal Matriarch’s garment (her pants leg that is), my Great Aunt Maude Ella Smith née Hunter, aka “Bute“. It was my first time on Family land enclosed by a lush forest of trees, and long roads flanked with Family namesake pathways, where Great Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins still live. Mt. Sinai, Claiborne Parish, LA, Ward 1.
#AncestorProject “It was all a Dream…”* This broadcast day reflects several dynamic connections intersecting, History into present-day dynamics, challenging narratives of “the Story” while unleashing an abundance of access and receipts. It’ll be a monumental Day of kinship exchange permeating the airwaves. Both Sway “Jon” Calloway and Nicka Sewell-Smith share Family connections in Lake Providence, Louisiana to Claiborne Parish, both with a deep love for Hip Hop. The Seasoned and the Devotee interplay rounded out with the legendary Heather B and Millenial Mindfulness-Maven Tracy G, somebody gon’ get their DISCOVERY on today! @workingmylines Big Up #SwayIntheMorning *Bless Up Notorious B.I.G.
Nicka Sewell-Smith trailblazing works specializing in “Reverse Genealogy”; She is the Creator of the critical research repository, #TRASK250 a collection of over 5,000 names, documenting “…the lives of more than 250 formerly enslaved of the Trask and Ventress families of Louisiana and Mississippi.” WhoIsNickaSmith.com
…a grand salute to our beloved Ancestors above, encoded within our life keys here on earth.
Have you gifted a Genealogist today? Or perhaps asked
HOW YOU DOIN?! HOW YA FEELIN’? HOW’S YOUR FAMILY?
Self-Care is a vital practice to the well-being and progress of a Genealogist: mentally, physically, and Spiritually. (more about each of these aspects in my upcoming posts.) Think about the attention required or social interaction, during the interview and or inquiry process of the sojourner whose seeking; Often underestimated are the psychological insights this service commands, weighing the gravity of the impact from stories never told, rediscovery, and even the clues from Family folktales. We carry the mission forward combing through stories of hundreds of documents to unearth story/stories for another, other, or Family Elders who must know, others who don’t wanna know, but KNOW they know, but just can’t say–might not remember or as my Mama Georgia used to say, “I ain’t gon’ rehearse nothin’,” lol, LOVE HER SO! (rest in progress)
a gift of self-care from Dance Colleague J.Ella Johnson @jellaessentials
For me, the Genealogist’s mind works like an inner network of connections, live plugs charged to activate — portals filled with mysteries ready to be fulfilled. Our minds flow like an information highway of driveby surnames, and ya gotta get back on the right exit or turnpike to make the connection. At times one may find themselves in a rare batch of “Miscellaneous Records” like the Freedmen’s Bureau overwhelmed with pages of records untapped, yet somebody “dared” to scribe them. And as a Genealogist, you dare NOT miss one page unturned. I’ve witnessed fantastic finds by Professional Genealogists from sleuth-slayer Nicka Smith to Dr. Shelly Murphy’sFreedmen Bureau Fridays. And to that, synergistic study sessions are the best. They are filled with discoveries that pop off like the clinking sounds of missing links, connecting descendants with an Ancestor’s name maybe two degrees away from THAT ONE research session with sew-in-sew– You know, that one who is related to a parish, county, township Ancestor Whew! And it does not stop for the dedicated–we stay ON! YET – Self-Care is in order!
“…a conscious act a person takes in order to promote their own physical, mental, and emotional health.“
E. Scott, PhD, VeryWellmind.com
DOWNLOOOAD, step awaaaay from the desk, including your laptop, lol Step into a Fitness, Yoga, Pilates class, virtual or on the green. Veg out on low-level drama, feel God movies; Garden and unearth, climb a hill or be in stillness near water – OOOH READ A BOOK! Perhaps something not work-related. *smiling*
Unabashedly, allow acts of kindness and when you take moments to defragment; release what no longer serves YOU, or your work, clearing your pathway for restoration through gratitude;
In moments of self-care, I appreciate the good works forwarded from my research, studying with field leaders, and learning from Family kinship sessions. Generated work transforms into gems of collateral when I downshift into creativity mode. Sometimes I flow and see clearer while sitting back to review papers, examine Family photos, or edit study notes with Tank and da Bangas, “Black Folk“ playin’ on repeat. And often I find myself smiling with appreciation as the Universe responds with tangible testimonies.
Often I’ve said from my own experience that being a Genealogist is my service through God; And if you know my Ancestors, you’d hear them respond with Ancestral Applause, saying Aṣẹ, Matondo, and Amen behbe. //: @workingmylines
Sunrise: June 22, 1914, Summerfield, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana Sunset: July 12, 2022, Oakland, Alameda County, California
My Grandmother “Mama Georgia” is a powerful Matriarch, one of God’s formidable witnesses of indomitable Spirit. #givepraisetilife Please Visit our online Guestbook to share a memory, sentiments, and condolences: Legacy.com:AUG 04, 2022 Homegoing for GEORGIA MAE BROWN
My Spirit is so pleased to have witnessed the sojourn of a powerful Spiritual Warrior and that is my paternal Grandmother Georgia Brown.
I am so grateful that in this Season of my life, I’d be initiated by Spiritual prowess harkening the days of what is often remarked as “old time religion” bearing marks of Ancestral wisdom carried by such a keen Soul, brash and with might. Never could one come for Mama, Georgia’s praise as she’d reverence it to God. I love the very rasp of her voice, the jokes, reflections, and tarry, the scriptural assignments, and deep prayers. Her favor upon my head nestles in the crown of my head as a jewel.
“You say you wanna know about History, well here I am” ~Mama Georgia
OH MY LORD, you are missed, yet REMEMBERED Mama Georgia in my heart all the days long. So glad for your glorious return Home…
My Grandmother’s departure is a tour de force whose heavenly assignment upon this planet was carried out well. Well Done Queen Mother.
*Wisdom for today’s post in reflection of the vote to approve reparations by the
AB 3121 California Reparations Task Force
“REPARATIONS FOR DIRECT DESCENDANTS OF ENSLAVED PEOPLE ONLY”
Muralist: Madaw Futur, Aerosoul; APR.21; Location: Oakland, Broadway & Telegraph | photog: Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group) APR.21
>3 decades of legislative introductions by Black Congressional Leaders,
>Former California Secretary of State, Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. authored and championed Assembly Bill 3121 – known as:
AB 3121, Weber. Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans.
>Governor Newsom approved and filed with the Secretary of State Sept. 30, 2020
>A 2-year Study by a Task Force on Reparations, begin the early stages to propel this intitiative.
>The 9 – member TaskForce was set with an agenda to address multi-dimensional areas ranging from Historical ramifications of slavery to American systems of Institutionalized racism and its damaging effects upon generations of African American people. Working in concert with an economical team, the Task Force is also faced with the daunting task to propose how Reparations might be implemented, disbursed, or instituted…
LEARN MORE about AB 3121 California Reparations Task Force ^click image^ “Members listen to public comment during a virtual meeting on Jan. 28, 2022.” photo credit: Beth LaBerge/KQED) | Original article: Lakshmi Sarah KQED.org
One clarifying element about the recent vote, hinges upon eligibility being lineage-based for California African American residents, who are descendants of enslaved people; Yet, at this time, does not include DNA, warned as “invasive” with a concern about its limited technological access and somehow impacting the participation of people with disabilities, as advised by one member…
Click the image to learn more about nzoCALIFAncestry Ancestral Communal Kinship initiatives
As a Professional Genealogist, emerging Genetic Genealogist, Family History Commissioner, Advocate and Presenter of Community kinship initiatives, I am grateful for a foundation of training embedded in advocacy and activism; this further fuels my works and vision to facilitate access for ALL to obtain their Ancestor’s genealogical information, especially my people…it is yOUR birthright
As reparations revolutionalize to become a reality, before folks start counting coins, invest your time and energy building your Family Tree and unearthing your story. Names give clues to your connection and its impact upon your life –find out just HOW. Wisdom from your Ancestors empowered by your Elders bears an invaluable inheritance of immeasurable wealth that prospers your life.
Renew your commitment to pay it forward, dedicate yourself to the research, and say their names. Teach your Family History to your children and other Family members, and work together to discover creative ways to preserve the stories.
SEIZE THE TIME — and remember to keep the receipts! // @workingmylines
Click image to hear song
Black Panther Party rank and file, Former Chairwoman Elaine Brown, and Party Co-Founder tell it like it is and was through Song and History — powerful thought and action transcending the times, speaking to TODAY! #RiteON
We Celebrate in the tradition of our Ancestors, elevating our very own stories of Historical merit today. Check your Yard! YOU GOT HISTORY!
What’s the most fondest memory of your Grandparents?
What was the most hilarious moment shared with your siblings?
Who was that famous Uncle or Auntie that made it back in the day?
Share the backstory of your childhood S[Hero] or revered Community Leader today.
How has “the Block” changed, people, landmarks or structure?
#yourSTORYmatters
TIP: Write, journal, record, video record, Livestream, gather as Family, ZOOM, Google Meet presentation it, publish it, digital preserve it. Show and Tell your story , preserve History.
Everyone’s Genealogy Library or Family History arsenal must possess this Book by “the Godfather of Black Family History”, Tony Burroughs. He is a Historian, Internationally renown Master Genealogist, Lecturer and Best-selling Author. Mr. Burroughs is also the founder and CEO of the Center for Black Genealogy
I was privy to attending a lecture session of Mr. Tony Burroughs at RootsTech 2018. A vibrant speaker, he was thorough with a commanding presence and I quickly learned that in his tell of “the story” there was a minefield of clues and research strategies off the beaten trek; I was imbued to go back over some of my own steps concerning an Ancestor with an “African” birthplace and whose Mother and Father’s birthplace was Africa as well, on the 1880 U.S. Federal Census for Union, Nevada, Arkansas, USA. When I mentioned her surname, “Gulley” to Mr. Burroughs, there immediately was actual Family kinship who had shared their own inquiry with him prior, which turned out to be about my LYDIA GULLEY.
Seriously?! Out of 28,000 folks in attendance that year, Africans Americans represented less than 200, and I’d make a direct connection with a couple other Family Historians who’d share kinship with me in Mr. Burroughs’ session — the majesty of it all! Among many Distinguished Awards, Mr. Burroughs is also a sought after Professional Genealogist appearing on Television shows such as Oprah’s Roots on PBSwithHenry Louis Gatesand with Smokey Robinson on Who Do You Think You Are? Over 35 years in the field of Genealogical research and Family History he’s traced his own lineage back 8 generations. A dedicated Pioneer cultivating Family History advocacy, education and scholarship, aligns himself with the vision of his Institution that:
“Every person of African descent knows their family history.”
My Crown Day Celebrations were virtually elevated by the gift of BOOKS. I curated a wish list of must have books by Family History Researchers and Leading Genealogists, along with Field Researchers of deep works and interest. I’m so grateful to my Family and Communal kinship who demonstrated a powerful impact upon my 2021 Birthday Celebrations. I remain filled with gratitude for the advancement of my personal Library to further my research and study. I SAY YES!
*To learn more about the works of these Authors, please click on the green links below:
in shared kinship works, Sis. Regina Calloway, Field Research Genealogist workingmylines.org | #nzoCALIFAncestry IG: ReginaCalifa360
<archive> RootsTech2021: Connect – LIVE!!!
Take your Family History Sojourn on a Virtual Experience, FREE! Register: www.rootstech.org
February 25-27, 2021 | ONLINE: Streams, Sessions on Demand, Interactive Expo, Language Translators, Cooking Demos, Cultural Heritage exchanges, and Africans Teaching Africans, so pleased for the opportunity to connect with my Continental Kinship.
“Learn the best practices and methods available to search and find your ancestors within African American historical records.” #RootsTech2021
I’m still tuning up my Playlist via the Familysearch.org access, let’s Connect and watch a few sessions together. @nzoCALIFAncestry
Connect
in shared kinship works, Sis. Regina Calloway, Field Research Genealogist workingmylines.org | #nzoCALIFAncestry IG: ReginaCalifa360
You’re right on time, as the sessions are ON DEMAND through the RootsTech portal. Visit the website. www.rootstech.org
Be informed that although you don’t have to create a RootsTech account, registration allows you to patch into the happenings. To enable access to customization features and make CONNECTtions with other attendees, you will need a FamilySearch account. Sign up for one FREE, if you don’t have one: Family Search
GOT MORE FAQ’s, the ROOTSTECH PORTAL HAS YOUR ANSWERS
During these unique times sanctioning our distance, #RootsTech2021 Connect presents a rare opportunity for US to be close again.
Like no other, the very divinely conscious idea of YOU was definitively created with a purpose. Imbued with a powerful energy force of LOVE SUPREME, not only to be received, worked, curated or taught, but to endure, to teach and to grow infinitely. Through guided rites of passage and self-exploration, FAMILY has become for me God's treasured gift to this world. Where by blood, life force flows and by Spirit it is edified, thru breath. What some of our Elders knew then, is still vital to to weather the times of now.
It's important to honor your walking History, your Elders, Family and Community Leadership. FAMILY bears a value of which no Man can price, for it is indeed of Godly proportions. No matter who you are, where you might be or what you've been through, your sojourn is the continuing journey of the many before you. And your Godly potential realized today, will continue to enlighten pathways for others to travel well.
So #walkwell and honor breath.
Egun iba'se - give praise of Aṣẹ to the lives of our Ancestors. *loosely translated*
“I do not walk alone. My ancestors are always with me. They carry my spirit during the challenging times of my life and walk in prayer with me everyday.”~Native American wisdom
~ in shared kinship works, Sis. Regina #workingmylines
Working My Lines 