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.
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
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Been a bit, as I’ve been hitting the pavement, digging deep, traveling wide and praying on high, blasting through proverbial research Brick Walls, and basking in the inheritance of a multitude of FAMILY!!! *Special shout out to the fantastic Family Reunion efforts of SIMS in New Orleans, the WALSTONS in the Bay Area and the BROWN-REDIC Family ties convening in Las Vegas this year.
We all know that although Family Reunion planning can prove to be challenging, the rewards run long and deep. We have so many reasons more to strengthen our ties, honor our Elders and to motivate the minds of our Youth to carry our traditions forward. I am deeply inspired, and enjoy my newly discovered kinship. I share in the vision to rediscover, rejuvenate and reunite, Family.
Weathering Hurricane our SIMS kept it Family tight New Orleans, early July The Mighty WALSTONS blazed new trails in Family Reunion planning, bridging Family over 100 strong to extending Family History Research. And a welcomed Spirit of determination deserves applause as the BROWN-REDIC Vegas reunion stayed in fellowship during August heat. Job well done Family, see you sooner.
Although this Season is considered FALL, Ancient wisdom would reveal that this time of the year IS the New Year. Celebrated Wisdom Teacher, Iyanla proclaims the season to “ALL FALL UP” , to do those things required to get us back in sync with nature, to FALL INTO your purpose. *a’dupe Iya*
I know it to be Odunde in Yoruba, West African Culture, the Harvest or in the Bay Area and some regions Kwanzaa is celebrated honoring First Fruits and thus the fruits of our labor. Among Communal kinship circles, the Fall is filled with a fête season of Ancestral remembrance, perfect for gathering Summer Reunion memories, bringing them forward to share at ceremonial offerings of atonement.
Ancestral Community Altar, Malonga Center Community – West Oakland Lil Bobby Hutton aka Defremery Park: Life is Living Festival 10 *Curator: R Califa, nzoCALIFA
It’s the time to cove, for reflection, to release, and for re-envisioning; The Fall Equinox is my is my favorite time of the year for gratitude, and let me tell you my cup runneth over. I get excited by stepping up my service in the legacy of my Ancestors as Missionaries, Evangelists and Community Workers. Activating my own vehicles of service, I recruit and motivate aligned interests who desire to demonstrate exceptional acts of kindness, to express favor and practice #goodGIVING and Giving thanks, simply.
Bursting with the abundance of wisdom from researching my Family History, continues to fill me. I am grateful for the indomitable Spirit that dwells within me in a long walk of Faith, that transcend from a folk whose daily bread is guided prayer, praise and giving God the Glory.
~Amen, Aṣẹ and So it is…
Maternal Walston-Terrell-Livingston Family, by way of my Grandfather, CLAUDE WATERS, JR Walston Family Reunion 2019, Bay Area, CA
“Honor the “Walking History” of wealth that dwell among you — Your Elders! Listen, learn, record and chart their stories, we can benefit from their embodied knowledge; We are that much more abundant transcending the yoke of our Ancestors. And if you don’t know that by now, then start counting your blessings, starting with your breath. Drink from the fountain of Ancestral wealth, be full and then refresh the cup of another.”
#BlackProGen LIVE! Tips on researching your Living Family, Associations & Neighbors. Providing guided advisory from accessing public records you to using discretion and respecting the privacy of those you’re contacting.See episode #74: https://youtu.be/oUxIwTlkU1s
NO #drivebygenealogy here!
~coinphrased by #BlackProGen Live! Ep: 74
A bit of my take-away from this exciting episode:
Research records accessible at County Clerk/Recorder Offices, Libraries, and include contact with your local Genealogical Society.
Look for Family names at Mortuaries, Cemeteries and Funeral Homes onsite and check for an online presence, including Obituary listings.
Think White Pages is out-dated? Think again, some Grandparents and Old School folks still have their Landline or the same cell phone number they first signed up for.
And the wisdom of my Elders share that, “a little manner goes a long way”. When speaking with an Elder, make it your intention to give your undivided attention to the conversation with an open mind and ear. Do take notes and get clearance first to record.
Strengthen your Family Ties! Make a phone call, visit an Elder today; Invest in the time and gain wisdom that transcends time.
Working My Lines 