Excited about @nzoCALIFAncestry our Community Genealogy platform trailblazing pathways “on the yard,” in living rooms, and in Communal spaces. #StraightOuttaFamilyHistory charged by #HipHop50 legacy to put your story on the MAP by charting the course of your Ancestors, your FAMILY HISTORY!
Waters Family Legacy participates in Community Secondline in front of the Malonga Casquelourd Center, Oakland, CA. Oakland Benevolent Association, led by Baba Tacuma King + Bay Area Drummers & Harold “Homeboy” Wilson+Twilight Brassband. foto: @workingmylines
Your Ancestors embody a wealth of interconnected wisdom that serves as a guiding force along your sojourn. They are a wellspring of empowerment that propels you forward, enabling you to shape and advance your Story! #yourSTORYmatters
Have you pruned your Family Tree lately?
” I Love the process of creating a Family Tree. They serve as a map to track our Ancestor’s life steps.”
Start with yourself, Parents, Grandparents, and as far back as you can. Speak to your Elders, Community Aunts, and Uncles; Reflect upon favorable Childhood memories and Holiday moments.
Your Story is ready to unfold! Get started and advance the work.
My 2X Great Aunt, Lucy Jane Murff, née CULVERSON Sunrise: March 15, 1906 •Pioneer, West Carroll, Parish, Louisiana Sunset: June 17, 1982 • Oakland, Alameda County, California
Growing up under the care of my 2X Great Aunt, I embarked on an essential journey of early “rites of passage,” acquiring domestic skills that would equip me to manage a household and create a nurturing home. As the eldest of my two siblings, I was gently guided towards the wisdom and traditions passed down from our foremothers. I learned a plethora of invaluable skills, ranging from routine household chores like dishwashing, clothesline hanging, and kitchen floor sweeping to the meticulous art of maintaining her impeccably clean tiled countertops and pristine white stove.
The vast backyard, about half the size of a basketball court, was more of a playground than a chore. It harbored several trees, akin to a mini orchard, offering peaches, apricots, plums, and at least two varieties of apples. The joy of tasting fruit fresh from the tree and picking berries from the bush was a cherished experience. The tall cornstalks, ready for shucking, abundant beans to snap, and bountiful berry bushes made the outdoor work a delight. Witnessing my Auntie transform her harvest into jars of fruit jams and jellies, freezing a variety of peas and beans, and even crafting homemade wine was a fascinating educational journey.
However, the most rewarding learning experience was observing her sewing skills. Her meticulous cutting of patterns and expert crafting of wool skirts, suits, and fine dresses left me captivated. With a simple request, she knew I was smitten by the “sewing bug.” My first task was to cut quilt shapes, which included squares, triangles, rectangles, and diamonds. Precise dimensions were crucial as she selected pieces that met her exacting standards for her quilts. It was an honor whenever one of my pieces was chosen to be part of her exquisite tapestry of artistry.
The beautiful black Singer sewing machine beckoned me to sew. My Auntie Lucy possessed a quiet yet commanding way of instilling organization, safety, and operation into the sewing process. To even have the privilege of sewing alongside her, I had to learn these aspects thoroughly. I closely observed her nimble fingers skillfully guiding fabric through the machine, executing perfect pivots for sleeves on a sturdy drop-down desktop. It was a cherished heirloom skill. She patiently mentored me, teaching me every facet of the machine, from threading to oiling its joints. A toolbox housed the necessary instruments for the sewing machine’s maintenance, and I had to master this knowledge before attempting to sew straight lines on scrap fabric with my six-year-old hands.
When my Aunt’s eyesight began to falter due to cataracts, I became her extra set of eyes. As her nieces often came to help around the house, she entrusted me with threading multiple needles for her and taught me how to write out checks for bills. My affection for her deepened as I witnessed her unwavering dedication to both her domestic responsibilities and her husband. Her southern meals were nothing short of delectable, and despite the occasional rambunctiousness of us three siblings, she maintained order with a gentle rasp of her voice, directing us to the “switch bush” when necessary.
Aunt Lucy was a devoted member of the usher board at Emmanuel Church of Christ on 86th Avenue in East Oakland, California. In church, I admired her impeccable white dresses, always crisply starched and spotless. What stood out most was her unwavering decorum in her church uniform, from head to toe. Above all, Aunt Lucy’s high-pitched, soul-stirring voice while singing haunting Spiritual hymns from the church pews left an indelible mark on me, later I learned some were Ring Shout songs. And, from those pews, I gazed in awe at the adorned crowns of the Church Mothers and discreetly kept track of those who were moved by the Spirit.
Though specific sermons may have faded from memory, I can confidently say that Auntie Lucy and her husband ensured we were well-versed in the “characters” of the Bible and their roles through quizzes. We knew the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and how to offer a blessing for our meals.
On June 17, 1982, Aunt Lucy found her place among the favored Saints in the Heavenly realms, her spirit ascending to the heavens in Oakland, Alameda, California. At the time, I was in my junior year of high school and couldn’t bear the weight of grief to attend her funeral. However, I had a private moment at her wake service, and indeed, she rested peacefully, radiant in her rose-colored attire, resembling a true Saint. Let us give praise to a life well-lived. God Bless You Auntie Lucy // @workingmylines//rlc
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
*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 