President's Message

Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.

P. O. Box 73067

Washington, DC 20056-3067

President's Message

Greetings,

Just in case you’ve not yet made up your mind regarding the IBG Summit or you’re trying to convince some folks from the area to attend, here are a few of the workshop highlights. The planning committee really stepped out to bring us unique and new material to explore:

	Angela Walton-Raji once again will lead us in our Native American research. Her guidelines will remind us to connect with local history to avoid connecting with the wrong group or area.
	Carolyn Corpening Collins Rowe will carry us deeper into the census with There’s More in Them Than Census Schedules, allowing us to learn more of some of the obscure and little known details about the census.
	Drusilla Pair will make us step up in our technology usage with The Power of Blogging.
	Another opportunity to hear from a giant in genealogy, Tony Burroughs as he talks about researching Contraband Camps.

Other sessions include:

	Catholic Sacramental Records by Jari C. Honora;
	Genealogy File and Time Management by Shelly Murphy (don’t act like we don’t need this!); and
	A two-hour session with Tim Pinnick on Finding and Using African American Newspapers.

Well there is more, including my own workshop, so check out the Summit website for details…this is the conference not to be missed!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

The conference planners can use more volunteers. If you’re interested, please contact <info@BlackGenealogy Summit.com>. Don’t forget to reference the registration area of the website because volunteers must register.

The Allen County Public Library is starting to plan a Pre-Conference on Thursday, October 29th, to start at 9:00 am at the Library. The Pre-Conference will introduce the IBGS to the local and surrounding communities that are not involved in genealogy research. With the energy level that is being expected from all of the participants, this genealogy bug will bite more unsuspecting victims. Please check the Library web site at www.acpl.lib.in.us under Genealogy Special Programs to see the details. All will be welcomed.

Lately, I’ve participated in a series of activities that could be called We’re 365 African American, Not Just in February. The activities have included reading programs, such as encouraging African-American history; increasing family literacy through writing the family’s story; and having younger members draw pictures and organize photos into binders or story-books. Some programs have featured faith-related services, including: African-American Muslims speaking of the history of Islam within the African-American community; and the contributions of Islam to community organizing and civil rights. There have also been environmental justice panels that have used quilting as a means to tell one’s (or a community’s) story and recycle textiles. These efforts have made for an interesting way to expand the realm of what’s possible with our knowledge of genealogy and have offered easy forms of outreach regarding AAHGS and related organizations.

More updates will follow regarding the election and National Board development process. As our dear friend, Rodney J. Reynolds of American Legacy magazine said on the announcement of the forming of their new parent company, RJR Communications, “Change provides new opportunities.” And as they rely on their readers’ support, so do we rely on our membership to give us direction, keep us on point and meet the call to action. We need you to work within your chapters and nationally to continue moving forward.

Well, that’s it for now. Until the next time…See you in Ft. Wayne!

Rev. Khadijah Matin
President