7th Annual African American Seminar

The 7^th Annual African American Seminar will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the Sacramento Regional Family History Center.  This year’s theme is “Unlocking Our Family Treasures” and promises to be the best one yet as it will offer 24 classes in beginning, intermediate and advanced genealogy instruction. The seminar will enable those in attendance the opportunity to reconnect with their forgotten ancestors. The classes will be taught by seasoned Genealogists from both the Sacramento and Bay Areas.

The Keynote Speaker will be Antoinette Broussard, a noted Speaker and Author. Ms. Broussard is a graduate of San Francisco State University with a major in English literature and Black studies. Ms. Broussard is also an avid Researcher and Writer committed to the pursuit and documentation of her ancestral roots. She was the Guest Speaker for Black Family History Day (February 2011) sponsored by the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California and  has been a contributor to their Baobab Journal Tree (Spring 2011).  She has written biographies for numerous other publications including the African American National Biography and the African American National Biography (editor, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Oxford Press 2008).

Currently, Ms. Broussard is writing her second book which is a family memoir about her journey in discovering her family’s history from slavery to freedom.

Ms. Broussard’s topic at the seminar will be, “The Militant Matron, Dr. Nettie J. Craig Asberry” who was one of Washington states’ civil rights activist.

African American research has sometimes in the past been thought of as challenging because of the issue of the slavery. However, the extensive digitalization of records has now enabled many persons of color to trace their ancestors including those who were enslaved in this country.  These records have enabled them to leap right over the obstacle that slavery might have caused in the past.

Karen Burney, one of the Genealogists who will be presenting classes at this year’s seminar has been able to track her family back 7-8 generations and has located many of her slave ancestors on several lines. Last July, she met with and exchanged family history with one of the descendants of the Slave Owners that owned some of her ancestors.  She relates that, “it was a powerful encounter” and the two remain connected and committed to sharing and helping each other document their intertwined family histories.  

Many Genealogists agree that reconnecting with one’s ancestors can be a life-changing event in a person’s life.  Locating the people that came before you and learning their stories and how they contributed to their families and country can cause an individual to be more appreciative of the strides that have been made and the opportunities that did not exist during their ancestors’ lives. 

Attendees can expect to learn tips and tools that will enable them to  “unlock” their Family Heritage and the legacies of their ancestors which can be a “treasure” to both present and future generations.

The seminar will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm at the Sacramento Regional Family History Center located at 2745 Eastern Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register early by March 3, 2012 to ensure entry into their desired classes.  However, individuals will be able to register on the day of the event at 7:30 am to 8:30 on a first-come basis.

The cost of the seminar is $20.00 which includes registration and syllabus materials. Lunch will also be offered for an additional charge of$6.50.

For more information and to download flyer and registration form, please contact (916)487-2090 or log on to:

http://www.familyhistorycenter.info/