For too long American history has been incomplete. It has excluded the plight, fight, and prosperity of Black folks who have been here since its inception. It fact, Black people’s freedom, if holding American ideals as true – is actually the mark of U.S. Independence.   So on this episode of American Origin Stories, we will discuss the often forgotten or overlooked stories of those who helped fight for American liberty & justice for all. We will discuss how current protests continue to uphold the work of our fore parents, and we will talk about what an equal future can look like ..read more

To paraphrase James Baldwin, the story of violence against Black Americans IS the story of America. And it is our collective history. in order to effect real, lasting change we must confront it completely and understand the details of that history. So on this episode we will discuss the origins of American violence against the Black community. Warning: this may be triggering to some listeners given past trauma. But for everyone else, I urge you to confront this ugly past. AmericanOriginStories.com for full show notes ..read more

Black Lives Matter - today and always. So, the regular season of AOS is paused as we explore the history embedded in the American fabric that have lead to the uprising of Black Americans and their allies. This episode we discuss disease and the legacy of Black Americans being disproportionately hit in such a crisis. The current virus, Yellow Fever, 1918 Pandemic, and more. Dr. Kathryn Olivarius joins with voices from the black community. Let's get started.    Full blog & show notes at AmericanOriginStories.com ..read more

When tracing your ancestry it's important to know your resources. If you are going to have your genetic data analyzed for genealogical purposes, you should consider the history of medical testing, and research the specific tests available--including how they analyze your sample, how they will deliver your results, and what they may do with your information in the future. On this episode, Dr. Jeff and Shannon Christmas continue to advise on the pros and cons of genetic testing when tracing your ancestry.  AmericanOriginStories.com for full notes ..read more

When tracing your ancestry, it’s important to know your resources, especially when we are talking about genetic history. It’s important to know what options you have and how to assess them once identified. To help us in this quest, we will have two guests discuss 1) the fundaments of genetic testing and 2) the components of genetic genealogy. Geneti-SIS Dr. Janina Jeff, and genetic genealogist Shannon Christmas will discuss the dangers, mechanics and use of genealogical DNA testing.  ..read more

When tracing your ancestry, it's important to know la lucha-the struggle. Today, we continue our exploration of the African Diaspora by learning about slavery and race in Colombia. Specifically, we will examine the country’s history with the peculiar institution and get a modern take on inequality for Afro-Colombians from a writer, poet, & artist who is devoted to fighting injustice ..read more

When contemplating identity, it’s important to know your history. But learning about that history is possible in many forms. Today, on the first episode of its kind, we will examine history through the lens of a book. Specifically, we will discuss the history of Jamaica, slavery, and generational trauma through author Maisy Card’s debut novel – These Ghosts Are Family. Mark Twain once said through a character that truth is stranger than fiction. And it’s true. Some of the most disturbing fictional tales are inspired by real life events. Further refining this point, I say that history is strang ..read more

On this episode of American Origin Stories, we continue our discussion of slavery outside of the U.S. by examining the impact of slavery in South America, particularly Brazil. It was the country with the most enduring system of slavery lasting from the mid 1500s to the late 1800s. We chat with historian Dr. Daryle Williams on how the society differed from what we have learned about slavery in the U.S. Let's get started!   Head to AmericanOriginStories.com for resources used and additional information on this episode ..read more

When tracing your ancestry, it’s important to know your strengths. Each of us has a unique set of skills that can be put to use when exploring our family history. Today, we will discuss how one woman did just that and learned so much about herself & her identity in the process.   Building on last week’s episode, we'll discuss the implications of slavery outside of the United States. We previously explored the ways that Haiti’s feat of becoming the first Black Republic influenced Black Americans; the glorious battle for freedom and independence ignited conversation about Black people e ..read more

When tracing your ancestry, it’s important to know your history – especially, the untold parts. From 1514 to 1866, the Transatlantic slave trade forced 10-12 million Africans across the middle passage and into bondage, trapped in strange lands. That’s more than 36,000 documented voyages. And in that trade, nearly 400,000 Africans were brought to the United States. But what about the tens of millions of people who were not in the U.S.? What of their history? Their legacies? Even their influence on Black Americans? Africans were enslaved in many countries outside of the U.S. in North and South A ..read more