Knowing and being sure of your heritage is an act of privilege. Unfortunately, for many families whose ancestors were stolen in the Middle Passage, accurate records may not be accessible. However, thanks to advancements in genealogy, modern families now have the opportunity to trace their roots and connect with their ancestors. If you are uncertain of your African descent and would like to learn more, the William Trent House invites you to journey through your family tree.
On Sunday, January 22nd, the William Trent House will host an event empowering guests to trace their African roots. This event is part of the Trent House’s Greater Trenton African Ancestry Reveal Experience 2023. The event is co-hosted by the Trent House Association and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The information sessions will begin at 4 pm at the Trent House Visitor Center at 15 Market St., Trenton, NJ 08611. If you’re interested in participating, registration is available online here: Register – Trent House. If you can’t attend this session, do not worry! Additional sessions will be taking place in February and March. After the sessions, participating families will be celebrated during this year’s Juneteenth celebration.
For thousands of African-Americans, it is unclear exactly where their family originated from. As a result of the Middle Passage, individuals across the country grapple with where their family originates and from what country their ancestors were stolen. For decades, individuals across the African diaspora have been forced to reckon with the mystery of their origins. By allowing families to connect with their roots, individuals are offered critical insights into their history and can begin healing the wounds of their ancestors. No matter the origin, each member of the community plays an integral part in the legacy of the African continent.
ASALH supports this event; the premier Black Heritage learned society. Their family of national and international branches connects members nationwide to uplift and empower the African-American community. ASALH is responsible for various vital initiatives, including determining the themes for Black History Month, promoting oral, public, and local history projects, and publishing multiple learning materials. If you’d like to learn more about the regional branch, you can connect with ASALH Greater Trenton here: ASALH – FB.
The event also collaborates with African Ancestry, a powerful resource aiding families in connecting with their roots. They believe tapping into your Ancestry can be a powerful and transformative experience and helps families to find missing pieces of their identity. As the world leader in tracing maternal and paternal lineages of African descent, African Ancestry has helped connect millions to their heritage. If you want to learn more about their services, additional details are available here: African Ancestry – Home.
For those interested in attending, please register online as soon as possible. If you cannot participate in this month’s session, details on future sessions will be available online here: Events – William Trent House. If you’d like to learn more about the William Trent House, you can read more online here: William Trent House – Home. Connecting with your heritage can be a crucial first step in understanding your legacy, so you will not want to miss this enlightening event.