African American Genealogy Workshop

How do genealogists locate family members who were involved in some of the most tragic and traumatic attacks upon Black communities in America?

From genocide on slave plantations through the Civil War to devastating attacks during the early 20th century, African Americans have been victims of racial violence by white Americans that resulted in thousands of missing persons. These tragic episodes mark a stain on the American familial landscape and challenge genealogists in their efforts to reconstruct family histories.

During this virtual African American Genealogy Workshop, participants will learn about the history of these episodes and how family records can be resurrected from tragedy.

The in-depth workshop will include analysis of the Tulsa Massacre on May 31, 1921, when a white mob descended upon the Black community in Tulsa, Okla., destroying lives and the “Black Wall Street” business district.

As descendants of a Tulsa Massacre survivor, John W. Franklin and Karen Roberts Franklin of Franklin Global LLC will discuss the historical records that remain following the tragedy and will provide insight into their family’s history in Tulsa and Westmoreland County, Pa.

Opening remarks will be given by Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society – Pittsburgh member Carolyn Johnson, also a descendant of a family affected by the Tulsa Massacre.