Exploring Roots – Rev. Anne Weirich, Willye Bryan and Geoff Blair are at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing. They were present during a recent Lansing Area African American Genealogical Society event. TNCP Photo
Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Calendar
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Charline White/Cora Brown Luncheon
Tribute to Michigan’s Women of Color
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Anderson House Office Building | Mackinaw Room | 124 Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI
MLBC honors five Michigan Women of color who have made significant contributions to the citizens of Michigan. This year’s recipients are Honorable Alma Wheeler Smith, Honorable Mary Waters, Honorable Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Honorable Teola Hunter, and Honorable Mary Lou Parks. All recipients are former members of MI State legislature.
This event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Black History Month Annual Evening Celebration
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Michigan State Capitol Building | First Floor Rotunda | Lansing, MI
Join us for an evening of great fellowship, spectacular entertainment, thought provoking commentary and good food. This event is free and open to the public. Our guests include Playwright Sandra Seaton performing with the Earl Nelson Singers, Detroit City Rescue Mission Choir; Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences student performance; Keynote Speaker Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor; and our Special Guest Celebrity Performer, Ms. Anita Baker.
This event is free and open to public – RSVP required to attend.
Please email sdavy@house.mi.gov to make reservation. Limited seating.
Through February 29, 2012
African American Legislators/ Past & Present
Michigan State Capitol Building | Ground Floor Rotunda | Lansing, MI
View display of African American Legislators from 19th Century to today.
LANSING, MI — Researching family history has become more popular in the past few years with the introduction of books and websites dedicated to tracing roots. Tony Burroughs, a leading expert in African American genealogy and author of “Black Roots: A Beginners Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree” specifically addresses research techniques for African Americans especially during slavery.
Recently, the Lansing Area African American Genealogical Society (LAAAGS) held a seminar entitled an “Introduction to Researching African American Family History” at at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing.
Angela Corley Moore provided an extensive presentation on her families history and included some of the research tools that she used to obtain the information. She indicated that having family reunions are very helpful in finding out more about your roots.
President Willye Bryan also focused on the importance of the family archives and the significance of oral histories. She also indicated that there are many challenges and suggestions that are specific to African American history, and to be mindful that many experienced very painful pasts and choose not to divulge information.
The purpose of LAAAGS is to: (1) promote the preservation of African American family history, (2) assist members in their genealogical research by providing a forum for the sharing of information and assisting with problem solving, (3) conduct educational programs to acquaint members and the general public with various methods and resources of genealogical and family history research and (4) to assist members in utilizing the various methods and resources unique to African American genealogical research.
Membership in the Society is open to all individuals interested in African American family research regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. Log on to www.laaags.org for more information.
This was printed in the February 12, 2012 – February 25, 2012 Edition
