1. Genealogical Research
Ten Essential Books
The image we are looking at is the … it was the place of worship for many of my ancestors for 4 generations
for African American
Genealogical Research

2. Quick Points
The selections for this list comes from my 30+ years of involvement in research and genealogy
Most of the books are historical—many genealogists tend to de-emphasize this perspective to their detriment (new researchers just don’t know)
Pick up a business card with link to webpage with the list
In the coming weeks, a more detailed overview of each book will be posted to the webpage and my Facebook page

3. The Books not organized in order of importance
Some New, Some Used, One from Independent seller

4. A Beginner’s Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree
Black Roots
A Beginner’s Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree
Best overall book on conducting Black research
Author has received numerous honors

5. African American Religious Experience
Antebellum Period
A handful of independent African American churches but most of the enslaved were in white churches
Post Civil War
Mass exodus from many of the churches and the establishment of their own – primarily Baptist and Methodist (AME)

6. A Religious History of African Americans
Canaan Land
A Religious History of African Americans

7. Directory of African American Religious Bodies
I consider it the “Bible” of
African American Religious Research
Identifies “mother” churches, in addition to those formed by African Americans

8. Reconstruction Era Nobody does it better! Dr. Eric Foner
Foremost authority on this topic
A preeminent historian

9. America’s Unfinished Revolution
Reconstruction
America’s Unfinished Revolution
Several editions & covers but all ok
Dismantles the complexities of a period crucial to African American researchers

10. A Short History of Reconstruction
Less intimidating for your patrons – and you!

11. A Cornerstone of the Black Experience
Black Migrations
A Cornerstone of the Black Experience

12. The Making of African America The Four Great Migrations
From Africa to the East Coast
Into the interior
The migrations after freedom
Blacks from the Caribbean and Africa to the U.S.

14. Dictionary of Afro American Slavery
An indispensable reference guide for navigating the complexities of slavery
Breaks down the peculiar institution by state

15. A Hidden Dimension of American Racism
Sundown Towns
A Hidden Dimension of American Racism
Cover variations
Uncovers hundreds of communities (mostly North) where any traces of Blacks has been erased
Explains many forced migrations
Author has website with updated lists

16. 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History
Cover variations
Great source for Reconstruction period terminology—scalawag, carpetbagger, etc

17. Finding and Using African American Newspapers
Outstanding source of information on people, communities, institutions and events
One of the best features is the social columns