Black History and Ancestry | Secrets of the 1817 Slave Registers

Celebrate Black History Month with genealogist Paul Crooks, a pioneer in African Caribbean ancestry research. In this compelling online event, Paul reveals how he traced his enslaved ancestors on a Jamaican sugar plantation 200 years ago using the remarkable 1817 Slave Registers.

This talk shines a light on an extraordinary record set and its role in uncovering hidden family histories, exploring identity, and deepening understanding of Black history.

What to Expect
Paul will:

• Provide unique insights into his journey tracing African ancestry
• Discuss the origins and purpose of the 1817 Slave Registers
• Explain how the registers can help you explore your ancestry and identity
• Reveal how these records shed light on the roots of colourism and racism
• Show how he used the registers to reconstruct a powerful family narrative

Who Is This Talk For?
The event is ideal for:

• Beginners starting to explore family history
• Those with some experience seeking new records and methods
• Anyone encountering roadblocks in their genealogy search
• People interested in expanding their knowledge of Black history and identity

Why Attend
This masterclass blends cultural heritage with practical genealogy methods. It’s designed to inspire the African diaspora — in the UK, US, Canada, and beyond — to connect with their roots and discover stories of ancestors whose lives shaped today’s world.

Plus Ticket: Along with event access, Plus Ticket holders will receive a digital copy of the 'Black History of Resistance and Abolition Timeline' interactive PowerPoint, which will be sent via email after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/9vIa8Q9yjh8?si=vTLS31X6efdx18rn

Premium Ticket: Premium access includes all Plus offering, plus a digital copy of Paul Crooks' latest novel 'Descendants,' sent to you electronically after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/BmI8rTjUEmE

Deluxe Ticket: Deluxe attendees enjoy all Premium benefits, with the added bonus of the 'DNA Testing Demystified: Separating Fact from Fiction in Genealogy' eBook to deepen your understanding of genealogy which will be sent via email after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/mQanCy3o1XM

About the speaker

Trailblazing family historian Paul Crooks pioneered research into Black genealogy during the 1990s. He traced his family history from London, back 6 generations, to ancestors enslaved on a sugar plantation in North America.

Paul was told that it would be impossible to trace records of slave-ownership let alone his Ancestors enslaved on plantations in North America. “No one had tried because such records did not exist.” Undeterred, he embarked on a journey of discovery that led from suburban North London to North America and ultimately back to the Gold Coast.

His books, Ancestors and A Tree Without Roots - The Guide To Tracing British, African and Asian Caribbean Ancestry brought him international recognition for his breakthrough research into Black genealogy.

Paul is credited with inspiring an upsurge in interest in Black and British ancestry. He is also recognised for having spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy.

Be sure to follow Black History Speaker Paul Crooks on Eventbrite!

Ancestors by Paul Crooks

Tree Without Roots - The Guide To Tracing British, African And Asian Caribbean Ancestry