Black History and Ancestry | Who Do You Think You Are?

Tracing Black Ancestry: From the Caribbean to Africa

Celebrate Black History Month with Black British family historian Paul Crooks, who uncovered his Great Great Great Great Grandmother’s story. His remarkable family tree spans six generations and over 200 years, leading back from Jamaica to the Gold Coast of Africa.

In this inspiring masterclass, Paul reveals the methods and sources he used to trace his ancestry and reconstruct the historical narrative of Black people enslaved in ex-British colonies across the Caribbean and North America. Moving beyond the records alone, Paul connects genealogy with the wider history of Black resilience, survival, and triumph.

You’ll gain insight into:

• How you can begin discovering who you are and where you’re from.
• How Paul’s ancestors, enslaved in the Caribbean, were part of a collective force for social change.
• How genealogy can be used to re-tell Black history through a more empowering lens.

Who is this talk for?

• Beginners exploring family history for the first time.
• Those with some experience who want to uncover new sources.
• Anyone who has started research but feels stuck.
• People who want to deepen their knowledge of Black History, ancestry, and identity.

Join us for an event that promises both practical guidance and historical inspiration.

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

See trailer videos below.

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.

Ancestors by Paul Crooks

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

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