Black History Blueprints: Adapting with Integrity and Navigating Change

Discover how Black historical leaders turned challenges into opportunities. Learn how to thrive with resilience, integrity, and purpose.

By Black History Speaker | Paul Crooks

Date and time

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:00 - 12:30 PDT

Location

Online

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes


Adaptability is more than a skill—it’s a mindset. Change isn’t just a challenge; it’s an opportunity for growth—if you know how to adapt. The history of the African diaspora offers profound examples of individuals who thrived in uncertainty by embracing ingenuity, resourcefulness, and unwavering values.


In this engaging talk, Paul Crooks reimagines Black history as a masterclass in navigating change. Through stories of freedom fighters and leaders of liberation struggles from the transatlantic enslavement era, you’ll uncover how they transformed obstacles into triumphs by:

  • Staying focused on their goals while navigating shifting challenges.
  • Turning limitations into opportunities through creativity and resilience.
  • Remaining true to their values, even in the face of adversity.


Whether you're tackling workplace challenges, personal transitions, or community needs, this session provides timeless strategies for turning change into opportunity. Join us to discover how lessons from the past can empower you to thrive in today’s ever-changing world.


Plus Ticket: Along with event access, Plus Ticket holders will receive a digital copy of the 'The First Maroon War' interactive PowerPoint, which will be sent via email after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/G-4LQSGP4-o


Premium Ticket: Premium access includes all Plus offerings, 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, tracing his family history from London back six 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 groundbreaking 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 and is recognized for having spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy.


In addition to his pioneering genealogy work, Paul has over 20 years of experience in health service management and holds an MSc in Healthcare Commissioning. He has also worked in the private sector, leveraging his expertise to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. His diverse professional background enhances his ability to connect with audiences on themes of resilience, legacy, and personal growth.


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


Take your journey to the next level

Enhance your event experience with exclusive add-ons designed to deepen your understanding of black history and ancestry. Watch the trailers below and secure your add on today.

Don't miss out-reserve your spot and unlock the full potential of your heritage journey.

Frequently asked questions

Events are listed in English pounds (£). I live in the USA. Can I still register for events?

Yes, you can. 40% of registrants are residents of the USA. All you need to do is follow the registration process using your credit card or PayPal when prompted. The amount will be converted to USD ($) and be shown on your next bank and PayPal statement in USD ($).

I'm in the USA. What is the cost?

Try Googling "free currency converter" to calculate the cost. £1 = $1.23 (approximately). The actual currency conversion applied by your bank will appear on your bank statement.

I can't attend on the day. Will you be repeating this event?

Yes, I will repeat the event at some point in the not-too-distant future. Follow me on Eventbrite for updates on upcoming talks (all events will have a follow button displayed prominently). Alternatively, you can sign up for my e-mail of upcoming events from my webpage at https://paulcrooks.info

Organised by

Welcome to Paul Crooks' world of Black History and Ancestry—a platform dedicated to exploring, celebrating, and empowering through the untold stories of the African diaspora. As a pioneering African Caribbean genealogist and celebrated Black History speaker, I aim to inspire and enlighten audiences by unraveling the threads of our shared heritage.

In 2025, I invite you to join my season of Black History and Ancestry events, an exciting series of talks designed to deepen understanding of Black ancestry, challenge conventional narratives, and uncover the incredible contributions of Black individuals to world history. These events are crafted to inspire personal growth, foster connection, and empower communities through knowledge.

Discover topics ranging from tracing African Caribbean roots and understanding the 1817 Slave Registers to exploring the origins of colorism, legendary leaders, and the role of DNA in Black ancestry research. My talks are perfect for anyone at the beginning of their ancestral journey or those looking to delve deeper into Black history’s empowering lessons.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, curious about genealogy, or passionate about exploring your heritage, my events are here to provide you with engaging insights and practical knowledge. Together, let’s redefine how we view Black history—as a vital branch of world history and a tool for personal and collective empowerment.

£5 – £13.70