Black History | Tracing Your Ancestry Back to the 1770s

Celebrate Black History Month with genealogist Paul Crooks, a pioneer in African Caribbean and African American family history research. In this online event, Paul reveals how he traced his ancestry back to the 1770s, offering unique insights into records and resources that can help others reconnect with their African roots.

What to Expect

Using his personal case study, Paul will:

• Reveal how he traced his family’s Black history back to the early 1800s
• Highlight key records and archives for African ancestry research
• Share a step-by-step approach to uncovering ancestral records
• Explain common challenges and how to overcome them

Why Attend

This masterclass blends cultural heritage with practical genealogy methods. It’s designed to inspire people of African descent to connect with their past, discover the resilience of their ancestors, and use history as a source of strength and identity.

Who Is It For?

Beginners curious about family history

• Those already tracing their ancestry and seeking new resources
• African Caribbean, African American, and wider African diaspora communities in the UK, US, and Canada
• Anyone interested in uncovering personal connections to Black history

By attending, you’ll gain practical tools to begin or deepen your family research — and inspiration to view your history as a foundation for the future.

Plus Ticket: Along with event access, Plus Ticket holders will receive a digital copy of the 'Africans, Irish, and the Music of the Caribbean' eBook, delivered via email after the-event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/T-K6Yp-UW8s

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 sent to you electronically 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.

Paul is first among peers being an individual advocate for helping schools figure out how to deliver empowering history that

• helps young people increase their self-esteem
• others to look at black history through a more appreciative lens

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