Colorism Origins: Secrets of the 1817 Slave Regist
Event Information
About this event
A Black history masterclass on what the 1817 Slave registers reveal about the origins of colorism.
"We are not makers of history. We are made by history."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ancestry Talks' Paul Crooks will provide insight into the roots of colorism, stemming from his research into his family history, going back over 200 years.
Paul will discuss why many Africans & Caribbeans view race through the lens of a colour hierarchy prescribed during transatlantic enslavement. Discussion includes
- what the 1817 Slave Registers reveal about the roots of colorism
- how African Caribbean ancestors were taught to embrace colorism
- why colorism never disintegrated after transatlantic slavery ended
- the extent to which understanding of the history of the modern era can: a) be used as a tool for empowerment; b) recalibrate the discourse on race, colour & identity; and c) enable people to reflect on attitudes and behaviour in relation to colorism.
Who is this talk for?The talk is suitable for you if
- you want to develop your knowledge and understanding of relationship between African Caribbean history and African American history
- you’re new to exploring family history
Come and ask questions about how to start exploring family history. Who knows? Maybe you'll be inspired to explore your Ancestry.
How to get the Event link
This online talk will be held over Zoom. Details of how to join the session will be in your registration confirmation email.
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About the speaker
Paul Crooks is a published author and trailblazing genealogist with a specialist interest in Black ancestry. He pioneered research into African Caribbean genealogy during the 1990s when he became the first to trace his family history from London, back six generations, to ancestors captured off the West African coast 200 years ago. Paul discovered that his ancestors were enslaved on a sugar plantation in Jamaica.
Paul gained national recognition for his work when his acclaimed historical novel Ancestors (based on the true story of the author’s African ancestors) was published in 2002. He appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? (Moira Stuart) as the expert in African Caribbean genealogy. His second book A Tree Without Roots is the authoritative guide to tracing African, British and Asian Caribbean ancestry.
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.
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