Tracing Black Ancestry: Proven Methods to Reconnect with Roots

By Black History Speaker | Paul Crooks

Join Paul Crooks for a powerful talk on uncovering Black ancestry using records, oral history & DNA. Reconnect with your African roots.

Date and time

Location

Victoria library

160 Buckingham Palace Road London SW1W 9TR United Kingdom

Good to know

Highlights

  • 1 hour, 30 minutes
  • In person

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

Community • State

Celebrate Black History Month 2025 by discovering how to trace your African ancestry. Join Paul Crooks, a pioneering African Caribbean genealogist and Black history specialist, for a powerful and practical session on how to explore your African diasporan roots.

Paul Crooks made history when he traced his African Caribbean family tree from London to Jamaica and back to West Africa using public records, oral history, and DNA testing. In this inspiring talk, Paul shares expert guidance, revealing the top tools and strategies he used to overcome obstacles and build a clear picture of his heritage.

Whether you’re just starting out or already on your genealogy journey, this event is perfect for people of African, Caribbean, or African American descent who want to:

  • Learn how to trace African ancestry through UK and international public records
  • Understand the role of oral history and DNA testing in family research
  • Get past common challenges in Black family history research
  • Reconstruct personal identity through the lens of African diasporic heritage
  • Deepen your knowledge of African Caribbean and African American history

This Black History Month event is ideal for beginners as well as those with some experience in genealogy. You’ll leave feeling empowered, informed, and inspired to honour your ancestors and continue your personal journey of discovery.

About The Speaker

Paul Crooks is a trailblazing genealogist and published author with a specialist interest in Black ancestry. He pioneered Black genealogy research in the 1990s, tracing his own family history from London back six generations to ancestors who were enslaved on a sugar plantation in North America 200 years ago.

Paul gained national recognition with his acclaimed historical novel "Ancestors" based on his family's story, and he has appeared as an expert on Black British genealogy on "Who Do You Think You Are?" with Moira Stuart. His second book "A Tree Without Roots" is a seminal guide to tracing Black British ancestry.

Paul is credited with inspiring an upsurge of interest in Black and British genealogy and has spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy.

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.

Organised by

Black History Speaker | Paul Crooks

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Free
Oct 23 · 18:00 GMT+1