Growing up when I had to research a person, write a book report, or learn about a moment in our country’s history, I would always choose an African American person, event, or time in history. I often take for granted that most people are as well versed in African American history as I am. But the truth is most people in United States of America only know the basics of African American history or what I like to call Black History 101, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson, and the March on Washington.
America’s complicated history of slavery, discrimination, and systemic racism often leads to silence, avoidance, feelings of embarrassment and guilt, and shame has created unique challenges when it comes to African American family history and genealogy research. The African American experience starts in 1619 in Old Point Comfort in (today’s Fort Monroe) Hampton, Virginia. For over 400 years the African American experience has been filled with inequality, pain, tragedy, and violence. Through all of that we also have a legacy of love, hope, resilience, triumphs, and family. African Americans have contributed so much to this county including in the military, education, the arts, science and technology, and in agriculture, and it all should be celebrated every day of every year. Black History has always been and will always be American history.
Being an historian first and building my knowledge about the history of the United States and African American history has given me a wonderful foundation to my family history research. I have been able to find my family in America’s history. I have been able to find my 3X great grandfather’s, Robert Hatchett, emancipation papers and his freedom story from slavery. I have been able to learn about my grandfather’s, Gus Hatchett, singing group, the United Harmonizers being the first African American group to have a show on KNBY radio in Newport, Arkansas.
My family history journey has been so rewarding. Although it has been difficult at times, I wouldn’t change it for anything. I have been able to understand my family’s past, honor the struggles and victories, and continue to build my family’s legacy. Black History Month is about honoring our ancestors and those that have made historical contributions to our country. Maya Angelou said, ‘I am the hope and the dream of the slave’. That’s how I feel about my research, and I hope I am making all of our ancestors proud.
Journey Through the Generations 
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