Black Roots: A Beginners Guide To Tracing The African American Family Tree
by Tony Burroughs

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Book Reviews of Black Roots: A Beginners Guide To Tracing The African American Family Tree

Book Review: "Trapped"- One Way or Another
Summary: 5 Stars

Black Roots borders on over-kill; so, readers who shy away from intensity may not get beyond the first twenty-five pages. Mr. Burroughs states that his book is limited in scope, yet he leaves no stone unturned. His dictate for scientific methodology, discipline and tenacity throughout, may be somewhat intimidating to the faint hearted new researcher who thinks genealogy is "merely a hobby". Although he shares plenty of motivational lifts such as "Have fun and Don't give up", some may not see any amusement in the phrase,"the study of..." On the other hand, it would be difficult not to be trapped by Mr. Burroughs' fire and passion for the study of...genealogy.

Summary of Black Roots: A Beginners Guide To Tracing The African American Family Tree

Finally, here is the fun, easy-to-use guide that African Americans have been waiting for since Alex Haley published Roots more than twenty-five years ago. Written by the leading African American professional genealogist in the United States who teaches and lectures widely, Black Roots highlights some of the special problems, solutions, and sources unique to African Americans. Based on solid genealogical principles and designed for those who have little or no experience researching their family's past, but valuable to any genealogist, this book explains everything you need to get started, including: where to search close to home, where to write for records, how to make the best use of libraries and the Internet, and how to organize research, analyze historical documents, and write the family history.

Using case histories as examples, Burroughs outlines six phases of African American genealogy: oral histories; family research to 1870; the identification of the last slave owner; the research of the owner's background; a trip to Africa; and research in Canada and the Caribbean. Burroughs shows how to research birth, marriage, and death certificates; obituaries; social security records; and even trace histories in other countries and across racial lines. With over 100 illustrations, photographs of real documents, and sample worksheets, Burroughs has put together a comprehensive guide for prospective genealogists. "Now that you have assumed the position of family historian, remember that it comes with responsibilities," he writes. "You are entrusted with the responsibility to trace your family history thoroughly and accurately." After all, your descendents are counting on you. --Eugene Holley Jr.

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