Home2024 Conference

With Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

With Special Thanks to our Exhibitors:

Fighting Erasure: Staying Visible by Keeping
African American Genealogy and History in Focus

The conference theme, "Fighting Erasure: Staying Visible by Keeping African American Genealogy and History in Focus," underscores the crucial role of preserving and spotlighting African American history and genealogy in the broader narrative of American history.

African American histories, often marginalized or omitted in mainstream historical discourse, hold invaluable insights into the resilience, culture, and contributions of Black communities throughout American history.

By prioritizing the study and dissemination of African American genealogical records, personal narratives, and historical documents, this theme advocates for an inclusive historical record that honors the truth and ensures that the legacies of African American ancestors remain visible and influential for future generations.

This approach not only corrects historical oversights but also empowers current and future generations by connecting them with their rich heritage and the enduring strength of their forebearers.

Conference Speakers & Agenda

Hover Effect

Mica L. Anders

Mica L. Anders, owner and founder of Anders Genealogical Services, brings over 15 years of professional experience in genealogy and historical research. She specializes in African American and Midwestern U.S. research. Holding an MFA in visual art, Mica combines her two passions—history and art—to create unique family history displays for her clients. In addition to her client work, she frequently lectures and collaborates with museums and civic organizations to research, design, and curate community history exhibits, focused on highlighting the stories and contributions of underrepresented communities in local history. Mica is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She has worked with clients and organizations from around the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom.

Hover Effect

Melvin Collier

I have been conducting historical and genealogical research for 30 years. After my first career as a civil engineer, my passion for African American history and historical preservation fostered a career change to the Archivist profession. I then earned a Master of Arts degree in African American Studies, Clark Atlanta University, in 2008, with additional graduate coursework in Archival Studies from Clayton State University.

For seven years, I worked as a library associate/archivist at the Atlanta University Center, in which I processed numerous collections such as the Morehouse College Dr. Martin Luther King Papers, the Maynard Jackson Administrative Papers and Photographs, the Dr. Asa Hilliard III Papers, and others. I now work for the Department of Defense in the Washington, D.C. area.

I have appeared on the NBC show, Who Do You Think You Are, as one of the expert genealogists on the Spike Lee episode (2010). I have given numerous presentations on genealogy, enslaved ancestral research, and genetic genealogy at many events and conferences around the country. I was also a guest speaker for African Heritage Day at the 2017 RootsTech Conference in Salt Lake City with actor LeVar Burton.

I maintain a genealogy blog, Roots Revealed, at www.rootsrevealed.com, where I have authored over 150 articles/case studies about enslaved ancestral research, genetic genealogy, and genealogy research for over 10 years. I was also a 2014 instructor at MAAGI.

I am the author of three books, Mississippi to Africa: A Journey of Discovery (2008), 150 Years Later: Broken Ties Mended (2011), and Ealy Family Heritage: Documenting Our Legacy (2016).

Hover Effect

Shamele Jordon

Award-winning TV producer of Genealogy Quick Start; researcher for the PBS series African American Lives and an NJHC grant recipient for Civil War, UGRR, and Green Book research. She is also the First Vice President of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, an advisory board member of the National Family Reunion Institute. Researcher for the Lawnside Historical Society, Co-Founder of Black Genealogy Experience (BlackGENeX), and creator of Visualizing the Past for K12.

Hover Effect

Dr. Shelley Murphy

Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, known as "familytreegirl," is a dedicated genealogist with over three decades of experience. Born in Michigan and now residing in central Virginia, she specializes in genealogy workshops nationwide, emphasizing her "SO WHAT" approach and problem-solving techniques, including timeline use. Murphy serves on the boards of the Library of Virginia, Albemarle Charlottesville, and Fluvanna Historical Societies. She coordinates and teaches at the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) and develops educational programs for the International African American Museum's Center for Family History. Murphy holds positions as Genealogist General for the Society of the First African Families of English America and Trustee for the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History. She also serves on the Genealogist Council for the 10Million Names Project, alongside memberships in multiple genealogy organizations. She is currently the Descendant Project Researcher at the University of Virginia and hosts "Freedmen’s Bureau Friday’s." Since 2009, she has been an Adjunct Professor at Averett University and conducts personal research across several states.