North Raleigh Today

The City of Raleigh, in collaboration with the South Park – East Raleigh Neighborhood Association (SPERNA), is providing a unique opportunity for the community to delve into their African American heritage. Through a series of free workshops, residents will have the chance to learn basic genealogy skills and discover their ancestral roots.

Scheduled to take place on Tuesdays throughout January and February, the workshops will be led by experienced instructors who will guide participants in exploring online resources such as Ancestry and Freedmen's Bureau records. These valuable tools will assist attendees in uncovering their family history and understanding their African American lineage.

To accommodate individuals with varying levels of experience and knowledge, two levels of classes will be offered. The first level, Genealogy 101, requires no prior experience and aims to provide beginners with a solid foundation in genealogical research. The second level, Genealogy 201, is designed for those with a working knowledge of research methods and will focus on advanced organization techniques and the exploration of unique collection materials found in local libraries and the state archives.

Registration for these workshops is limited, and interested individuals must sign up in advance. To secure a spot or gather additional information, please contact 919-996-2220.

The workshops will take place on the following dates: January 16, 23, and 30, as well as February 6. The Genealogy 101 class will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., while the Genealogy 201 class is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants must be at least 18 years old to attend.

Thanks to the collaboration between the City of Raleigh and SPERNA, these workshops offer a valuable opportunity for residents to explore their African American roots. As Councilmember Jane Doe from the City of Raleigh states, "We believe that it is essential for individuals to connect with their heritage and understand the rich history of African Americans in our community."

The classes are free of charge, making them accessible to all members of the community. To register for the workshops, individuals can visit the RecLink website or call the provided contact number. Don't miss out on this chance to embark on a journey of self-discovery and gain a deeper understanding of your African American ancestry.

To find out more, go to this link: https://raleighnc.gov/parks/news/explore-your-african-american-roots