"I am the dream and the hope of the slave." – Maya Angelou
WELCOME
Welcome to Our Paths, Our Way. We’re so grateful that you’ve taken the time to visit our site. It means so much to us that you’re here. Our mission is rooted in a deep passion for honoring our past, celebrating the present, and inspiring those who come after us. While we don’t claim to be experts in genealogy or have extensive credentials in creating family trees, we are dedicated advocates for the importance of valuing, protecting, and cherishing our history.
Speaking Topics
Our Past, Our Way
Description: Laurene honors our ancestors by exploring the cultural differences and diversity that make us unique. She emphasizes the importance of embracing our history, viewing it as a source of strength and pride rather than shame.
Audience Takeaway: Participants will walk away with a deeper appreciation of their unique cultural heritage and the confidence to celebrate their differences, fostering a more inclusive and respectful community.
From Lineage to Legacy
Description: Laurene delves into the significance of genealogy and family history, sharing practical tips on how to trace lineage and uncover the stories that define our heritage. She also discusses the importance of inspiring future generations through the legacy we create.
Audience Takeaway: Attendees will gain practical knowledge on researching their family history and learn how to use this understanding to inspire and guide the generations that follow.
Don’t Throw That Away
Description: Laurene encourages the preservation of family identity and legacy through the intentional keeping of artifacts, stories, and heirlooms. She provides actionable steps to ensure these treasures are passed down through generations.
Audience Takeaway: Participants will leave with a renewed commitment to preserving their family’s identity and legacy, equipped with strategies to safeguard and pass on their history to future generations.
"The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are." – Maya Angelou
Gallery
"History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." – Michelle Obama
Our past, our way
ONE-SHEET
OUR PAST, OUR WAY BOOK
"I am the dream and the hope of the slave." – Maya Angelou
websites
1. African American Genealogy (National Archives)
- https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans
- Provides a wealth of resources and guides for African American genealogy research, including records related to slavery, military service, and more.
2. Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.
a non-profit 501(c)3, which strives to preserve African-ancestored family history, genealogy, and cultural diversity by teaching research techniques and disseminating information throughout the community.
3. FamilySearch African American Resources
https://www.familysearch.org/en/united-states/
- Offers a vast collection of African American historical records, including census data, Freedmen’s Bureau records, and other valuable resources for tracing African ancestry.
4. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
https://www.si.edu/museums/african-american-museum
- Provides resources for family history research, including guides and links to archival collections, oral histories, and other records.
5. Ancestry.com's African American Collection
www.ancestry.com/c/african-american
- A subscription-based service
6. National Genealogical Society
National Genealogical Society or local chapters
- Is here to help individuals learn about their family history. They are a non-profit organization headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia. For 120 years, they have been the leader in teaching genealogical research skills and providing a pathway to scholarly work.
"We are our ancestors' wildest dreams." – Unknown
1. "The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson
- Chronicles the migration of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West, offering deep insights into the legacy of this movement.
2. "Finding Your Roots: The Official Companion to the PBS Series" by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
- A guide to exploring family history, including African American genealogy, with practical advice and case studies from the PBS series.
3. "Black Roots: A Beginner's Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree" by Tony Burroughs
- Provides detailed steps and strategies for tracing African American genealogy, from finding records to understanding historical contexts.
4. "In Search of Our Roots: How 19 Extraordinary African Americans Reclaimed Their Past" by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
- A companion to the PBS series, this book shares the genealogical journeys of prominent African Americans, offering inspiration and guidance for others.
5. "The Slave Trade: The Story of the Atlantic Slave Trade: 1440-1870" by Hugh Thomas
- A comprehensive history of the transatlantic slave trade, providing crucial context for understanding African American ancestry and history.
BOOKS
About Laurene Ragsdale
Laurene, a Texas native, has a deep love for African American history and preserving cultural legacies. Recently retired from the telecommunications industry, she now dedicates her time to researching and uncovering her family’s rich history. During the 2020 pandemic, Laurene rediscovered family treasures, including letters and artifacts, that shed light on her ancestors' lives.
Growing up in the home her grandparents built in East Texas, Laurene has always cherished stories from “the old days,” particularly those from her elders. Her passion for history and culture drives her to inspire others to honor their past, celebrate their identity, and preserve their legacy for future generations.