Paul Crooks Msc
Specialist in African Caribbean Genealogy
Paul's Ancestry talks and publications are changing the discourse on Black ancestry and history.
Paul Crooks pioneered research into African Caribbean genealogy during the 1990s. He traced his family history from London, back 6 generations, to ancestors captured of the West African coast and enslaved on a sugar plantation in Jamaica.
Paul gained national recognition for his work when his acclaimed historical novel Ancestors (based on the true story of the author's African ancestors) was published in 2002. He appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? (Moira Stuart) as the expert in African Caribbean genealogy. His second book A Tree Without Roots is the seminal guide to tracing African, British and Asian Caribbean ancestry.
Paul is credited with inspiring an upsurge in interest in Black and British ancestry. He is also recognised for having spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy.

Sign-up below for announcements of Paul's upcoming events
Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry
One-to-One Appointments with an Expert
A limited number of 30 to 60-minute slots available Wednesdays, 13th, 20th, and 27th July 2022 between
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm British Summer Time (BST)
1:30 pm - 4pm Eastern Time (ET)
Empowering Black History By Exploring Black Ancestry
Like most things in life, if you want to know how to succeed, then it's always a good idea to talk to someone who's been where you want to go.
Where did Your family surname come from?
Paul's helping people find clues to the origins of their family names within the Caribbean
You're having problems tracing Ancestors online?
Paul's downloadable video tutorials will help you overcome problems searching online
You want to know where to begin and how to start?
Live and online events to inspire, inform and encourage family storytellers to build the narrative.
Paul Crooks' Black Resistance & Abolition Timelines

True stories. Incredible Black history
Stunning interactive Black history timelines blending Black & British history and your ancestry together over time.
There's no better way to learn, engage and remember more information.

Timelines when you attend ancestry talks
Timelines complement Ancestry Talks with Paul Crooks events. Get a timeline when you register.
Select the online or live event and look for the Eventrbite button to view offer.

Africa Caribbean traced his family history back 200 years | BBC News
BBC news item featuring Paul Crooks speaking about sources he used to unlock the potential for tracing African Caribbean roots.

Who Do You Think You are? with Adrian Chiles and Paul Crooks
In this British genealogy documentary series aired on the BBC in 2004, celebrity Moira Stuart traces her family tree.

What Folks are saying about Ancestry Talks
Ancestry talks with Paul Crooks are about inspiring people to satisfy a deep human need to understand how we fit into the broader world around us.
"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots"
Ready to find your roots
There' a comprehensive guide to tracing African, British & Asian Caribbean roots waiting for you ...

Paul Crooks
Specialist in African Caribbean Genealogy
Paul's Ancestry talks and publications are changing the discourse on Black ancestry and history.
Paul Crooks Msc
Paul Crooks pioneered research into African Caribbean genealogy during the 1990s. He traced his family history from London, back 6 generations, to ancestors captured of the West African coast and enslaved on a sugar plantation in Jamaica.
Paul gained national recognition for his work when his acclaimed historical novel Ancestors (based on the true story of the author's African ancestors) was published in 2002. He appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? (Moira Stuart) as the expert in African Caribbean genealogy. His second book A Tree Without Roots is the seminal guide to tracing African, British and Asian Caribbean ancestry.
Paul is credited with inspiring an upsurge in interest in Black and British ancestry. He is also recognised for having spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy.
Family History Surgeries with Paul Crooks

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry
One-to-One Appointments with an Expert
A limited number of 30 to 60-minute slots available Wednesdays, 13th, 20th, and 27th July 2022 between
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm British Summer Time (BST)
1:30 pm - 4pm Eastern Time (ET)
Sign-up for announcements of upcoming events Ancestry Talks with Paul Crooks events
Empowering Black History By Exploring Black Ancestry
Like most things in life, if you want to know how to succeed, then it's always a good idea to talk to someone who's been where you want to go.
Where did Your family surname come from?
Paul's helping people find clues to the origins of their family names within the Caribbean
You're having problems tracing Ancestors online?
Paul's downloadable video tutorials will help you overcome problems searching online
You want to know where to begin and how to start?
Live and online events to inspire, inform and encourage family storytellers to build the narrative.
"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots"

Ready to find your roots
There' a comprehensive guide to tracing African, British & Asian Caribbean roots waiting for you ...
Paul Crooks' Black Resistance & Abolition Timelines

True stories. Incredible Black history
Stunning interactive Black history timelines blending Black & British history and your ancestry together over time.
There's no better way to learn, engage and remember more information.

Timelines when you attend ancestry talks
Timelines complement Ancestry Talks with Paul Crooks events. Get a timeline when you register.
Select the online or live event and look for the Eventrbite button to view offer.