About Paul Crooks
Pioneer of African Caribbean Ancestry Research
Paul Crooks is the trailblazer who first used public records to trace African Caribbean ancestry as far back as the 18th century. At a time when it was widely believed to be impossible, Paul broke new ground—opening doors for thousands of others to explore their own roots.
His pioneering work began in the 1990s, years before digitised records or DNA testing became mainstream. Driven by a deep desire to uncover the truth about his family’s past, Paul spent countless hours in the British National Archives, deciphering records that others overlooked. What started as a personal quest evolved into a blueprint that now helps people of African descent connect with their ancestors and reclaim a history too often hidden or denied.
A New Narrative for Black History
Paul’s work is about more than tracing family trees. It’s about changing the narrative.
He empowers people to see Black history not just as a record of oppression, but as a legacy of resilience, creativity, and achievement. His talks and writings expose how history was hidden and erased—and how reclaiming it can strengthen identity, boost confidence, and build intergenerational pride.
Paul believes Black ancestry is not just personal history—it’s a tool for personal growth and social transformation.
Thought Leader, Author, Educator
Paul is the author of several books including A Tree Without Roots and Ancestors, and the upcoming The George Cross. His events—delivered across the UK and internationally—have inspired thousands to begin or deepen their own ancestral journeys. He has been featured by the BBC, The Guardian, ITV, and numerous educational and heritage organisations.
As a speaker, Paul is known for his powerful storytelling, clarity of insight, and ability to connect historical research with modern-day empowerment.
A Mission Rooted in Legacy
Today, Paul continues to lead the way in making African Caribbean and African American genealogy accessible and meaningful. His mission is clear: to help people use the power of history to define their future.
About Paul Crooks
Pioneer of African Caribbean Ancestry Research
Paul Crooks is the trailblazer who first used public records to trace African Caribbean ancestry as far back as the 18th century. At a time when it was widely believed to be impossible, Paul broke new ground—opening doors for thousands of others to explore their own roots.
His pioneering work began in the 1990s, years before digitised records or DNA testing became mainstream. Driven by a deep desire to uncover the truth about his family’s past, Paul spent countless hours in the British National Archives, deciphering records that others overlooked.
What started as a personal quest evolved into a blueprint that now helps people of African descent connect with their ancestors and reclaim a history too often hidden or denied.
A New Narrative for Black History
Paul’s work is about more than tracing family trees. It’s about changing the narrative.
He empowers people to see Black history not just as a record of oppression, but as a legacy of resilience, creativity, and achievement. His talks and writings expose how history was hidden and erased—and how reclaiming it can strengthen identity and build intergenerational pride.
Thought Leader, Author, Educator
Paul is the author of several books including A Tree Without Roots, Ancestors, and the upcoming The George Cross. His events—delivered across the UK and internationally—have inspired thousands. He has been featured by the BBC, The Guardian, ITV, and more.
As a speaker, Paul is known for his powerful storytelling, clarity of insight, and ability to connect history with empowerment.
A Mission Rooted in Legacy
Today, Paul leads the way in making African Caribbean and African American genealogy meaningful and accessible. His mission: to help people use the power of history to define their future.