Black History & Ancestry Events

Upcoming ONLINE events

Upcoming LIVE events

Black History & Ancestry Events

Upcoming ONLINE events

Upcoming LIVE events

Black Genealogy Talks and Workshops

Black Genealogy Talks and Workshops

Black History Month Event 26

Black & British Ancestry – Who Do You Think You Are?

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Black British Ancestry | Who Do You Think You Are? 

In this masterclass, Paul delivers a revealing talk on his journey tracing his roots. Paul also discusses how he used his research to reconstruct the historical narrative of Black people enslaved in ex-British colonies in the Caribbean and North America.

You’ll gain an insight into 

  • how you can discover who you are and where you’re from
  • how Paul’s ancestors enslaved in the Caribbean were a collective part of an unstoppable force for change on a grand scale.
Black History Month Event 2

Black Ancestry for Beginners: The Guide to Tracing Your Roots

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Black Ancestry for Beginners: The Guide to Tracing Your Roots

A Black history and ancestry masterclass providing case study guidance on tracing Black family history back to Africa.

Through the lens of his pioneering research into Black ancestry Paul will

  • share advice on tracing African Caribbean ancestry
  • demonstrate how you can trace forebears using public records 
  • highlight potential pitfalls that may get in the way of your search and how to overcome them

 

 

Black History Month Event 27

Beyond Windrush: Tracing Your Ancestry with the Passenger Lists

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Black History | How to Trace Your Windrush Roots Using Passenger Lists 

Black History Speaker masterclass revealing the secrets of tracing African Caribbean Ancestry.

Through the lens of his pioneering research into Black ancestry, Paul will discuss how

  • he used passenger lists records to search for his family tree and back story
  • the passenger list complements other sources of ancestry information.
  • you can use the Windrush Generation Passenger Lists to explore your African and Caribbean history, fill a gap in your family tree and bring your family’s Windrush backstory to life.
Black History Month Event 26

Black & British Ancestry – Who Do You Think You Are?

Find out more


Black British Ancestry | Who Do You Think You Are? 

In this masterclass, Paul delivers a revealing talk on his journey tracing his roots. Paul also discusses how he used his research to reconstruct the historical narrative of Black people enslaved in ex-British colonies in the Caribbean and North America.

You’ll gain an insight into 

  • how you can discover who you are and where you’re from
  • how Paul’s ancestors enslaved in the Caribbean were a collective part of an unstoppable force for change on a grand scale.
Black History Month Event 2

Black Ancestry for Beginners: The Guide to Tracing Your Roots

Find out more

 

Black Ancestry for Beginners: The Guide to Tracing Your Roots

A Black history and ancestry masterclass providing case study guidance on tracing Black family history back to Africa.

Through the lens of his pioneering research into Black ancestry Paul will

  • share advice on tracing African Caribbean ancestry
  • demonstrate how you can trace forebears using public records 
  • highlight potential pitfalls that may get in the way of your search and how to overcome them

 

 

Black History Month Event 27

Beyond Windrush: Tracing Your Ancestry with the Passenger Lists

Find out more

Black History | How to Trace Your Windrush Roots Using Passenger Lists 

Black History Speaker masterclass revealing the secrets of tracing African Caribbean Ancestry.

Through the lens of his pioneering research into Black ancestry, Paul will discuss how

  • he used passenger lists records to search for his family tree and back story
  • the passenger list complements other sources of ancestry information.
  • you can use the Windrush Generation Passenger Lists to explore your African and Caribbean history, fill a gap in your family tree and bring your family’s Windrush backstory to life.
Black Genealogy 1830 logo

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to 1880

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Black History | Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to 1880 

Black History Month speaker Paul Crooks blends Black History and Ancestry to inspire people to bring their backstories to life. 

Through the lens of his pioneering research into Black ancestry, Paul will use his journey as a case study to reveal 

  • how he traced his family’s Black history back to the 1880s 
  • discuss records specific to Black research, as well as other materials of more general interest 
  • share his process and step by step approach to uncovering forebears’ records 
  • explain challenges that you may encounter and how to overcome them
Black Genealogy 1860 logo

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to1860s

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Black History | Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to 1860  [PC1] 

Black History Speaker Paul Crooks provides this event inspiring Black British and North American people to bring 1860s backstories to life. Paul will provide guidance on how to search and trace your history further back - to ancestors who lived during 1860s. He will 

  • deliver insights into how he overcame major barriers to tracing his great-grandfather. 
  • cover records specific to Black ancestry. 
  • discuss other materials of more general interest to people embarking on journeys to find their roots.
Black Genealogy 1880 logo

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to Early 1800s

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Black History | Tracing Black Ancestry Back to the Early 1800s

A Black History Speaker Paul Crooks masterclass providing guidance on tracing African Caribbean forebears back to the early 1800s. Paul will provide further guidance on how to search and trace your history further back, to enslaved ancestors. He will 

  • deliver insights into how he overcame major barriers to tracing his ancestors who lived prior to abolition of the British system of slavery
  • cover records specific to Black ancestry. 
  • discuss other materials of more general interest to people embarking on journeys to find their roots.
Black Genealogy 1830 logo

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to 1880

Find out more

 

Black History | Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to 1880 

Black History Month speaker Paul Crooks blends Black History and Ancestry to inspire people to bring their backstories to life. 

Through the lens of his pioneering research into Black ancestry, Paul will use his journey as a case study to reveal 

  • how he traced his family’s Black history back to the 1880s 
  • discuss records specific to Black research, as well as other materials of more general interest 
  • share his process and step by step approach to uncovering forebears’ records 
  • explain challenges that you may encounter and how to overcome them
Black Genealogy 1860 logo

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to 1860s

Find out more

 

 

Black History | Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to 1860  [PC1] 

Black History Speaker Paul Crooks provides this event inspiring Black British and North American people to bring 1860s backstories to life. Paul will provide guidance on how to search and trace your history further back - to ancestors who lived during 1860s. He will 

  • deliver insights into how he overcame major barriers to tracing his great-grandfather. 
  • cover records specific to Black ancestry. 
  • discuss other materials of more general interest to people embarking on journeys to find their roots.
Black Genealogy 1880 logo

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to Early 1800

Find out more

Black History | Tracing Black Ancestry Back to the Early 1800s

A Black History Speaker Paul Crooks masterclass providing guidance on tracing African Caribbean forebears back to the early 1800s. Paul will provide further guidance on how to search and trace your history further back, to enslaved ancestors. He will 

  • deliver insights into how he overcame major barriers to tracing his ancestors who lived prior to abolition of the British system of slavery
  • cover records specific to Black ancestry. 
  • discuss other materials of more general interest to people embarking on journeys to find their roots.
Black History Month Event 7

Tracing African Caribbean Roots: Secrets of 1817 Slave Registers Uncovered

Find out more

 

Tracing African Caribbean Roots: Secrets of 1817 Slave Registers Uncovered 

Blending African diaspora History and ancestry. Paul Crooks reveals how he used slavery registers to bring his back story to life. Paul will:

  • discuss how the slave registers can support the exploration of Black Ancestry, Black history and self-identity
  • reveal what the registers reveal about the roots of British racism 
  • the origins of the slave registers and how and how he discovered them
  • talk about his journey and how he traced his roots
  • create space for questions and answers
Black History Month Event 8

Tracing Ancestors using Slave Compensation Records

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Black History | Tracing Ancestors using Slave Compensation Records

Online event blending Black History with Black ancestry. Paul Crooks reveals how he used the 1834 Slave Compensation Records to trace his ancestors and bring his back story to life. In this Black history masterclass, Speaker Paul Crooks 

  • will discuss his personal journey to:
  • trace his Ancestors enslaved in Jamaica
  • find evidence of compensation linked to the enslavement of his ancestors on the Cousins Cove Sugar Plantation, Jamaica
  • encourage, motivate and inspire others to explore their ancestry and bring back stories to life.
Black History Month Event 28

Black History & Ancestry: Understanding DNA Testing Made Simple

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Black Ancestry | Black History I DNA Testing | Where am I from?

An insightful Black Ancestry masterclass exploring the question Black people often ask - “Where am I from?”

 

Black British and North American people contribute much to the success of a DNA testing industry in the hope that tests can tell them where their roots are. The industry is estimated to be worth £7.7bn. 12 million people from all over the world have taken a home DNA-test. But what does DNA testing really reveal about Black people living in Britain and North America and their roots? Paul Crooks discusses

  • his research into his own African Caribbean ancestry and what it reveals about the origins of Black Caribbean and North Americans
  • the extent to which DNA testing helps in determine roots, race or ethnicity
Black History Month Event 7

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to Early 1800

Tracing African Caribbean Roots: Secrets of 1817 Slave Registers Uncovered

Find out more

 

Tracing African Caribbean Roots: Secrets of 1817 Slave Registers Uncovered 

Blending African diaspora History and ancestry. Paul Crooks reveals how he used slavery registers to bring his back story to life. Paul will:

  • discuss how the slave registers can support the exploration of Black Ancestry, Black history and self-identity
  • reveal what the registers reveal about the roots of British racism 
  • the origins of the slave registers and how and how he discovered them
  • talk about his journey and how he traced his roots
  • create space for questions and answers
Black History Month Event 8

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to Early 1800

Black History | Tracing Ancestors using Slave Compensation Records

Find out more

 

Black History | Tracing Ancestors using Slave Compensation Records

Online event blending Black History with Black ancestry. Paul Crooks reveals how he used the 1834 Slave Compensation Records to trace his ancestors and bring his back story to life. In this Black history masterclass, Speaker Paul Crooks 

  • will discuss his personal journey to:
  • trace his Ancestors enslaved in Jamaica
  • find evidence of compensation linked to the enslavement of his ancestors on the Cousins Cove Sugar Plantation, Jamaica
  • encourage, motivate and inspire others to explore their ancestry and bring back stories to life.
Black History Month Event 28

Tracing African Caribbean Ancestry Back to Early 1800

Black History & Ancestry: Understanding DNA Testing Made Simple

Find out more

Black Ancestry | Black History I DNA Testing | Where am I from?

An insightful Black Ancestry masterclass exploring the question Black people often ask - “Where am I from?”

 

Black British and North American people contribute much to the success of a DNA testing industry in the hope that tests can tell them where their roots are. The industry is estimated to be worth £7.7bn. 12 million people from all over the world have taken a home DNA-test. But what does DNA testing really reveal about Black people living in Britain and North America and their roots? Paul Crooks discusses

  • his research into his own African Caribbean ancestry and what it reveals about the origins of Black Caribbean and North Americans
  • the extent to which DNA testing helps in determine roots, race or ethnicity

Empowering Black History Talks and Workshops

Empowering Black History Talks and Workshops

Black History Month Event 25

Black History of Resistance: Jamaica's Spanish Maroons

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Black History of Resistance: Jamaica's Spanish Maroons

Online Black history masterclass reminding how the past informs the present; i.e. the genesis of the continuing struggle for racial equality.

In this masterclass, Paul spotlights Maroon activities as being the genesis of anti-racism and racial equality. Paul discusses why Jamaica’s Maroons wars can be seen as a prelude to modern day discourse on racial justice /anti-racism and inclusion.

Paul will encourage you to draw your own conclusion on a particularly turbulent time in the history of the British colonies in the Caribbean; and how the past informs the present

Black History Month Event 11

Black History | Jamaica's First Maroon War

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Black History | Jamaica's First Maroon War 

Blending Black History with genealogy, Paul Crooks speaks to an empowering history of African Caribbean resistance to the system of slavery. 

In this Black history masterclass, speaker Paul Crooks reminds us of the part played by Jamaica’s Akan Maroon in bringing slavery in British colonies to its knees. The war marked the genesis of Black resistance to enslavement and present-day discourse on racial injustice and equality.

Paul will discuss 

  • the Akan Maroons of Jamaica who set the scene for liberation struggles to come 
  • resistance to the system of enslavement in the Caribbean and North America, as an epic military struggle
  • how the Maroon war set in motion the decline of European transatlantic enslavement
  • you’ll draw your own conclusion on a particularly turbulent time in the British Colonies in the Caribbean.
Black History Month Event 10

Black History | The Slaves Who Battled Britain

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Black History | The Slaves that Battled Britain

In this Black history masterclass, Speaker Paul Crooks discusses Blacks in bondage attempted to overturn Britain’s system of slavery.

Paul will 

  • provide discuss the attempt to overturn Britain’s system of slavery in Jamaica
  • reveal the protagonists and their origins
  • speak to the cause of the British Government’s alarm at events in Jamaica
  • create space for questions and answers
Black History Month Event 25

Black History of Resistance: Jamaica's Spanish Maroons

Find out more

Black History of Resistance: Jamaica's Spanish Maroons

Online Black history masterclass reminding how the past informs the present; i.e. the genesis of the continuing struggle for racial equality.

In this masterclass, Paul spotlights Maroon activities as being the genesis of anti-racism and racial equality. Paul discusses why Jamaica’s Maroons wars can be seen as a prelude to modern day discourse on racial justice /anti-racism and inclusion.

Paul will encourage you to draw your own conclusion on a particularly turbulent time in the history of the British colonies in the Caribbean; and how the past informs the present

Black History Month Event 11

Black History | Jamaica's First Maroon War

Find out more

Black History | Jamaica's First Maroon War 

Blending Black History with genealogy, Paul Crooks speaks to an empowering history of African Caribbean resistance to the system of slavery. 

In this Black history masterclass, speaker Paul Crooks reminds us of the part played by Jamaica’s Akan Maroon in bringing slavery in British colonies to its knees. The war marked the genesis of Black resistance to enslavement and present-day discourse on racial injustice and equality.

Paul will discuss 

  • the Akan Maroons of Jamaica who set the scene for liberation struggles to come 
  • resistance to the system of enslavement in the Caribbean and North America, as an epic military struggle
  • how the Maroon war set in motion the decline of European transatlantic enslavement
  • you’ll draw your own conclusion on a particularly turbulent time in the British Colonies in the Caribbean.
Black History Month Event 10

Black History | The Slaves Who Battled Britain

Find out more

Black History | The Slaves that Battled Britain

In this Black history masterclass, Speaker Paul Crooks discusses Blacks in bondage attempted to overturn Britain’s system of slavery.

Paul will 

  • provide discuss the attempt to overturn Britain’s system of slavery in Jamaica
  • reveal the protagonists and their origins
  • speak to the cause of the British Government’s alarm at events in Jamaica
  • create space for questions and answers
Black History Month Event 13

Black History Leaders in the Modern Era: The Black Jacobin

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Black History Leaders in the Modern Era: The Black Jacobin 

In this Black history masterclass, Paul Crooks focuses on the fabled leadership of Toussaint L ’Overture, a great military commander of the modern era.  In this Black history masterclass, Paul Crooks focuses on the revolution’s

  • leadership capabilities
  • strategic decision-making capabilities when confronted with tantalising situations
  • brinkmanship
Black History Month Event 24

Black History | Forgotten: Jamaica’s Second Maroon War

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Black History | Jamaica’s Second Maroon War

 

The forgotten Black History of Jamaican Maroons in conflict with British colonisers during the period of enslavement.

Paul critically discusses key historical figures in this Black and British history, challenging audiences to draw their own conclusion on a particularly turbulent time in the history of resistance to enslavement within the Caribbean. 

Black History Month Event 29

Black History | The Perfect Storm that Ended Slavery

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Black History’s Perfect Storm that Ended Slavery

A masterclass on the rise and fall of enslavement in the British Colonies in the Caribbean and North America. In this talk, Paul will explain 

  • how the decision to offer liberty to people enslaved in the Caribbean and North America began when military struggles between Africans in the Caribbean and colonisers; and 
  • how this unleashed forces that set in motion the demise of slavery in the Caribbean and North America. 
  • Recognising every age rewrites history, particularly black history, Paul will place into historical perspective the factors that contributed to end of the transatlantic slavery. Paul challenges established perspectives on how the abolition was achieved; ideas created in the consciousness of many, by Great Britain are responsible for the creation and guidance of informed opinion. 
Black History Month Event 13

Black History Leaders in the Modern Era: The Black Jacobin

Find out more

Black History Leaders in the Modern Era: The Black Jacobin 

In this Black history masterclass, Paul Crooks focuses on the fabled leadership of Toussaint L ’Overture, a great military commander of the modern era.  In this Black history masterclass, Paul Crooks focuses on the revolution’s

  • leadership capabilities
  • strategic decision-making capabilities when confronted with tantalising situations
  • brinkmanship
Black History Month Event 24

Black History | Forgotten: Jamaica’s Second Maroon War

Find out more

Black History | Jamaica’s Second Maroon War

 

The forgotten Black History of Jamaican Maroons in conflict with British colonisers during the period of enslavement.

Paul critically discusses key historical figures in this Black and British history, challenging audiences to draw their own conclusion on a particularly turbulent time in the history of resistance to enslavement within the Caribbean. 

Black History Month Event 29

Empowering Black History: The Perfect Storm that Ended Slavery

Find out more

Black History’s Perfect Storm that Ended Slavery

A masterclass on the rise and fall of enslavement in the British Colonies in the Caribbean and North America. In this talk, Paul will explain 

  • how the decision to offer liberty to people enslaved in the Caribbean and North America began when military struggles between Africans in the Caribbean and colonisers; and 
  • how this unleashed forces that set in motion the demise of slavery in the Caribbean and North America. 
  • Recognising every age rewrites history, particularly black history, Paul will place into historical perspective the factors that contributed to end of the transatlantic slavery. Paul challenges established perspectives on how the abolition was achieved; ideas created in the consciousness of many, by Great Britain are responsible for the creation and guidance of informed opinion. 
Black History Month Event 17

Black History | Jamaican Slaves Who Abolished Slavery

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Black History’s Jamaican Slaves Who Abolished Slavery

Paul will implicate his ancestors in Jamaica’s Baptist War - which ultimately brought the British system of slavery to its knees. Paul will reveal what he researched about the forgotten history of 'The Jamaican slaves who abolished slavery’. Join us for this evening seminar/talk.

This talk is designed to 

  • improve the self-respect of black people young and old and give them a brighter, more optimistic outlook 
  • help other people view Black people with more appreciative eyes
  • complements another of Paul’s events Sam Sharpe and the Baptist War.
Black History Sam Sharpe

Black History | The Last Stand of The Slaves who Ended Slavery

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Black History | Last Stand - The Slaves who Ended Slavery

Black History drawing accounts of witnesses to events in Jamaica that reset The British Government timetable for the abolition of slavery.

The atmosphere in Jamaica was electric when the legalised form of the slave trade was abolished.  The enslaved people of the Caribbean thought this meant the end of the system of slavery – but it didn’t; far from it. So exactly how did the system of slavery reach its eventual demise?  Were enslaved people passive recipients of their emancipation, or did they play a role in dismantling the system?

Paul Crooks is changing the discourse on ancestors enslaved in the Caribbean and North America and exploring black ancestry. Paul will demonstrate

  • how Sam Sharpe’s Baptist war brought the system of enslavement to its knees in Jamaica;  and
  • the impact the Baptist War had on the British government procrastinating on passing legislation to end enslavement in the colonies in the Caribbean
  • shed light on an aspect of Black History that is largely ignored.
Black History Month Event 30

Colorism Origins: Secrets of the 1817 Slave Registers

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Colorism Origins: Secrets of the 1817 Slave Registers

A Black history masterclass on what the 1817 Slave registers reveal about the origins of colorism. 

Ancestry Talks' Paul Crooks will provide insight into the roots of colorism, stemming from his research into his family history, going back over 200 years. 

Paul will discuss why many Black British and North American people view race through the lens of a colour hierarchy prescribed during transatlantic enslavement. Discussion includes

  • what the 1817 Slave Registers reveal about the roots of colorism 
  • how Black British and North American ancestors were taught to embrace colorism 
  • why colorism never disintegrated after transatlantic slavery ended
  • the extent to which understanding of the history of the modern era can: a) be used as a tool for empowerment; b) recalibrate the discourse on race, colour & identity; and c) enable people to reflect on attitudes and behaviour in relation to colorism.
Black History Month Event 17

Black History’s Jamaican Slaves Who Abolished Slavery

Find out more

Black History’s Jamaican Slaves Who Abolished Slavery

Paul will implicate his ancestors in Jamaica’s Baptist War - which ultimately brought the British system of slavery to its knees. Paul will reveal what he researched about the forgotten history of 'The Jamaican slaves who abolished slavery’. Join us for this evening seminar/talk.

This talk is designed to 

  • improve the self-respect of black people young and old and give them a brighter, more optimistic outlook 
  • help other people view Black people with more appreciative eyes
  • complements another of Paul’s events Sam Sharpe and the Baptist War.
Black History Sam Sharpe

Black History: The Last Stand of The Slaves who Ended Slavery

Find out more

Black History | Last Stand - The Slaves who Ended Slavery

Black History drawing accounts of witnesses to events in Jamaica that reset The British Government timetable for the abolition of slavery.

The atmosphere in Jamaica was electric when the legalised form of the slave trade was abolished.  The enslaved people of the Caribbean thought this meant the end of the system of slavery – but it didn’t; far from it. So exactly how did the system of slavery reach its eventual demise?  Were enslaved people passive recipients of their emancipation, or did they play a role in dismantling the system?

Paul Crooks is changing the discourse on ancestors enslaved in the Caribbean and North America and exploring black ancestry. Paul will demonstrate

  • how Sam Sharpe’s Baptist war brought the system of enslavement to its knees in Jamaica;  and
  • the impact the Baptist War had on the British government procrastinating on passing legislation to end enslavement in the colonies in the Caribbean
  • shed light on an aspect of Black History that is largely ignored.
Black History Month Event 30

Colorism Origins: Secrets of the 1817 Slave Registers

Find out more

Colorism Origins: Secrets of the 1817 Slave Registers

A Black history masterclass on what the 1817 Slave registers reveal about the origins of colorism. 

Ancestry Talks' Paul Crooks will provide insight into the roots of colorism, stemming from his research into his family history, going back over 200 years. 

Paul will discuss why many Black British and North American people view race through the lens of a colour hierarchy prescribed during transatlantic enslavement. Discussion includes

  • what the 1817 Slave Registers reveal about the roots of colorism 
  • how Black British and North American ancestors were taught to embrace colorism 
  • why colorism never disintegrated after transatlantic slavery ended
  • the extent to which understanding of the history of the modern era can: a) be used as a tool for empowerment; b) recalibrate the discourse on race, colour & identity; and c) enable people to reflect on attitudes and behaviour in relation to colorism.
Black History Month Event 19

Black History | Economic Reasons For Ending Slavery

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Black History | Economic Reasons that ended Slavery

Join Paul Crooks for a masterclass on why the abolition of slavery more than the result of a rising standard of political ethics in Britain.   

Paul will outline how the everyday activities of Africans enslaved in the Caribbean 

  • weakened the British Colonies in the Caribbean economically; and
  • led to Britain champion the end of transatlantic enslavement in the Americas.
Black History Month Event 1

Black History for Beginners: From the Ancients to the Present

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Black History for Beginners: From the Ancients to the Present 

Online event journeying through the most enlightening periods of Black history from the ancient to the modern era.

Paul Crooks is unique among Black History Month speakers discussing engaging topics relating to the experience of Black British & North American people. 

In this talk, Paul will take you on a journey through the most enlightening periods Black history from to the modern era. He will

  • highlight key topics and events along the epic Black History timeline
  • emphasise events where people from the Motherland, North America and from Britain have taken action – on a grand scale – to shape their future and the future of others.
Black History Whats in Name

Black Ancestry | The Truth About What's in a Name?

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Black Ancestry | The Truth About What’s in a Name?

 

Unveiling new, pioneering, and empowering research that throws new light on naming practices in North America. British and North American descendants of ancestors once enslaved, often assume their surnames are a legacy of slave ownership. Some Black and mixed-Black descendants reject their ‘slave name’. For others, the ‘slave name’ may be their only link to a history that has been intentionally erased. 

In this masterclass, African Caribbean genealogist Paul Crooks will reveal new insights into names and naming practices within North American enslaved societies. The focus will on Jamaica, as a proxy for what was happening in other parts of North America once colonised by slave owners and administrators, mainly from England, Scotland, and Ireland. 

Paul will draw from historical documents based on his search for his ancestors captured off the Gold Coast and enslaved in Jamaica. Paul will throw light on: 

  • his journey to bring his black family history to life
  • name giving within slave society 
  • the tradition of Caribbean nicknaming
  • evidence of covert resistance by his ancestors and enslaved communities in Jamaica, to the imposition of slave names
  • documents revealing the widespread use of African names prior to emancipation
  • the adoption of surnames following emancipation in British colonies in 1838.
Black History Month Event 19

Black History | Economic Reasons For Ending Slavery

Find out more

Black History | Economic Reasons that ended Slavery

Join Paul Crooks for a masterclass on why the abolition of slavery more than the result of a rising standard of political ethics in Britain.   

Paul will outline how the everyday activities of Africans enslaved in the Caribbean 

  • weakened the British Colonies in the Caribbean economically; and
  • led to Britain champion the end of transatlantic enslavement in the Americas.
Black History Month Event 1

Black History for Beginners: From the Ancients to the Present

Find out more

Black History for Beginners: From the Ancients to the Present 

Online event journeying through the most enlightening periods of Black history from the ancient to the modern era.

Paul Crooks is unique among Black History Month speakers discussing engaging topics relating to the experience of Black British & North American people. 

In this talk, Paul will take you on a journey through the most enlightening periods Black history from to the modern era. He will

  • highlight key topics and events along the epic Black History timeline
  • emphasise events where people from the Motherland, North America and from Britain have taken action – on a grand scale – to shape their future and the future of others.
Black History Whats in Name

Black Ancestry | The Truth About What's in a Name?

Find out more

Black Ancestry | The Truth About What’s in a Name?

 

Unveiling new, pioneering, and empowering research that throws new light on naming practices in North America. British and North American descendants of ancestors once enslaved, often assume their surnames are a legacy of slave ownership. Some Black and mixed-Black descendants reject their ‘slave name’. For others, the ‘slave name’ may be their only link to a history that has been intentionally erased. 

In this masterclass, African Caribbean genealogist Paul Crooks will reveal new insights into names and naming practices within North American enslaved societies. The focus will on Jamaica, as a proxy for what was happening in other parts of North America once colonised by slave owners and administrators, mainly from England, Scotland, and Ireland. 

Paul will draw from historical documents based on his search for his ancestors captured off the Gold Coast and enslaved in Jamaica. Paul will throw light on: 

  • his journey to bring his black family history to life
  • name giving within slave society 
  • the tradition of Caribbean nicknaming
  • evidence of covert resistance by his ancestors and enslaved communities in Jamaica, to the imposition of slave names
  • documents revealing the widespread use of African names prior to emancipation
  • the adoption of surnames following emancipation in British colonies in 1838.
Black History Great men Africa

Black History for Beginners | Legendary Leaders Before the Modern Era - I

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Paul Crooks is unique among Black History speakers discussing engaging topics relating to the history of Black British & North American people. He is first among peers being an individual advocate for an empowering history curriculum that

 

  • helps young people increase their self-esteem
  • helps others to look at black history through a more appreciative lens.

 

Paul will call attention to some Black history greats who won distinction in every part of the world. He will focus on Great Black personalities who overcame difficulty and how.

 

In this talk, Paul will

  • recall great Black men who lived before the emergence of transatlantic enslavement
  • why they deserve our attention
  • how they have shaped our world
  • tell their stories and success and success against great odds
Black History Kings part 2

Black History for Beginners | Legendary Leaders Before the Modern Era - II

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Paul will call attention to some Black history greats who won distinction in every part of the world. He will focus on Great Black personalities who overcame difficulty and how.

 

In this talk, Paul will

  • recall more great Black men who lived before the emergence of transatlantic enslavement
  • why they deserve our attention
  • how they have shaped our world
  • tell their stories and success and success against great odds
Black History Great women

Black History for Beginners | Legendary Leaders Before the Modern Era - III

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In this talk, Paul will call attention to some Black history greats who won distinction in every part of the world. He will focus on Great Black women who overcame difficulty and how.

 

Paul will

  • recall more great Black women  before the emergence of transatlantic enslavement
  • why they deserve our attention
  • how they have shaped our world
  • tell their stories and success and success against great odds
Black History Great men Africa

Black History for Beginners | Legendary Leaders Before the Modern Era - I

Find out more

Paul Crooks is unique among Black History speakers discussing engaging topics relating to the history of Black British & North American people. He is first among peers being an individual advocate for an empowering history curriculum that

 

  • helps young people increase their self-esteem
  • helps others to look at black history through a more appreciative lens.

 

Paul will call attention to some Black history greats who won distinction in every part of the world. He will focus on Great Black personalities who overcame difficulty and how.

 

In this talk, Paul will

  • recall great Black men who lived before the emergence of transatlantic enslavement
  • why they deserve our attention
  • how they have shaped our world
  • tell their stories and success and success against great odds
Black History Kings part 2

Black History for Beginners | Legendary Leaders Before the Modern Era - II

Find out more

Paul will call attention to some Black history greats who won distinction in every part of the world. He will focus on Great Black personalities who overcame difficulty and how.

 

In this talk, Paul will

  • recall more great Black men who lived before the emergence of transatlantic enslavement
  • why they deserve our attention
  • how they have shaped our world
  • tell their stories and success and success against great odds
Black History Great women

Black History for Beginners | Legendary Leaders Before the Modern Era - III

Find out more

In this talk, Paul will call attention to some Black history greats who won distinction in every part of the world. He will focus on Great Black women who overcame difficulty and how.

 

Paul will

  • recall more great Black women  before the emergence of transatlantic enslavement
  • why they deserve our attention
  • how they have shaped our world
  • tell their stories and success and success against great odds
Black History Respectful v2

Black History for Beginners |How Africa was lost from Respectful History

Find out more
onal archive. Paul will draw his unique find and other documents to discuss

 

  • how Black history was lost from respectful commentary
  • what development of a  black history curriculum should look and feel like
Black History Respectful v2

Black History for Beginners |How Africa was lost from Respectful History

Find out more
onal archive. Paul will draw his unique find and other documents to discuss

 

  • how Black history was lost from respectful commentary
  • what development of a  black history curriculum should look and feel like
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