Join Paul Crooks for a talk that explores African Caribbean ancestry within its 19th-century historical context, drawing on decades of research into Black and British history.

This session examines how and why records relating to African Caribbean lives were created during the mid-to-late 1800s, and what they can realistically reveal about ancestry, identity, and lived experience. Rather than presenting a technical guide, the talk focuses on helping audiences understand the historical conditions, limitations, and interpretive challenges that shape African Caribbean family history.

Through contextual discussion and illustrative research examples, attendees gain insight into the types of sources that exist, how they reflect wider social and political forces, and why careful historical reading is essential when approaching ancestry from this period. The emphasis is on perspective, context, and evidential boundaries rather than procedural instruction.

This talk is suitable for individuals and organisations seeking a deeper understanding of African Caribbean ancestry, Black British history, and the historical foundations that continue to influence identity and belonging today.

This talk can be customised to align with specific requirements or objectives.