To help bring thousands of records to light...
It began on Juneteenth (June 19) 2015 with the help of more than twenty-five thousand volunteers. As a result of the tireless effort of thousands of people, the names of more than 1.8 million black men, women, and children are now searchable online. Giving millions access to archives of their ancestors so that they can trace their family trees and connect with their heritage.
It was a life-enhancing journey to be part of such an important effort and alongside my production partner, Matt Ball (yea, I do quite a few projects with him) a true gift to film some pretty amazing people. Wisdom and learning I will live forward and share as far as I can. Thank you all for your trust.
The Freedmen’s Bureau Project was created as a set of partnerships between FamilySearch International and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), and the California African American Museum.
Also, much gratitude to the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for awarding us a Silver Anvil in 2018. We feel privileged to be selected.
With Warmth and Gratitude,
Richard
LINKS
Family Search Historical Records
Afrigeneas: African Ancestored Genealogy
Cyndi’s List Of African American Websites
The Library of Congress: Slave Narratives
Freedmen and Southern Society Project
INTERVIEWS
Gladys Knight – “Empress of Soul”, singer, sonwriter, actress, businesswoman, and author
Cecil Murray – University Southern California, Dornsife School of Religion
Paul Cobb – Publisher, The Post News Group
Kimberly Freeman – Board of Directors, California African American Museum
Judy Matthews – National Congress of Black Women, Inc.
John Huffman – Creator, Huffman.co
Jannah Scott – Former Deputy Director, White House, Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships, US Department of Homeland Security
Helen Easterling Williams Ed.D – Pepperdine University, Dean and Professor of Education, Graduate School of Education and Psychology
George Davis – Executive Director, California African American Museum. Los Angeles
Ambassador Diane E. Watson Ph.D – Retired Member of Congress
Alex Boyé – Singer and Actor