The US Black Heritage Project
In 2018, genetic genealogist Emma MacBeath observed a concerning trend while assisting Black clients in their search for birth parents: a significant lack of public reference trees that made her work with European families efficient and straightforward.
Rather than accept this disparity, she delved into its origins, uncovering how slavery and poor record-keeping had established systemic barriers to Black family history. Her ambitious response was to create a database of Black American reference trees to help families reclaim their lineages.
This initiative evolved into the US Black Heritage Project on WikiTree, a volunteer-driven effort that has documented over 625,000 family members, including an estimated 250,000 enslaved ancestors—approximately one-third of whom have been reconnected to their families. We spoke with MacBeath and Denise Jarrett, Co-Project Leader of the US Black Heritage Project, to learn about what’s next.
What’s the core mission of the US Black Heritage Project?
Jarrett: This project is dedicated to documenting African American family histories; we aim to become the largest African American database worldwide, starting in the United States. Our goal is to ensure that when individuals search for their family, they can find not only their relatives but also learn about their connections and histories.
How do you support people in capturing and preserving their histories?
Jarrett: We engage with genealogy societies and other groups, providing reviews of WikiTree and guidance on researching African American genealogy, which can be more challenging.
We also host member Q&A sessions on WikiTree twice a month. Members can join these Zoom calls to ask questions about navigating WikiTree, as it can be particularly challenging for older adults. We guide them through the process step by step, showing them how to add information and where to conduct research.
How does WikiTree differ from sites like Ancestry?
Jarrett: First and foremost, it’s 100% free. Unlike Ancestry and Family Search, which maintain actual census records, WikiTree does not. However, users can link to those records in WikiTree profiles.
One of our primary goals is to ensure the accuracy of information. Therefore, users cannot simply create profiles and fabricate details; they must provide proof of the data they enter.
What’s your greatest challenge?
MacBeath: Surprisingly, our biggest challenge isn’t a lack of records. Instead, it’s the shortage of volunteers to process the documents we have. We currently have about 125 members in our project, with additional WikiTreers assisting when possible. More help would enable us to achieve our goals much more quickly.
What brings you the most joy in this work?
MacBeath: My greatest joy comes from saying the names of enslaved ancestors, many of whom have not had their names spoken for generations. While we cannot change their past, we can reconnect them with their families and descendants today.
Is there a story that brought everything full circle?
Jarrett: A dear college friend of mine is currently battling breast cancer, and I’m compiling her family heritage for her. I’ve been documenting it in WikiTree so that future generations can access it. Her granddaughter is just one year old, so in a few years, she will have this valuable information.
Learn More
- The US Black Heritage Project offers a variety of instructional videos to explain WikiTree and its functionalities.
- The Project publishes a quarterly newsletter with updates and information; find it here.
- A Monthly Calendar of events and activities is available here.
- To learn more about participating, Join WikiTree (free), attend bi-monthly member Q&A sessions, or volunteer to help process historical documents. More information can be found by watching this video.
- Viewing Histories: All research is freely and publicly available at WikiTree.com, with no login required.
Staff Photos: The US Black Heritage Project
NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her work has been published in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and others. Learn more at nabeelawashington.com.
In 2018, genetic genealogist Emma MacBeath observed a concerning trend while assisting Black clients in their search for birth parents: a significant lack of public reference trees that made her work with European families efficient and straightforward.
Rather than accept this disparity, she delved into its origins, uncovering how slavery and poor record-keeping had established systemic barriers to Black family history. Her ambitious response was to create a database of Black American reference trees to help families reclaim their lineages.
This initiative evolved into the US Black Heritage Project on WikiTree, a volunteer-driven effort that has documented over 625,000 family members, including an estimated 250,000 enslaved ancestors—approximately one-third of whom have been reconnected to their families. We spoke with MacBeath and Denise Jarrett, Co-Project Leader of the US Black Heritage Project, to learn about what’s next.
What’s the core mission of the US Black Heritage Project?
Jarrett: This project is dedicated to documenting African American family histories; we aim to become the largest African American database worldwide, starting in the United States. Our goal is to ensure that when individuals search for their family, they can find not only their relatives but also learn about their connections and histories.
How do you support people in capturing and preserving their histories?
Jarrett: We engage with genealogy societies and other groups, providing reviews of WikiTree and guidance on researching African American genealogy, which can be more challenging.
We also host member Q&A sessions on WikiTree twice a month. Members can join these Zoom calls to ask questions about navigating WikiTree, as it can be particularly challenging for older adults. We guide them through the process step by step, showing them how to add information and where to conduct research.
How does WikiTree differ from sites like Ancestry?
Jarrett: First and foremost, it’s 100% free. Unlike Ancestry and Family Search, which maintain actual census records, WikiTree does not. However, users can link to those records in WikiTree profiles.
One of our primary goals is to ensure the accuracy of information. Therefore, users cannot simply create profiles and fabricate details; they must provide proof of the data they enter.
What’s your greatest challenge?
MacBeath: Surprisingly, our biggest challenge isn’t a lack of records. Instead, it’s the shortage of volunteers to process the documents we have. We currently have about 125 members in our project, with additional WikiTreers assisting when possible. More help would enable us to achieve our goals much more quickly.
What brings you the most joy in this work?
MacBeath: My greatest joy comes from saying the names of enslaved ancestors, many of whom have not had their names spoken for generations. While we cannot change their past, we can reconnect them with their families and descendants today.
Is there a story that brought everything full circle?
Jarrett: A dear college friend of mine is currently battling breast cancer, and I’m compiling her family heritage for her. I’ve been documenting it in WikiTree so that future generations can access it. Her granddaughter is just one year old, so in a few years, she will have this valuable information.
Learn More
- The US Black Heritage Project offers a variety of instructional videos to explain WikiTree and its functionalities.
- The Project publishes a quarterly newsletter with updates and information; find it here.
- A Monthly Calendar of events and activities is available here.
- To learn more about participating, Join WikiTree (free), attend bi-monthly member Q&A sessions, or volunteer to help process historical documents. More information can be found by watching this video.
- Viewing Histories: All research is freely and publicly available at WikiTree.com, with no login required.
Staff Photos: The US Black Heritage Project
NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her work has been published in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and others. Learn more at nabeelawashington.com.
