Conversations with Kenyatta

A Conversation with Dr. Jonathan Lande on the Hidden Stories of Black Civil War Soldiers

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:00:00 -0400

For many people, the story of Black Civil War soldiers ends on the battlefield. But what if some of the most revealing stories happened far from combat, in military camps, prison cells, and court-martial records?

In this episode, Kenyatta sits down with historian Dr. Jonathan Lande to discuss his book, Freedom Soldiers. Together, they explore how newly emancipated Black men navigated military service, not simply as soldiers, but as people actively pursuing freedom on their own terms. Jonathan shares how years of archival research uncovered the voices of men whose experiences have long been overlooked, revealing a more complex story of emancipation, military justice, and everyday resistance.

Their conversation examines why Jonathan refers to these men as "enlisted freedom seekers," how court-martial records preserve the words of soldiers who were rarely heard elsewhere in the historical record, and what these stories teach us about family, survival, and the unfinished work of freedom during the Civil War.

This episode is a powerful reminder that history is shaped by more than famous battles and celebrated heroes. It is also found in overlooked records, where ordinary people fought for dignity, protected their families, and defined freedom for themselves.

In this episode:

How Jonathan Lande's path from aspiring attorney to Civil War historian shaped his research
Why films like Glory sparked his early interest in history and how later scholarship challenged those narratives
The meaning behind the term "enlisted freedom seekers" and why language matters when telling Civil War history
How military camps, prisons, and court-martial records reveal a different perspective on Black military service
Why many formerly enslaved soldiers enlisted to protect their families and secure their own freedom instead of pursuing abstract ideals of citizenship
What genealogists and family historians can learn from military court records and compiled service records
The remarkable firsthand testimonies preserved in court-martial records, including stories of resistance, resilience, and survival
The challenges and rewards of uncovering overlooked voices in the archives
Jonathan's advice for writers on finishing a manuscript and building a sustainable writing practice

Featured Book

Freedom Soldiers by Dr. Jonathan Lande

Please visit Jonathan's website at: Jonathanlande.com

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

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A Conversation with Amy Nathan: Exploring the Legacy of Sarah Keys Evans and America's Long Road to Justice

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 19:00:00 -0400

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Long before the Freedom Riders and around the same time as Rosa Parks, Sarah Keys Evans, a young Black Army private, refused to surrender her seat on an interstate bus. Her courage led to a landmark legal victory that helped dismantle segregation in interstate travel, yet her story has remained largely absent from history books.

In this episode, Kenyatta sits down with author Amy Nathan to discuss her book, Riding Into History: The Surprising Story of Sarah Keys Evans and the Fight to Desegregate Bus Travel. Amy shares how she first discovered Sarah's story, the nearly two decades she spent interviewing her, and why telling overlooked stories matters now more than ever.

Together, they explore the long history of transportation segregation, the Black women who challenged it decades before it became national news, and the difference between becoming an activist by choice and standing up because your conscience leaves you no alternative.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that history is shaped not only by famous names, but by ordinary people whose quiet courage changes the course of a nation.

In this episode:

How Amy Nathan discovered Sarah Keys Evans while researching women in the military
Why Sarah's story remained largely unknown despite her landmark legal victory
The decades-long research and relationship behind Riding Into History
The overlooked history of Black women challenging segregation in transportation
Why dignity, respect, and citizenship were at the heart of the fight against Jim Crow
The connection between Sarah Keys' case, the Freedom Riders, and federal enforcement of desegregation
What today's readers can learn about moral courage and standing up for what's right

Featured Book

Riding Into History: The Surprising Story of Sarah Keys Evans and the Fight to Desegregate Bus Travel by Amy Nathan

A Conversation with Robert Colby: Slavery, the Civil War, and the Hidden History of Slave Trading

Thu, 28 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

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What if one of the biggest assumptions we make about slavery during the Civil War is incomplete?

In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta sits down with historian Robert Colby to discuss his groundbreaking research on slave trading during the Civil War and his book, An Unholy Traffic. Together, they unpack how the domestic slave trade continued even during wartime, what that reveals about Confederate motivations, and how enslaved people navigated impossible choices in pursuit of freedom.

Robert shares how growing up near Civil War battlefields sparked his love of history and why the contradictions of slavery in American democracy led him to study the Civil War era and the institution of slavery. He also explains how archival discoveries, especially Confederate letters, led him to uncover evidence that enslaved people continued to be bought and sold throughout the war, despite assumptions that the practice had effectively ended when fighting began.

Kenyatta and Robert explore:

Why slave trading continued during the Civil War and what that reveals about Confederate goals
How enslaved people faced the constant threat of forced sale while pursuing freedom
The role Confederate letters and military records play in understanding enslaved lives and motivations of enslavers
Why genealogists should consider Confederate letters, military records, and the records of the Freedmen's Bureau in their research
How cities like New Orleans, Charleston, Richmond, and Atlanta became key locations in wartime slave trading networks
Why the uncertainty at the end of the war and the transition from slavery to freedom deserves more study

This conversation challenges listeners to rethink slavery during wartime, Reconstruction, and even how we approach genealogy research. Whether you’re a family historian, Civil War enthusiast, or someone interested in the lived realities of enslavement, this episode offers new perspectives and important questions to consider.

A Conversation with Caleb Gayle: Black Wall Street, Black Creeks, and the Fight to Remember

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:00:00 -0400

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What happens when forgotten histories, erased communities, and family stories collide?

In this episode, Kenyatta sits down with journalist and author Caleb Gayle for a fascinating conversation about historical erasure, Black migration, Indigenous identity, genealogy, and the stories that shape how we understand America.

Together, they explore Caleb’s acclaimed books Black Moses: A Saga of Ambition in the Fight for a Black State and We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power, unpacking the overlooked history of Black towns in Oklahoma, Edward McCabe’s bold dream of creating a Black state, the legacy of Greenwood and the Tulsa Race Massacre, and the complicated intersections of Black and Indigenous histories.

Along the way, Kenyatta and Caleb discuss oral history, genealogy, archival research, and what it really takes to uncover the stories history tried to leave behind.

Whether you’re a family historian, genealogy enthusiast, writer, or simply curious about the untold stories that shape America, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Caleb’s journey into journalism and how curiosity shaped his career
The story behind Black Moses and Edward McCabe’s vision for a Black state in Oklahoma
Why Oklahoma reveals so much about American history and identity
The hidden histories of Black towns and the legacy of Greenwood’s Black Wall Street
The Tulsa Race Massacre and historical erasure in America
Black Creek history, tribal citizenship, and the racialization of identity
Why oral history matters alongside traditional genealogy and written records
Caleb’s “write-around” approach to storytelling and historical research
How to uncover overlooked stories in local newspapers, archives, and family history
Advice for aspiring writers, storytellers, and family historians

Books Mentioned

Black Moses: A Saga of Ambition in the Fight for a Black State by Caleb Gayle
We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power by Caleb Gayle

A Conversation with Michele Ronnick: Recovering Black Classical Scholars William Sanders Scarborough, George Lightfoot, and an Archival Detective Story

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500

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What happens when a passing reference in graduate school turns into a decades-long archival investigation?

In this episode, classicist Michele Ronnick shares the remarkable scholarly detective story that led her to recover the life and legacy of William Sanders Scarborough, a formerly enslaved scholar who became one of the most important Black classicists in American history.

Beginning during the intellectual debates surrounding Black Athena, Dr. Ronnick questioned why Black participation in classical studies seemed largely absent from academic narratives. That question launched an international archival search involving rare books, unpublished manuscripts, institutional collections, and forgotten correspondence.

Her work ultimately resulted in the recovery and publication of Scarborough’s autobiography and renewed recognition of his groundbreaking 1881 Greek textbook—considered the first foreign-language textbook authored by a person of African descent.

The conversation expands beyond Scarborough to illuminate a broader intellectual network of underrecognized Black classical scholars connected through institutions like Howard University and the AME Church. Along the way, we explore archival discovery, academic exclusion, historical erasure, and the ongoing importance of student research in preserving overlooked histories.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Why Classics Mattered
00:24 Graduate School Origins
02:02 Black Athena Era Questions
02:53 Finding Scarborough
05:40 Chasing Lost Archives
09:24 Autobiography Breakthrough
12:04 Beyond Scarborough’s Network
18:46 Calhoun Quote and Historical Irony
23:37 Teaching and Legacy
27:07 Building the Photo Installation
28:08 Hunting Flia Campbell
29:33 Archive Breakthrough Photo
31:12 Expanding the Scholar List
32:19 Pinkney Warren Russell Evidence
34:43 Greener and Scarborough Letters
40:22 George Lightfoot at Howard
45:50 Inspiring New Researchers

About the Guest

Dr. Michele Valerie Ronnick is Distinguished Service Professor Emerita of Classics at Wayne State University and a leading scholar in recovering the history of Black classicists in the United States. Her archival research has reshaped understanding of African American participation in classical education and scholarship.

Her edited volume, The Autobiography of William Sanders Scarborough: An American Journey from Slavery, with a foreword by Henry Louis Gates Jr., is now available in paperback from Wayne State University Press (ISBN: 9780814332252).

Learn more about her work:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Valerie_Ronnick

A Conversation with Debra Britt & The National Black Doll Museum

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0500

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In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Debra Britt, founder of the National Black Doll Museum, shares her powerful personal journey and the story behind her life’s work preserving Black history and identity through dolls.

Debra describes how her passion began in childhood when her grandmother helped her create her first Black doll — a moment that sparked a lifelong mission. She reflects on the adversity she faced, the mentors and educators who shaped her path, and how cultural pride and representation fueled her calling to collect, restore, and create Black dolls.

Throughout the conversation, she explains how dolls serve as storytellers, teaching tools, and healing instruments for children and adults alike. The museum’s collection preserves heritage, affirms identity, and opens important conversations about race, history, and resilience. Debra also discusses the realities of running a community-supported museum, including the ongoing need for volunteers and financial support.

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 — Introduction and Early Inspiration
Debra’s childhood and creating her first Black doll with her grandmother

02:03 — Facing Adversity and Finding Strength
Early challenges and how resilience took shape

05:38 — Family Influence and Cultural Pride
The role of family, mentors, and educators

09:29 — Storytelling and Education Through Dolls
How dolls communicate history and identity

10:11 — Dolls as Silent Historians
Material culture as historical record

13:44 — The Healing Power of Dolls
Emotional connection and therapeutic impact

17:25 — Doll-Making Traditions and History
Cultural and historical craft practices

20:30 — Doll Therapy and Community Engagement
Programs and outreach work

23:57 — Letting Go and Dealing with Bullies
Personal growth and hard lessons

25:32 — Teaching Children About Racism and Slavery
Age-appropriate truth telling

26:32 — Special Dolls and Personal Stories
Meaningful pieces in the collection

28:52 — Memorable Visitor Reactions
Moments that stand out

33:38 — Community Support and Volunteer Needs
Behind-the-scenes realities of the museum

40:52 — Acquiring and Valuing Dolls
Collection practices and preservation

44:23 — Closing Reflections
Final thoughts and message to listeners

If this conversation moved you, consider supporting the museum’s work to preserve history, representation, and cultural identity through Black dolls and storytelling. You can help by donating, volunteering, spreading the word, or planning a visit. https://nbdmhc.org/

A Conversation with Dr. Tess Chakkalakal

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500

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Exploring the Life and Legacy of Charles W. Chesnutt

Guest: Dr. Tess Chakkalakal
Host: Kenyatta D. Berry

In this episode, Kenyatta D. Berry speaks with Dr. Tess Chakkalakal, a scholar of nineteenth-century African American and American literature, about her new book A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt. Together, they explore Chesnutt’s remarkable career as one of the earliest African American fiction writers to achieve mainstream publication, and how his work continues to challenge and illuminate issues of race, identity, and American history.

Dr. Chakkalakal discusses Chesnutt’s influential novel The Marrow of Tradition, along with his complex portrayals of slavery, marriage, and freedom. The conversation delves into the intersections of literature, politics, and cultural memory, highlighting the importance of reading across genres and time periods to better understand the American story.

They also touch on Dr. Chakkalakal’s broader research, the preservation of historic writers’ homes, and the growing impact of book bans on literary education.

Books and Authors Mentioned

Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Sutton E. Griggs, Imperium in Imperio
Charles W. Chesnutt, The Marrow of Tradition
Judy Blume, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
Virgil
Homer
Alexandre Dumas
Cicero
Henry James
Edith Wharton
Mark Twain
William Dean Howells, A Modern Instance
Brock Clarke
Dead Writers: A Podcast About Great American Writers and Where They Lived
Idlewild, Michigan

About the Guest

Dr. Tess Chakkalakal [pronounced “Chah-KAHL-ickle”] is the author of Novel Bondage: Slavery, Marriage, and Freedom in Nineteenth-Century America (University of Illinois Press, 2011), winner of the Robert K. Martin Prize for Best Book on American Literature. She is also co-editor of Jim Crow, Literature, and the Legacy of Sutton E. Griggs and Imperium in Imperio: A Critical Edition. Her newest book, A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt, is available now from St. Martin’s Press.

Dr. Chakkalakal is co-host of the award-winning podcast Dead Writers and serves on the boards of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and the Maine Maritime Museum.

Uncovering Erased Histories: The Relaunch of Conversations with Kenyatta

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0400

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In this relaunch episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry and producer Caitlin Howle introduce the podcast’s powerful new direction—spotlighting stories systematically erased from history and amplifying marginalized voices. Drawing on her extensive research and her own family history as a descendant of enslaved individuals, Kenyatta shares the inspiration behind this shift. Together, they explore the challenges of uncovering erased histories, the role of storytelling in genealogy, and the potential of modern tools like AI. This episode sets the stage for a series designed to educate, inspire, and reframe how we think about America’s past.

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome Back to Conversations with Kenyatta
00:51 The Inspiration Behind the New Focus
01:49 Exploring Historical Erasure
04:12 Genealogy and Historical Context
07:11 Challenges in Telling Erased Stories
17:06 The Role of AI in Genealogy
25:38 The Emotional Connection to Genealogy
31:27 Hopes for the Podcast’s Impact
34:42 Conclusion and Future Excitement

A Conversation with Gail Lukasik (Part Three)

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0500

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In this episode of Conversation with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry welcomes back author Gail Lukasik to discuss her latest book, What They Never Told Us: True Stories of Family Secrets and Hidden Identities Revealed.

Gail shares poignant and often heart-wrenching stories from the book, including tales of individuals discovering their true parentage and racial identities, and the profound emotional and psychological impacts of these revelations. The discussion delves into the motivations behind keeping family secrets, the importance of social context, and the role of empathy in storytelling.

Conversations with Kenyatta: A 75th Episode Retrospect

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

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On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow remembers the past 75 episodes of her podcast through a retrospective interview - that looks at her favorite guests, as well as examines what she wants for the future of her show.

Dr. Edward L. Ayers on Digital History, the Civil War, and Making the American Past Participatory

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 18:00:00 -0400

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In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry speaks with historian Dr. Edward L. Ayers about social history, digital archives, and the importance of making the American past more participatory and accessible.

Ayers reflects on growing up in Kingsport, Tennessee, and how discovering the field of social history shaped his approach to studying the American South. His work emphasizes placing everyday people alongside major historical events — what he describes as putting “everybody in the same frame.”

The conversation traces Ayers’s academic path from professor at the University of Virginia to dean and president emeritus of the University of Richmond. During his leadership, the university expanded financial aid initiatives, launched the Richmond Guarantee, and significantly increased access for underrepresented students.

Ayers also discusses efforts to rethink how Americans remember the Civil War. By reframing commemorations as “Civil War and Emancipation,” he helped shift the focus toward the broader historical transformation of the era and contributed to the development of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond.

The episode also explores Ayers’s pioneering work in digital history, particularly the groundbreaking Valley of the Shadow Project, which created one of the first major digital archives comparing two communities on opposite sides of the Civil War. The project helped inform his books In the Presence of Mine Enemies and The Thin Light of Freedom.

Berry and Ayers also discuss his public-facing history projects, including Bunk and New American History, which aim to make historical sources, scholarship, and storytelling more accessible to students, teachers, and the public.

Together, they explore how technology can transform the way we understand history — not just as something to study, but as something participatory, collaborative, and connected to the present.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Meet Kenyatta and Dr. Edward L. Ayers
00:41 Appalachian Roots and Early Influences
01:41 Discovering Social History
04:56 From UVA Professor to University Leadership
09:10 Civil War and Emancipation Work
12:46 Receiving the National Humanities Medal
14:21 The Valley of the Shadow Digital Archive
18:10 Genealogy and Public History
21:19 Why These Two Counties
25:23 Writing About the Civil War and Reconstruction
28:48 Awards and Writing Craft
30:00 Writing Through Anxiety
31:59 Delayed Gratification in Historical Writing
33:41 History and Healing
37:06 Origins of American Visions
39:02 Voices Against Racism
45:36 Making History Interactive
47:45 Bunk and New American History
52:43 Questions for the Future
56:17 Closing and Credits

A Conversation with Dr. Marcia Chatelain

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 19:00:00 -0400

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In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta - Kenyatta D. Berry interviews Dr. Marcia Chatelain, a historian and professor who recently transitioned from Georgetown University to the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Chatelain discusses her profound journey from a childhood love of reading to her career in history and teaching. She examines the backlash against teaching accurate history, focusing on the political weaponization of history and its impact on education.

The conversation delves into her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, exploring McDonald's role in Black communities during the civil rights movement. Dr. Chatelain also shares insights into her research process, writing practices, and how she balances her professional career with the joy of motherhood.

They discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing a PhD in the humanities, and Dr. Chatelain hints at her next book project.

A Conversations with W. Caleb McDaniel

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0400

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In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry sits down with historian and author W. Caleb McDaniel to explore the fascinating intersection of history, storytelling, and the enduring quest for justice.

McDaniel, an award-winning author and professor at Rice University, shares insights into his journey as a historian, author, the impact of influential teachers, and the compelling story of Henrietta Wood—a formerly enslaved woman who took an unprecedented step in suing for reparations. Join us as we delve into McDaniel's writing process, the significance of confronting history, and the lessons we can learn from the past to shape our future, all while looking at his book Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America.

A Conversation with Dylan C. Penningroth

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:00:00 -0400

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In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow talks with historian and author Dylan C. Penningroth about his background, upbringing, and his journey towards becoming a historian.

Penningroth shares insights from his book Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights' shedding light on how family stories and court cases inspired his research.

They discuss the significance of preserving Black history, the complexities of race in legal contexts, and the critical role genealogical research plays in uncovering hidden narratives. The episode also delves into surprising themes such as Black-owned corporations and the intricate relationship between law and race throughout history.

A Conversation with Daniel Brook

Fri, 31 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

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On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Daniel Brook, author and Historian.

Kenyatta and Daniel explore the unique civil rights histories of Charleston, South Carolina, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The conversation delves into why Charleston and New Orleans diverged from other Southern cities during the Civil Rights Era, attributing it to their long-standing traditions of racial mixing and complex social structures.

They also discuss Daniel's work and research with his book The Accident of Color, including a discussion of uncovering lost and expunged records from institutions like the New Orleans public school district and the University of South Carolina, revealing efforts to erase the history of integration and black achievements during Reconstruction.

A Conversation with Steve Luxenberg

Wed, 15 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400

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In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta -Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit - is joined by Steve Luxenberg, author and associate Editor of the Washington Post.

Steve's story is fascinating - as an adult, he found that his mother had kept a family secret - that she had a sister who was committed to an asylum and then died. He never knew anything about his aunt and delved into finding out more about her in his book Annie's Ghosts: A Journey into a Family Secret.

Steve is also known for his second book Separate, which is a narrative of how the United States embraced “separation” and its consequences, and examines the famous Plessy vs. Ferguson case.

A Conversation with Dr. Manisha Sinha

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400

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In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta - Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Dr. Manisha Sinha, who shares her journey from India to the United States to study and teach US history.

This interview delves into Dr. Sinha's perspective on slavery, enslaved individuals, and talks about her latest book, published in March 2024 - The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic: Reconstruction, 1860-1920.

Dr. Sinah also discusses the challenges she faces as a woman of color in historiography, as well as her work exploring Reconstruction, enslaved narratives, and her groundbreaking work on abolition as well as a profound exploration of America's historical injustices.

A Conversation with Victor Luckerson

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Victor Luckerson, an author and journalist.

Victor and Kenyatta talk about his love of research and his new book Built from the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa's Greenwood District, America's Black Wall Street. He also talks about his work as a journalist, including his time at the University of Alabama and calling out racial disparity in his school newspaper.

A Conversation with Rachel J. Webster

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0500

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On this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow, and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Rachel J. Webster, a professor of creative writing, and author of Benjamin Banneker and Us: Eleven Generations of an American Family.

The two discuss what it means to find that you descend from a famous individual in history, what it means to discover Black ancestry in your lineage when you've thought to have a predominately white lineage, and just who the extraordinary man Benjamin Banneker was, and what we should learn about him.

A Conversation with Professor Jefferson Cowie

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0500

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In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Pulitzer Prize Winner, author, and historian, Dr. Jefferson Cowie.

The two discuss his latest book Freedom's Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance to Federal Power, which won the Pulitzer Prize in History, his research, and so much more.

ABOUT DR. JEFFERSON COWIE (as taken from Vanderbilt.edu)

Jefferson Cowie's work in social and political history focuses on how class, race, and labor shape American politics and culture. His latest book, Freedom's Dominion, won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 2023.

Based on one county’s history, Freedom’s Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance to Federal Power tells the dramatic tale of generations of local fights against the federal government that prop up a particular version of American freedom: the freedom to oppress others. Advance praise calls it "magisterial," written with "eloquence and with brilliance," and Cowie's "most extraordinary book yet."

The Great Exception: The New Deal and the Limits of American Politics was released in early 2016 and attempts to reinterpret a wide swath of American political history in the twentieth century. The Washington Post‘s E.J. Dionne Jr. called it “one of the year’s most important political books."

Stayin’ Alive: The 1970s and the Last Days of the Working Class, draws together labor, politics, and popular culture into a vibrant narrative about the decline of class in American political culture. It received a number of “best book” awards, including the 2011 Francis Parkman Prize for the Best Book in American History and the Merle Curti Award for the Best Book in Social and Intellectual History. Critics said, “Stayin’ Alive will long stand as the finest and most sophisticated portrait of politics and culture in the American 1970s, and also as a model for how to talk about both political and cultural transformations without shortchanging either.”

Capital Moves: RCA’s Seventy Year Quest for Cheap Labor charts the relocation of one firm through four different cities, two countries, and a great deal of social upheaval. It accounts for what made each community attractive for an industrial location and what changed to make the company relocate again. The book received the 2000 Phillip Taft Prize for the Best Book in Labor History.

In addition to his scholarship, Cowie’s essays and opinion pieces have also appeared in the New York Times, TIME magazine, NPR Music, Foreign Affairs, Chronicle of Higher Ed, American Prospect, Politico, Democracy, The New Republic, Inside Higher Ed, Dissent, and other popular outlets. The recipient of several fellowships, including the Center for Advanced Studies in Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, the American Council of Learned Societies and Andrew Mellon Foundation, the Society for the Humanities at Cornell, and the Center for US-Mexican Studies at UC San Diego, he has also appeared in a variety of media outlets including CNN’s The Seventies, C‐Span’s Booknotes, NPR’s Weekend Edition, as well as documentaries, podcasts, and radio broadcasts.

A Conversation with Gregory May

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0500

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by author and historian Gregory May.

The two discuss his work and his books and research for his latest - A Madman’s Will which tells the story of one of the largest and most controversial private emancipations in United States history.

About Gregory May
Gregory May is a historian who writes about the early American republic. In his first book, Jefferson’s Treasure, he used his knowledge of taxes and tax policy to bring a fresh and vigorous perspective to the new nation’s financial history. In A Madman’s Will, he draws on his past legal experience to tell the story of one of the largest and most controversial private emancipations in United States history.

Greg is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and the Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. After serving as a law clerk for Justice Lewis Powell on the United States Supreme Court, he practiced law in Washington, DC, and New York for over thirty years. He lives in Virginia.

Learn more at his website here.

A Conversation with Dr. Lynn Hudson

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0500

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On this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta is joined by Dr. Lynn Hudson, historian and professor.

The two discuss the immigration of Black individuals because of Jim Crow, Black inidivudals and the Klu Klux Klan in Los Angeles, and O'Day Short.

A Conversation with Cassandra Newby-Alexander

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0500

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On today's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow, and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Cassandra Newby-Alexander, an author and historian whose contributions to history
have helped pilot some of the most important research on Black individuals, and the enslaved, as well as extensive work in the state of Virginia.

A Conversation with Sarah Allen

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0500

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This week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Sarah Allen, an author, journalist, and executive producer of Showtime's #STAND documentary, where the two met and collaborated.

This episode looks at the behind-the-scenes of Sarah's career, and how she has come to be one of the most versatile journalists out there.

A Conversation with KB Barcomb

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 13:00:00 -0500

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by KB Barcomb. The two discuss military records, military history, and how WWI and WII can aid in the lens of discovering family history.

ABOUT KB BARCOMB

- KB Barcomb specializes in conducting WWI and WWII research through the lens of family history. A retired Army officer, she focuses on the context of military records so as to more accurately analyze their content.

- Her sub-specialties include African American personnel; WWII Army Air Forces (aka Air Corps) personnel; and Army personnel of both conflicts. She is a member of the Society for Military History and the Association of Professional Genealogists.

- She has taught an Advanced World War Records & Research Course for the Applied Genealogy Institute and co-taught with Gena Philibert-Ortega a course on Advanced Family History Research: US Ancestors, 1917-1930 for the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh.

- She also facilitates a Military Records & Research SIG for Kinseekers Genealogical Society the 2nd Monday of each month at 1:30 ET. Non-members are welcome. https://kinseekers.org

A Conversation with Alec Ferretti

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0400

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On this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Alec Ferretti, professional genealogist and board member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

The two discuss Freedom of Information Act Records, what Alec does for his own family history, and how he came to be a genealogist.

A Conversation with Gail Lukasik (Part II)

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0400

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This week on the podcast, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by her first repeat guest - Gail Lukaisk.

Gail and Kenyatta met on PBS' Genealogy Roadshow where Kenyatta revealed to Gail that a member of her family had been passing as white, and Gail actually had Black ancestry.

Gail went on to write the book White Like Her, which featured a foreword by Kenyatta.

Well, now Gail is back with a new book - a fictional gothic mystery called The Darkness Surrounds Us . She and Kenyatta discuss the book, her writing process, as well as what Gail has been up to, and gives us a glimpse into her next book - coming out in 2024!

“Lukasik delivers a gripping ghost story. With unpredictable plotting and superior atmospheric, this is a treat for late night devouring.” Publishers Weekly.

A Conversation with Catherine Wiest Desmarais, CG

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400

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In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Catherine Wiest Desmarais, CG.

The two discuss Catherine's work with genealogy as well as her specialty in forensic genealogy, and what it means to be in the field, as well as some of her work with military repatriation.

Catherine holds a pivotal role in the world of genealogy, and this is a fascinating look into her work!

ABOUT CATHERINE WIEST DESMARAIAS

Board-certified since 2011, Catherine is a full-time professional genealogist specializing in researching Vermont and Irish ancestors, as well as forensic cases for attorneys and U.S. Army military repatriation cases. From 2014 – 2017 she served as the Vice-President of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). Catherine holds a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Vermont, and has taught at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the Forensic Genealogy Institute. She can be reached through her website: www.stonehouseresearch.

A Conversation with Thomas A. Guglielmo

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow, and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, is joined by Thomas A. Guglielmo, who is Department Chair and Professor of American Studies at The George Washington University, and the author of Divisions: A New History of Racism and Resistance in America’s World War II Military.

The two discuss military records, immigration, and so much more.

A Conversation with Chris Haley

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Chris Haley.

Chris is an actor, author, and is the Director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland, as well as the Utopia Film Festival.

He and Kenyatta discuss his work, how he got into genealogy, and how being related to Alex Haley, author of Roots has inspired him to do other genealogy work in his life.

Please learn more about Chris by visiting his website at https://www.chrishaleyspeaks.com/.

Please note that in this episode, Chris Haley says that Arthur Hailey was the author of Airplane, but it is actually Airport!.

A Conversation with Amy Johnson Crow, Professional Genealogist

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Amy Johnson Crow.

Amy is a professional genealogist, author of 31 Days to Better Genealogy, and creator of the "WANDER" method and 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.

The two discuss Amy's work, how genealogists can use the WANDER method, and what has helped Amy with her work as a professional genealogist.

Find out more about Amy on her website here: https://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/

A Conversation with Mark A. Wentling, Certified Genealogist, Educator, and Author

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by certified genealogist and professor Mark A. Wentling.

The two discuss forensic genealogy, genealogy graduate studies in genealogy, and discuss more the academic side of the profession, as well as examine Mark's career and some of his tips for genealogists.

More about Mark:

Mark A. Wentling, MLS, CG, of Massachusetts, owner of Ancestor Introductions, LLC, is a full-time, professional genealogist with more than 25 years of research experience. He holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists. In addition to his own practice, he is an adjunct professor of genealogy in the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy program at the University of New Haven. He has also served as a facilitator for the Genealogy Principles course at Boston University, a Mentor for ProGen Study Group, a case study instructor for the Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and an expert consultant for the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society's Empire State Exploration guided research program.

He has specialized in forensic genealogy since 2017. His forensic specialties include heir searching for attorneys and military repatriation research for the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, for which he has located next of kin and DNA donors for over 100 WWII and Korean War servicemembers. His other specialities include New York and New England family history, Mayflower and U.S. Revolutionary War lineages, and lighthouse keepers. His research has been published in The New England Historical & Genealogical Register, and recognized by the New York State Assembly and New York State Office of Historic Preservation.

In addition to a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University, he holds a Master of Library Science degree with archives concentration from University of Maryland at College Park, and a B.A. in Sociology.

He currently serves on the board of directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and the Association of Genealogy Educators & Schools (AGES). He previously served as the first Vice President of APG’s Forensic Genealogy Special Interest Group from 2020 to 2021. He was the Vice President of APG's New England Chapter from 2018 to 2020, where he developed its peer-mentoring program.

Mark can be reached via his website at https://ancestorintroductions.com or directly by email at mark@ancestorintroductions.com.

A Conversation with Andre Kearns

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Andre Kearns.

Andre is the current director-at-large for the National Genealogical Society(NGS), as well as chair of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.

The two discuss Andre's background in genealogy, as well as the recent apology that NGS released regarding racist and discriminatory actions in their past.

You can read the full apology from NGS here.

As well as an article on the apology covered by The Washington Post here.

You can also learn more about the NGS DEI committee here.

A Conversation with Mary Penner, Author and Certified Genealogist

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0400

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This week, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by author and certified genealogist Mary Penner.

Kenyatta and Mary discuss genealogy and writing, and how to find a creative spark when writing - for family history - and in general.

This is an incredibly inspiring conversation that will have you wanting to create your next family history story immediately.

50th Episode Special: A Conversation with Kenyatta D. Berry

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, breaks format - just slightly. Kenyatta is interviewed by her podcast producer Caitlin Howle, who delves into Kenyatta's career, her goals for the podcast, and why she started Conversations with Kenyatta.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Jenifer Kahn Bakkala

Thu, 18 May 2023 14:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by narrative biographer and author Jenifer Kahn Bakkala.

The two discuss writing, how professional genealogy spawns storytelling, and how family history is key.

Learn more about Jenifer's work here: http://www.jkbgenealogy.com/

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Candacy Taylor

Fri, 05 May 2023 10:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta is joined by an award-winning author, documentarian, and photographer. Kenyatta and Candacy discuss her work, her struggles as an artist, and what it means to learn about yourself, and your history, through your work.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Ned Benton and Judy-Lynne Peters

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, PBS' Genealogy Roadshow host, and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, is joined by Dr. Ned Benton and Dr. Judy-Lynne Peters of John Jay College, and are the co-directors of the Northeast Slavery Records Index.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Vincent Leggett, Founder & President of the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Vincent Leggett, the founder, and president of the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation.

This is a wonderful conversation that discusses history, genealogy, and the work Vincent has been doing.

As always, the music for this episode is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Dr. Andrea Douglas

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0400

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In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, is joined by Dr. Andrea Douglas, current Executive Director of the Jefferson School Heritage Center.

The two discuss Dr. Douglas' work, her career, and how she has been a champion for Black history in the Virginia area.

The music for this episode, as always, was "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with James French, Chairman of the Montpelier Foundation Board of Directors

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0500

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In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, is joined by James French, Chairman of the Montpelier Foundation Board of Directors.

The two discuss the history of America in its entirety, and how our founding fathers may have been aware of changes that were needed - but did not participate in them. James also examines his own family research, how Montpelier has been working with descendants of the enslaved, and what more can be learned from ancestral homes.

Please note that in this episode Kenyatta refers to the “Colors of Distinction” exhibit but in actuality, the name is “Mere Distinction of Colour". More information can be found at this link.

The music for this episode, as always, was "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode mentions sexual assault.

A Conversation with Dr. Matthew Delmont

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:00:00 -0500

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In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Dr. Matthew Delmont. The two discuss Black and African American history, as well as what his book-writing process was like, and how he goes about doing his research.

Find out more about Dr. Delmont here: https://history.dartmouth.edu/people/matthew-f-delmont

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with D. Joshua Taylor, Host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow, and President of NYG&B

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:00:00 -0500

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On this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta is joined by her Genealogy Roadshow co-host and president of the NYG&B - D. Joshua Taylor.

The two give some behind-the-scenes glances into their work, and Kenyatta finds out what Josh is up to now.

Find out more about D. Joshua Taylor on his website, here: https://djoshuataylor.com/

And, as always, the music for this episode is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Dr. Sharon M. Leon

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0500

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In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta (host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit) is joined by Dr. Sharon M. Leon, a digital humanities professor at Michigan State University.

Sharon is also behind The Jesuit Plantation Project: An Examination of the Enslaved persons Owned (and Sold) by the Maryland Province Jesuits, 1717-1838 and has done critical work in advancing how we store our records, as well as how we communicate about the past.

Find out more about her at her website here: https://history.msu.edu/people/faculty/sharon-leon/

The music for this episode, as always was "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0500

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On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara, who is not only a professor of history, but also the author of Dark Work: The Business of Slavery in Rhode Island .

They speak about a topic not often talked about in history or genealogy: slavery in the north. It's a fascinating conversation about what Dr. Clark-Pujara has learned, and how our historical misconceptions need to be addressed.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Bessida Cauthorne White

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0500

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In this episode, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and motivational speaker, is joined by Bessida Cauthorne White.

Bessida is a former attorney, who is known for her activism, and her work as a professional genealogist.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Heather Smith, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of StoryFile

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:00:00 -0500

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow, and author of The Family Tree Toolkit features Heather Smith, who is the Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer for StoryFile.

Heather's company is on a mission to record over 100 million stories - to help preserve our history in a new way. It's a fascinating conversation.

Heather and StoryFile were also gracious enough to offer my listeners a coupon code for StoryFile - if you use the code KENYATTA you will receive 20% off their product.

#enslavedancestors #enslavedancestry #genealogy #genealogytrauma #ancestralhealing #familyhistory #familyhistoryresearch #familyhistoryresearcher #podcastersofinstagram #podcast #historypodcast #genealogypodcast #genealogyrecords #findingmyfamily #kenyattaberry

A Conversation with Dr. Dan Bouk, Author and Historian

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0500

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This week Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow speaks with Data Historian and author Dan Bouk. The two discuss a critical part of all genealogy research - census records.

Items discussed in this episode:

Bureau of the Census, Negro Population 1790-1915 (1918) https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112004120298?urlappend=%3Bseq=8

Kelly Miller, “Enumeration Errors in Negro Population,” Scientific Monthly 14, no. 2 (1922): 168-177 https://www.jstor.org/stable/6436#metadata_info_tab_contents

Langston Hughes, "Madam and the Census Man" performed by Margaret Walker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40GyoFE6GAg

Tammy Hepps, "When Henry Silverstein Got Cold: Fraud in the 1920 Census," https://homesteadhebrews.com/articles/when-henry-silverstein-got-cold/

And as always, the music for this episode was "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Stacy Ashmore Cole

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0500

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In this episode, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Stacy Ashmore Cole, who is the creator and curator of “They Had Names: African Americans in Early Liberty County, Georgia, Records,” an online compilation of antebellum Liberty County probate, deed, church and other records with more than 37,000 references to African Americans, enslaved and free.

She and Kenyatta discuss different records, as well as the necessity of those who have information on the enslaved to share it.

It is an empowering conversation that will leave listeners wanting to dig right back into their research.

In addition, Stacy provided the following links for those looking for help with their ancestry in Georgia, and on the coast:

They Had Names: African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia: https://theyhadnames.net/

Liberty County Historical Society: https://www.libertyhistory.net/

Midway Museum: https://www.themidwaymuseum.org/ (located next to the Midway Congregational Church, which was founded in 1754. Although a Church dominated by White planter families, it has had documented Black members since 1756. The current Church building dates from 1792 and no longer operates as a Church. The Midway Museum tells its story and the history of the surrounding area.)

Dorchester Academy (historic African American School that has a wonderful African American Museum about antebellum Midway history and also a Civil Rights exhibit -- Martin Luther King spent quite a bit of time there): Home

Coastal Georgia Genealogy links:

GlynnGen.com: http://www.glynngen.com/: founded by Amy Hedrick, who has been researching coastal Georgia since her late teens (over 20 years now). Includes many African American genealogy resources.

Ujima Genealogy of Coastal Georgia: focused on African American genealogy of coastal Georgia: https://ujimagen.org/ (great videos)

Coastal Georgia Genealogical Society: https://coastalgagensociety.org/

Burning of Darien Museum (no longer has a physical space but has enthusiastic volunteers who focus on African American history and genealogy of McIntosh County): https://www.facebook.com/TheBurnOfDarien

The music for this episode, as always, was "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Niya Bates, Public Historian

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta is joined by Niya Bates, a PhD Candidate at Princeton who considers herself to be a public historian. Niya discussed what it means to be interested in public history, as well as what it means to chronicle your own genealogy and how you can get started with something as simple as a question.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

Forgotten Stories in History: Florence B. Price

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:00:00 -0400

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This week on the podcast, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The FamilyTree Toolkit, debuts a new segment for Conversations with Kenyatta. These bite-sized episodes tackle forgotten individuals in history, whose stories need to be told.

In this episode, Kenyatta examines Florence B. Price, an American composer whose work was thought to be lost in time - until one fateful day in 2009.

A Conversation with Dr. Bettye Kearse, author of "The Other Madisons"

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry is joined by Dr. Bettye Kearse, author of The Other Madisons, which examines her relation to a found ing father, and what her journey has looked like, and what she's learned.

A Conversation with Lynne Jackson, President and Founder of The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 19:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Lynne Jackson, President, and Founder of The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, and descendant of Dred Scott.

The two discuss the foundation, who Dred Scott was, and why his case is pivotal to many.

SHOW NOTES AND IMPORTANT LINKS:

Website www.dredscottlives.org (2016 - Present)

Archived website www.thedredscottfoundation.org (2006-2016)

Join us for the closing of FACES OF DRED SCOTT exhibit on Friday evening, Sept 30th from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

and for the Opening of the 4th Exhibit this Fall sharing history on millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist Annie Malone at the Dred Scott Office Center in Chesterfield, MO beginning Oct 15 4:30 p.m.

December 1st DSHF is collaborating with the Missouri History Museum and others in Celebrating Music Education in the Ville" Honoring music legends Alleda Ward Wells and Kenneth Brown Billups.

A Conversation with Regina Mason

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 12:00:00 -0400

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On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow sits down with Regina Mason, who is a direct descendant of William Grimes.

The two discuss what genealogy means, especially to those who were enslaved, or who have African Roots, and why that's been taboo to discuss in the past, and even today. They also dive into Gina's Journey, a film about Regina's experiences with her genealogy, as well as her book, which focuses on her ancestor, William Grimes.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Dr. Joshua Rothman, University of Alabama

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 19:00:00 -0400

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On this special 30th episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta is joined by Dr. Joshua Rothamn, Professor of history and current department chair of the University of Alabama. Dr. Rothman and Kenyatta discuss his books, his work researching the enslaved, as well as what trauma for enslaved individuals through their oppressors looks like, and how historical figures did their best to help in times of enslavement.

A Conversation with Dr. Kari Winter

Wed, 11 May 2022 13:00:00 -0400

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This week, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow, author of The Family Tree Toolkit, and motivational speaker is joined by Dr. Kari Winter, a professor of American Studies at the University of Buffalo.

She and Kenyatta discuss her book, The Blind African Slave: or, Memoirs of Boyrereau Brinch, Nick-named Jeffrey Brace, how literature and the portrayal of Black characters has influenced her work, and what her upcoming projects are.

Dr. Winter served as director of the University of Buffalos Institute for Research and Education on Women and Gender (Gender Institute), which supports research on women and on the intricate connections between gender and other social forces, such as sexuality, race, class, health, age, religion and place.

In addition, she has focused on spearheading "Reclaiming Our Ancestors," a national network of scholars, artists, and activists aimed to promote racial justice and public history through focusing on attention on 18th- and 19th-century African Americans and their descendants in the 21st century. She also is working with a team of filmmakers based in Vermont to create a television series about 18th- and 19th-century multicultural people in northern New England, primarily African Americans and Abenakis.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, I'm joined by Antoinette Harrell, and it's a fascinating conversation.

We dive not only into her work but what it means to be a genealogist and an activist, in an episode that's sure to inspire you in multiple ways.

A Conversation with Dr. Valerie Johnson

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 20:00:00 -0400

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This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, I'm joined by Dr. Valerie Johnson, the Dean of Arts and Science for Shaw University.

We have a wonderful conversation on everything from redlining and what Dr. Johnson had to experience growing up, and what she has been working on now - including teaching me about a new record set!

A Conversation with John F. Baker Jr.

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0400

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In this episode, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, talks with author and genealogist John F. Baker, Jr.

Find out more about him, and his work here: https://wessyngton.com/

A Conversation with Richard Cox

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0500

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In this episode, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit speaks with Richard Cox, who is the consultant and project manager for the Digital Library on American Slavery, as well as the People not Property Project.

He and Kenyatta talk about what it means to use records, how digitizing records helps everyone, and, about beer, and its liberating properties. Really!

Find the Digital Library on American Slavery here: http://dlas.uncg.edu/

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Oliver Franklin

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0500

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This week Kenyatta D. Berry, host of The Genealogy Roadshow, and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, is joined by Oliver Franklin, who is potentially one of her most interesting guests. From being a diplomat to special credentials given to him by the Queen herself, his life is a fascinating glimpse into the history of diplomacy, as well as how Black ancestors were regarded in different countries.

Why Black History is American History

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0500

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In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta updates her listeners with a new segment called "Keeping Up with Kenyatta," which discusses where her research is heading - and how you may be able to help.

Additionally, she talks about why Black History is important - and not just in February.

A Conversation with Jen Baldwin of FindMyPast

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:00:00 -0500

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This week, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of The Genealogy Roadshow, and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Jen Baldwin, the North American Content Manager and Global Ambassador Program Lead for Findmypast. The two dive into a myriad of topics, discussing Irish and British ancestry, how the Spanish Flu affected records, and how to use FindmyPast in your research - including big news on their latest collection - the 1921 census.

Join FindMyPast here: www.findmypast.com
Find out more about the 1921 Census: https://www.findmypast.com/1921-census
Use their free records here: https://www.findmypast.com/page/free-ancestry-records

ABOUT JEN BALDWIN
Jen Baldwin has been working in the realm of professional genealogy since 2010 but has been pursuing her family history since she was ten years old, enjoying her grandmother's stories - and her cookies. She is currently the North American Content Manager and Global Ambassador Program Lead for Findmypast. Jen lectures, writes, and consults on a variety of genealogy related topics, and was part of the research team for Genealogy Roadshow, season two on PBS. She is the author of course materials for the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. She is excited to discover unique resources that allow for a different perspective in genealogical research, including the vast research opportunities for family historians around the world to take advantage of UK collections, such as newspapers and the upcoming 1921 Census of England and Wales.

A Conversation with Dr. Deborah Abbott

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 14:00:00 -0500

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On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Dr. Deborah Abbott, a professional genealogist, and mentor to Kenyatta. They discuss what genealogy looks like, especially for those doing research on the enslaved, and how to get the most of the records, especially the clues you may be missing.

ABOUT DR. ABBOTT:

Deborah A. Abbott, PhD, is a professional genealogist, specializing in African American research, manuscript collections and genealogy methodology. She serves as a member of the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Archives Advisory Commission. She is an associate with the Kentucky-Tennessee Associates based in Springfield, TN; past president of the African American Genealogical Society, Cleveland, OH; and a retired professor of Counseling from Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland. She holds both the BS and M.Ed. degrees from Tuskegee University in Alabama and the PhD degree from Kent State University in Ohio.

Dr. Abbott is an instructor as well as the coordinator for both the week long African American tracts at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR) held at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA and the Genealogy Research Institute of Pittsburgh held at LaRoche University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is also an instructor at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) in Salt Lake City, UT. She presents lectures and workshops at a variety of national, state, and local genealogy conferences across the country, as well as colleges, businesses & libraries. She has had articles published in both the Ohio Genealogy News and Family Tree Magazines. Dr. Abbott can be seen teaching African American research entitled “Needles & Threads” on Ancestry Academy, an educational website video course for Ancestry.com. She teaches monthly classes entitled “Using Ancestry.com in Genealogy Research” at the Lakewood (Ohio) Public Library and coordinates the “Genealogy and Family History Clinic” for the Cleveland Public Library.

A Cleveland, Ohio native, Dr. Abbott is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Tuskegee University National Alumni Association, and Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow, and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Maureen Taylor, also known as The Photo Detective.

Maureen uses photos to dig into clues about our genealogy and family history that you may have missed and even gives an example as she and Kenyatta dive into how one photo clue can change the course of your research.

Find Maureen Taylor at her website at https://maureentaylor.com/, on Facebook at MaureenPhotoDetective, and on Instagram and Twitter at photodetective.

The music for this episode is, as always, "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with J. Mark Lowe, Professional Genealogist

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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On this week's episode, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by J. Mark Lowe, a professional genealogist, and educator. The two discuss his journey to genealogy and why professional genealogists are needed now more than ever before, as well as what it looks like when you work with a professional genealogist.

Find J. Mark Lowe on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Please use the following links for websites of those mentioned in the show:

Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR) – University of Georgia
https://ighr.gagensociety.org/ighr-2022/

Texas Institute of Genealogy (TIGR) Texas State Genealogical Society
https://www.txsgs.org/featured-events/tigr-2021/

Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG)
https://www.slig.ugagenealogy.org/

Legacy Family Tree Webinars by J. Mark Lowe
https://familytreewebinars.com/speaker/mark-lowe/

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Frazine Taylor, Professional Genealogist

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:00:00 -0500

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This week Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Frazine Taylor, a professional genealogist, who specializes in records and research of enslaved and freed individuals in Alabama. She is the author of Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama: A Resource Guide, which is currently being updated to a second edition.

She has worked with numerous organizations, including serving time in the Peace Corps, and speaks to what it means to be a member of genealogical societies, and how she has worked as an advocate to promote Black voices in the genealogy community.

Frazine is also a co-founder of Beyond Kin (https://beyondkin.org/), which works to help redefine the roles of family, and help make space for individuals who have roles outside of their relationships through DNA, as well as aid in crowd-sourcing help for record research, and finding ancestors.

A Conversation with Dr. Malcolm Wardlaw

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 18:00:00 -0500

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This week, Kenyatta D. Berry is joined by Dr. Malcolm Wardlaw, from the University of Georgia.

Dr. Wardlaw has been working closely with colleague Virginia Traweek in researching the Freedman's Savings Bank and Trust Company. Their work has been substantial to the genealogy community in that they have helped revitalize critical records, as well as looking into why this bank failed, and what that means for the descendants of those who used it. The bank itself was meant for those who had been recently enslaved to hold savings accounts and establish banking practices.

This project is pivotal in finding out more about how financial records can help your genealogy work, even if not involved with the Freedman's Savings Bank, as well as helps shine a light on the stories of those who lost money in the bank, and how famous Americans helped contribute to trying to save it.

More information about the project can be found at this link, and you can find out more about Dr. Wardlaw on his website, and his associate Virginia Traweek, by clicking here.

The music for this podcast, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Kelvin Meyers, Forensic Genealogist

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 18:00:00 -0400

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This week, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, is joined by Kelvin Meyers, a forensic genealogist.

Kelvin tells Kenyatta was a forensic genealogist does, along with examples of how he does his research, as well as how he got started as a forensic genealogist.

Find out more about Kelvin and his work by clicking here.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains conversations on sexual assault and incest, please be advised.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, Author, Genealogist, and Current President of BCG

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:00:00 -0400

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In this episode, Kenyatta D. Berry, author and host of The Genealogy Roadshow, is joined by author, professional genealogist, and current president of The Board for Certification for Genealogists (BCG), LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson.

LaBrenda and Kenyatta discuss not only LaBrenda's career, but also what is required to become a board-certified genealogist. She outlines the process and gives some behind-the-scenes glimpses into BCG's work. They also discuss the lineage association Sons & Daughters of the U.S.. mIddle Passage and what it means to find a community in those whose ancestors had been enslaved.

LaBrenda also talks about her book A Guide to Researching African American Ancestors in Laurens County, South Carolina, and how her work can help you, too, no matter what state you live in.

You can visit LaBrenda's website here: https://www.labgarrettgenealogy.com/

Purchase her book here: https://amzn.to/2X9Fncr

And find her on Twitter, and on Facebook.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

Please note that link clicks to Amazon.com may contain an affiliate referral, which may earn Kenyatta a referral commission.

A Conversation with Author and Historian James R. Morgan III

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 19:00:00 -0400

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This week Kenyatta D. Berry, author, and host of The Genealogy Roadshow is joined by James R. Morgan III.

James is a fascinating individual and has many accolades under his belt: historian, genealogist, and award-winning author of The Lost Empire: Black Freemasonry in the Old West. James is also a Prince Hall Freemason, and Honorary Fellow and Life Member of the Phylaxis Research Society. James has worked to bring awareness to forgotten Black stories, as well as working through his own family history.

In this episode, James and Kenyatta discuss what being a Prince Hall Freemason means, how he works as a historian, and his current dedication to working to find headstones and bring respect to a Black cemetery that was desecrated.

Find out more about James on his website, here: https://jamesrmorgan.com/ or on his Twitter.

You can purchase his book here: https://amzn.to/3oiM6vR

A Conversation with House Historian Betsy J. Green

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0400

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Kenyatta D. Berry, host of The Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, is joined by author and house historian Betsy J. Green.

The two talk about Betsy's work as a Writer and Editor, as well as her work as a House Historian, which involves her researching and evaluating properties to submit for historical preservation.

Betsy shares some "war stories," about how difficult research items have led to major discoveries and beautiful stories about homes. She also provides tips and tricks for working on your own house history, as well as a ghost story or two.

Find out more about Betsy at her website, here: betsyjgreen.com

Read her newspaper column here: www.independent.com/category/real-estate/the-great-house-detective/

Purchase her book, Discovering the History of Your House by clicking here or see her Way Back When series by clicking here.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

Please note that link clicks to Amazon.com may contain an affiliate referral, which may earn Kenyatta a referral commission.

A Conversation with Bernice Bennett

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -0400

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Join Kenyatta D. Berry, author and host of The Genealogy Roadshow as she's joined by Bernice Bennett. Bernice is a professional genealogist with two books under her belt, who has won numerous awards for her work. Bernice hosts her own podcast on genealogy (though it is being retired) and her work ranges from tracing her own family history in South Carolina, all the way to her work with African American homesteaders.

Listen to Bernice's podcast here: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bernicebennett

Purchase "Tracing Their Steps: A Memoir" here: https://amzn.to/3DDYonK

Purchase "Our Ancestors, Our Stories," here: https://amzn.to/3DBIYQF

And visit Bernice's website here: http://geniebroots.com/

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

Please note that link clicks to Amazon.com may contain an affiliate referral, which may earn Kenyatta a referral commission.

A Conversation with Lori Erickson, author of "The Soul of the Family Tree"

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:00:00 -0400

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Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and former host of The Genealogy Roadshow is joined by author Lori Erickson, whose new book, "The Soul of the Family Tree" releases on Amazon on August 24 (be sure to order it by clicking here).

In this episode, Lori discusses multiple topics, including how to cultivate a writing practice within your genealogy work, what travel looks like when it's travel versus a pilgrimage to where your ancestors lived, or other important places in your life. Lori also shares her feeling on spiritual ancestry and how sometimes we can be connected to someone, without being related to them genetically.

You can find Lori Erickson on her website at https://lorierickson.net/, or on Facebook with the handle @LoriEricksonAuthor.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

Please note that link clicks to Amazon.com may contain an affiliate referral, which may earn Kenyatta a referral commission.

A Conversation with Renée Carl, Professional Genealogist and Advocate

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0400

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Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and former host of The Genealogy Roadshow is joined by professional genealogist Renée Carl, who not only works with ancestry but has been at the forefront for keeping records accessible to all populations and has taken the fight to Washington, D.C.

In this episode, she discusses how records are threatened, what it means to possess those records, and how we as individuals can help. She also dives into discussing with Kenyatta how those who hold public records can be held more accountable.

You can find Renée Carl on her website easterneuropeanmutt.com and her social handles for Twitter and Instagram are easteuromutt.

If you are interested in the links mentioned in this podcast, or to find out more on how you can help in the fight for fair records, check out these links:

As Renée mentioned, the most direct way of helping is to contact your Representative and Senators and:

Tell them you want the records of the USCIS Genealogy Program, and the accompanying index, transferred to the National Archives.
Ask them to support increased funding for the National Archives. We support the request made by the National Coalition for History and the National Humanities Alliance to provide NARA with an operating budget of $433 million. The Humanities Alliance provides this tool to contact Congress about funding for NARA: https://p2a.co/sG53z3A .

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

Please note that link clicks to Amazon.com may contain an affiliate referral, which may earn Kenyatta a referral commission.

A Conversation with Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, Descendant Project Researcher at the University of Virginia

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0400

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In this episode, former Genealogy Roadshow host and author of The Family Tree Toolkit, has a conversation with Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, Descendant Project Researcher at the University of Virginia, to discuss the role and responsibilities that higher education and academia plays in acknowledging being founded on slave ownership, and institutions that were built with slave labor.

Dr. Murphy shares her work with the University of Virginia, and she and Kenyatta discuss what it's like to work with their own enslaved ancestors and how they have navigated finding records in the past.

Dr. Murphy can be found on Twitter with the handle @familytreegirl and her website is familytreegirl.com.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

Please note that link clicks to Amazon.com may contain an affiliate referral, which may earn Kenyatta a referral commission.

A Conversation with Samara Garth of Crush Sweets

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0400

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Join Kenyatta as she has a conversation with Samara Garth, owner of Crush Sweets (IG/FB: CrushSweets) about her "Black is not Bitter," product, how food is related to our families and our past, and what you can do to connect with your ancestors through cooking.

Follow Crush Sweets on IG or FB with the handle mycrushsweets.

The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Errol Somay and Greg Crawford of the Library of Virginia

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0400

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Join Kenyatta as she discusses not only records available to you, but also projects going on at the Library of Virginia to help tell the stories of enslaved individuals. She's joined by Errol Somay and Greg Crawford to discuss this pivotal work.

The music for this episode is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with the Slavery Research Group at the University of Mississippi

Wed, 12 May 2021 14:00:00 -0400

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Join Jeff Jackson, Professor of Sociology, Chuck Ross, Professor of History and African American Studies, and Jodi Skipper, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Southern Studies who formed the Slavery Research Group at the University of Mississippi as they join with Kenyatta to discuss what research can be done at universities to support an inclusive environment and equitable research into institutions built by the enslaved.

The music for this episode is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Janice Lovelace

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0400

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Join Kenyatta and Janice Lovelace, a professional genealogist, who not only has a degree in biology but who has worked as a clinical psychologist for forty years, sit down to talk about trauma and genealogy.

Janice shares tips on how to process finding enslaved ancestors and learning what they went through, and how to give space to the fact that these ancestors in particular hold a weight in our lives, one that brings wounds to the surface, but that their stories desperately need to be told. Janice also delves into advice for those who have found out that they were families of the enslaved, and what to do in that situation.

Join me for this conversation, and as always, the music is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa.

A Conversation with Thom Reed of FamilySearch.org

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 07:00:00 -0400

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Jumping Off the Cliff—From Tech to Genealogy

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0400

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In episode three of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry answers one of the most common questions she receives: how she transitioned from a career in technology and software sales to becoming a full-time professional genealogist.

After writing The Family Tree Toolkit and appearing on PBS’s Genealogy Roadshow, Berry found herself at a crossroads. With encouragement from a fellow genealogist, she made the leap from a lucrative tech career to pursue genealogy full-time.

In this episode, Berry explains how her technology and sales background continues to shape her work today — from building partnerships and marketing her services to leveraging digital tools in genealogical research.

She also discusses the realities of entering the field as a young Black genealogist, and why researching enslaved ancestors can be especially challenging. The work often involves navigating fragmented records, generational trauma, and the lasting effects of family separation during slavery. Yet Berry emphasizes that the goal of this research is ultimately reconnection, resilience, and restoring lost family histories.

Berry also highlights several meaningful research collaborations, including projects connected to:

• Nicole Hannah-Jones and the 1619 Project
• The Universities Studying Slavery consortium and research at the University of Mississippi’s Roanoke site
• A University of Pennsylvania project on Biddy Mason, the formerly enslaved woman who became a philanthropist and community leader in Los Angeles

Throughout the episode, Berry reflects on the struggles and successes that come with building a new career and offers advice for aspiring genealogists — including the importance of networking, creating content, continuing to learn, and prioritizing self-care.

Note: This episode was recorded in 2021. While the Patreon community mentioned in the episode is no longer active, you can stay connected with Kenyatta and her work through her website, newsletter, and social channels.

Gail Lukasik on White Like Her, Family Secrets, and Finding Lost Relatives

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0500

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In episode two of Conversations with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry (Genealogy Roadshow, The Family Tree Toolkit) welcomes author Gail Lukasik, whose memoir White Like Her explores race, identity, and long-hidden family history.

Lukasik shares the powerful story behind her discovery of her mother’s secret — and the 17-year vow of silence she kept before revealing the truth.

After the death of her mother, Alvera Frederick Kalina, Lukasik began investigating clues in historical records, including the 1900 Louisiana Census, which suggested that her mother may have had Black ancestry and may have been passing as white.

Her search eventually led her to appear on PBS’s Genealogy Roadshow, where research confirmed her mother’s racial identity in historical records and uncovered additional relatives she had never known.

Following the episode’s broadcast in 2015, Lukasik was contacted by newly discovered family members, leading to an emotional reunion with relatives in New Orleans.

In this conversation, Lukasik and Berry discuss:

• The emotional journey behind writing White Like Her
• Family secrets and the history of racial passing in America
• The moment genealogy confirmed her mother’s hidden past
• Reconnecting with newly discovered relatives
• Messages from readers around the world who share similar stories
• Advice for writing family history and memoir
• Her evolving understanding of mixed-race identity

Lukasik also reflects on the impact of the book, which has been featured in outlets such as The Washington Post and The Today Show, inspired a Tribeca Film Festival–winning documentary, and sparked conversations about race, family history, and identity across generations.

She also previews her next project, the gothic historical mystery The Darkness Surrounds Us.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:14 How Gail Found Genealogy Roadshow
02:49 A Family Secret and a 17-Year Vow
05:21 Writing White Like Her
06:29 Discoveries on Genealogy Roadshow
10:09 Emotional Moments During Filming
12:37 What I Would Tell My Mom Today
14:24 Messages From Readers Around the World
17:13 Advice for Writing Family History
20:15 Identity and Mixed-Race Heritage
26:23 Career Milestones and Recognition
29:07 Preview of the Next Book
31:11 Paperback Release and Events
32:48 Closing and Credits

Tracing Truth: Kenyatta D. Berry’s Journey into Genealogy

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 11:00:00 -0500

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In the very first episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, genealogist, attorney, and author Kenyatta D. Berry introduces the podcast and shares the path that led her into family history research.

Born in Detroit, Kenyatta traces her family roots back to Culpeper County, Virginia, and reflects on the experiences that shaped her curiosity about the past. Her professional journey began far from genealogy — she studied business at Michigan State University, attended law school, and built a career in early internet law and technology during the early days of the digital age.

Everything changed when she began researching the Dwelley surname for a partner. What started as a small project quickly became a passion. Kenyatta soon realized that genealogy could uncover not only family connections but also suppressed and difficult histories, particularly those involving enslaved ancestors.

She ultimately chose to focus much of her work on enslaved genealogy, a field that requires confronting painful historical records while restoring stories that were intentionally erased.

In this episode, Kenyatta also shares:

• How she transitioned from law and tech into genealogy
• The moment she realized family history could be her full-time career
• The surprising story behind “Grandma Dell,” who turned out to be Aunt Delilah Dale
• An 1880s migration story discovered in her own family line
• The emotional challenges of researching slavery and racial violence
• A powerful case from PBS’s Genealogy Roadshow that shaped her work

After filming Genealogy Roadshow and writing The Family Tree Toolkit, Kenyatta made the leap to becoming a full-time genealogist in 2017.

This conversation sets the stage for the podcast’s mission: exploring family history, confronting difficult truths, and using genealogy as a tool for understanding, healing, and historical accountability.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:44 Detroit Roots and Early Life
01:20 Studying Business at Michigan State
02:01 Law School and Internet Law Career
03:19 The Research Project That Sparked Genealogy
04:43 Choosing to Focus on Enslaved Ancestors
06:04 Becoming a Professional Genealogist (2017)
06:43 Discovering an 1880s Family Migration
08:15 The “Grandma Dell” Family Revelation
10:02 The Emotional Weight of Genealogy
10:48 A Memorable Genealogy Roadshow Case
12:42 History, Truth, and Healing
14:22 Closing