African-American Genealogy Seminar

The 15th Annual African-American Genealogy Seminar is thrilled to announce the keynote speaker will be Nicka Smith, the brilliant, dynamic, and energetic host of Black ProGen Live! Nicka has appeared on The Today Show and Who Do You Think You Are? She was featured in Forbes, The Undefeated, and Oakland Tribune. Nicka has presented at Roots Tech, MAAGI, the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree, and numerous seminars from coast to coast. She is a world traveler with extended stays in Benin and Cameroon.

Nicka is a professional photographer, speaker, host, and documentarian with more than 20 years of experience as a genealogist. She has extensive experience in African-ancestored genealogy, reverse genealogy, and family reunion planning and execution. She is also an expert in genealogical research in the Northeastern Louisiana area, sharing genealogy with youth, documenting the ancestral journey, and employing the use of new technology in genealogy and family history research.

Assembly member Dr. Shirley Weber from District 79 will be the morning speaker. Dr. Weber became a professor at San Diego State University (SDSU) at the age of 23 and taught at California State University at Los Angeles and Los Angeles City College. Dr. Weber has lectured throughout the United States, Caribbean, and Africa.

In addition to one-on-one research assistance in the library, there will be classes on DNA, Beginning Genealogy, Military Records, and more. The seminar is pleased to present new classes on African-American Death and Burial Traditions, Tuskegee Airmen, Using the FamilySearch Catalog for African-American Research, Researching African Americans in California Archives, and How to Store and Preserve Family Records.

Rufus Chalmers, a highly gifted and talented artist, will display his beautiful artwork. Exhibits include quilts, black dolls, African Americans in the arts, Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, and more.