Slavery is still legal in the United States. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution reads:

"Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

 

FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)

Since the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Act of 2004 was passed, most states are moving towards a "closed record" state. What that means to genealogists is that some states will not allow full copies of birth, death and marriage records unless your name is on said record or unless the record is at least 100 years old. For the African American genealogist, this only compounds our often difficult task of researching family lineage. It is important that we have security measures in place to prevent identity theft and to protect the privacy of others. It is equally important to resist the temptation to live in fear and paranoia. Please send notes to your elected state and federal representatives expressing your concern about this provision.