• The Center for African American Genealogical Research, Inc.
  • the first peoples

     

    The history of Africans in the Western world usually begins with a story of enslavement but time and space being what it is, we know there are Other truths to the stories we have been told.

     

  • African DNA

     

    Since 2007, CAAGRI has been at the forefront of collecting DNA samples from the Motherland to assist the Diaspora with finding their lost relatives, scientifically.

     

  • the diaspora

     

    Contrary to what it is we think we know, the African Diaspora exists in every industrialized nation.

     

How to...

research the diaspora

  • databases

    Access to sources of information can be costly. We have complied a list of FREE online databases to help you on your journey.

  • Books to read

    I.AM.ARAPI. is a true story about three African families and their story of enslavement until 1945. Your can read chapter excerpts here.

     

    Credible sources are important to understanding the public policies that affect people of African descent, globally. Distinguishing between bias, and conspiracy takes some work, but there are a sea of responsible scholars who have studied and written about the diaspora over the last 50 years.

  • writing

    Writing your personal family story or writing about new information you have discovered while tracing your family history is important to ensuring that the story is never forgotten. We've put together a short guide to help you begin writing the story of your lifetime.

Years Dislocated
million victims
identities reclaimed
stories told

What makes us the same, makes us different

cultural zones

seeing sameness

In the Americas, African descended people perform the same or modified traditions without knowing how we came to know these rites. The footprints of enslavement were created to disassociate ancient practices amongst the kidnapped to discourage a longing for home. In Africa. Where we came from. Each African kingdom had its own customs, language and history, so knowing what those unique characteristics are, gives clues to where we came from.

Expand your

knowledge base

  • Remember their names

    A small tribute to honor the memory and legacy of early pioneers who may not have been as notable as others whose names are well known.

  • maps

    Tracing the diaspora requires maps. This resoure discusses the idea of mapping and provides free resources and tools for you to add to your research project.

  • unclaimed property

    Did you know if your state has money in the bank with your name on it? Check here for more information on how to reclaim your money!