I contend my personal brush with genealogy and history have helped me to become a wiser and more fulfilled individual. As far back as human history goes, and among all known tribes, cultures, and civilizations there has been an urge to record who, what, where, when, and how. Whether this legacy was oral or written, it exists. African American genealogy is a part of this human urge. In reality this forms the basis of humankind socialization and civilization.
Genealogy is America's fastest-growing hobby.
Its converts and advocates have literally doubled every year during the last decade and the growth trend is not letting up. The American slave system placed a peculiar burden on African Americans yet the growth of the hobby has been even more spectacular among us. Among African Americans it is estimated that more than one percent of our thirty-six million are engaged in some form of searching for family roots and ancestors. This equals three hundred sixty thousand, which is probably a conservative number. The Internet and computers have had revolutionary impacts on genealogy.