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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.

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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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

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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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 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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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. 

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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In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry sits down with Dr. Ed Ayers, a distinguished historian with a deep focus on the American South. They delve into Ed's childhood in East Tennessee, his educational journey, and his serendipitous path to becoming a historian. 

Ed shares his fascination with integrating social history to include everyday people, and his groundbreaking work on 'The Valley of the Shadow' project. They explore how technology has revolutionized historical research and discuss the impact of his tenure as President Emeritus at the University of Richmond. 

The conversation also touches on his notable books, 'In the Presence of Mine Enemies' and 'The Thin Light of Freedom,' and his latest work, 'American Visions.' The episode wraps up with Ed's insights on the intersections of genealogy and history, and his unwavering commitment to making history inclusive and accessible.

00:00 Welcome and Early Life of Dr. Ayers
01:16 Discovering a Passion for History
02:25 Becoming a Southern Historian
04:30 Leadership at the University of Richmond
05:15 Achievements and Challenges in Academic Leadership
06:54 Innovative Initiatives at the University of Richmond
12:23 Receiving the National Humanities Medal
14:09 The Valley of the Shadow Project
16:39 Writing the Civil War and Reconstruction
28:26 Award-Winning Works and Civil War Interest
29:03 The Writing Process: Challenges and Rewards
33:18 The Emotional Impact of Genealogy
36:41 Exploring 'American Visions'
45:12 Integrating Technology with History
52:32 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Historians and Genealogists

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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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.

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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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.

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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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.

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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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.

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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 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. 

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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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.

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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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. 

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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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. 

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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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, Dem

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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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. 

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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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. 

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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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.

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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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. 

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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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 

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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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. 

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.

.

Send us a text

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.

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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Send us a text

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.

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.

.

Send us a text

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. 

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.

.

Send us a text

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!. 

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.

.

Send us a text

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/

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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