Black Genealogy Research Group

09/10/2026

Please join us for our September 12th virtual meeting. Our presenter will be Anastasia Short discussing a new Genealogy Platform.

Join BGRG and Anastasia Short of Phoenix Labs Global for a demonstration of an innovative technology platform, Diaspora Identity Reconstruction Program (DIRP™), which is designed to support genealogy research and help people of African descent reconstruct their family histories. This is a great opportunity to learn about and offer insight on a new resource.

Bio
Anastasia Short is Chairman of Phoenix Labs Global, a global technology, research, and institutional innovation enterprise. Phoenix Labs Global develops advanced systems at the intersection of artificial intelligence, historical intelligence, healthcare, food security, and humanitarian development. Short believes the world’s most consequential challenges require more than isolated applications - they require intelligent systems capable of connecting people, institutions, evidence, geography, and action across borders.

BGRG of Seattle is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Seattle BGRG Meeting
Time: Sep 12, 2026 10:45 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the First Sat, until Nov 7, 2026, 3 occurrence(s)
Changed occurrence(s):
Sep 12, 2026 10:45 AM (updated)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZAocOurpz4uHtQbZNiyrs7wXuXrdqv7coYm/ics?icsToken=DNcFkcOn1Gw7hEfIRgAALAAAABXTETZkY2EZNSvnXoiR3m7WIVz9GmCzO8WYPvaXWjRJ1tNm8-4FBVVDdFW4AOtd2HPumUdMoNMyWFsT5DAwMDAwMg&meetingMasterEventId=KGxGs038RoamATvcm4gs-A
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Meeting ID: 845 7239 5440
Passcode: 109993

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07/28/2026

August 1, 2026 at 10:45am

Family and Legacy Curators
Creating a shared history is a collaborative process spanning disciplines, from storytelling to genealogy, archives and beyond. Our presenter, Ryan Anthony Donaldson, will share strategies and insights from his participation in the Donaldson Family Research Group. He will cover documenting the history of his family's migration from the deep South to become part of the Roslyn Black Pioneers. He will also draw from a variety of family legacy projects for further parallels.

Bio
Ryan Anthony Donaldson, MA, CA (he/him/His) is a senior archives manager and consultant with extensive experience working with companies, private families, non-profits and cultural institutions. His family, the Donaldsons, are part of the Roslyn Black Pioneers, and he serves on the Dr. James and Janie Rogella Washington Cultural Center Board.

BGRG of Seattle is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Seattle BGRG Meeting
Time: Aug 1, 2026 10:45 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84572395440?pwd=OguMBQbfK3baMKCAbIuy8v2KaJBka5.1

Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/84572395440

Meeting ID: 845 7239 5440
Passcode: 109993
August

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05/30/2026

On Saturday, June 6th, WE ARE MEETING IN-PERSON!
This will be a time for us to gather, meet others who are interested in Black family history/genealogy and learn from each other.

After a welcome, we will have a short presentation on Recording Family Interviews -- Using the StoryCorps App. Our presenters, William Butler and Tom S. Brown will facilitate practice time to help you get comfortable with this new skill. Prior to our meeting, please download the StoryCorps App on your cell phone.

You will also have the option to meet with others to ask questions and share our collective genealogy research knowledge.

Black Genealogy Cafe - Recording Family Interviews
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Location: Skyway Library, Meeting Room
12601 76th Ave. S., Seattle 98178

Please use this link to register and let-us know you are coming:

Join the members of the Black Genealogy Research Group of Seattle and learn how to use your cell phone for interviewing and recording your family stories. One-to-one help on your genealogy journey is provided in a friendly space. Light refreshments provided. Please bring your questions, laptop or ta...

04/29/2026

Join us on Saturday May 2, 2026 for a BGRG presentation:
Breathing Life into Ancestral Stories: Using Social History in Genealogical Research
Presenter: Robyn N. Smith, Genealogist

What more can you learn about your ancestor’s lives beyond names, dates and places? How can you uncover more about their social history and their communities? In this presentation, learn how to find the details that make their stories come alive.

Bio
Robyn Smith has been researching her family and others for over twenty-five years. She specializes in court and land records, genealogy skill building and slavery research. A respected speaker in the field, Robyn has taught widely at genealogy conferences, for genealogical societies across the U.S. and for institutions such as the Maryland State Archives, the National Archives (Atlanta), RootsTech 2025 and the Smithsonian African American Museum.

BGRG of Seattle is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Seattle BGRG Meeting
Time: May 2, 2026,11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 815 8050 6499
Passcode: 944972

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03/27/2026

Please join us on Saturday April 4 2026 for a BGRG presentation on The Civil Rights Movement and the Journey “Home”.
“Home is where the heart is….” But what if ancestrally the heart has been in many places?
Our presenter, Carol Ross, born and raised in the Northeast and with deep Southern roots, will share highlights of “Echoes of the Movement,” her 9-day Civil Rights Bus Tour through six Southern states. As she journeys to historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement, learn how the movement informs her story of identity and what it means to return “home.”

Additionally, you are invited to share your story and imagine your family's story during the period surrounding the historic Civil Rights Movement. What is your earliest recollection? Where were your people and what were the challenges, influences or contributions?

BGRG of Seattle is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Seattle BGRG Meeting
Time: Saturday April 4, 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83865763796?pwd=3bULS5bFxWM8UrV5IdleIPMNGtfcbD.1

Meeting ID: 838 6576 3796
Passcode: 626133

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03/05/2026

As requested by our members, we are meeting in-person two times in 2026! On Saturday, March 7th at 1:00 to 3:00, WE ARE MEETING IN-PERSON!
This will be a time for us to gather, meet others who are interested in Black family history/genealogy and learn from each other.

After a welcome and greetings, we will have a short presentation on Organizing Your Photo Collection followed by one-to-one or small group support on your research. BGRG volunteers will facilitate the help session.

Please use this link to register and let-us know you are coming: https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/695d724a94297d3600a3a1a8

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Location: Skyway Library, Meeting Room
12601 76th Ave. S., Seattle 98178

Please bring a laptop or tablet, your research materials, questions to ask and tips to share.
Light refreshments and drinks will be served.
We hope to see you there!

How can I preserve my family history? Who are my people? Join members of the Black Genealogy Research Group of Seattle and find out! Learn basic family history skills and get one-to-one help on your genealogy journey in a friendly space. March topic: Photo Storage and Organizing Tips - Sort, curate....

02/02/2026

Join Seattle BGRG and celebrate Black History Month on Saturday, February 7th.

Three Door Prizes will be awarded! (Must be present on Zoom to win!)

"Celebrating Deep Roots in Your Family Tree"
Guest Speakers: Tom S. Brown and Gary Wyatt (Lytle Cousins)
Tom and Gary will share the inspiring story of how they found each other and connected branches of their family. They will also discuss their approaches to contacting descendants of enslavers and the tool they use to track their ancestors' history.

Bio – Tom and Gary met over Zoom during COVID and finally met face-to-face at their Lytle Family Reunion near Asheboro, North Caroline in 2023. They continue to nurture their familial bond and learn more about the common history they share.

BGRG of Seattle is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Seattle BGRG Meeting
Time:11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83865763796?pwd=3bULS5bFxWM8UrV5IdleIPMNGtfcbD.1

Meeting ID: 838 6576 3796
Passcode: 626133

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12/31/2025

Please join us on Saturday, January 10th for our first meeting of 2026. In spite of the challenges thrown our way this year, we are still standing strong! As Black Family Historians, we continue to discover, document and share our stories with the next generations. At our January meeting, we will take time to CELEBRATE our individual achievements, SHARE our genealogy intentions for 2026 and ENJOY some exciting news for BGRG! Be sure to attend and invite a friend!

BGRG of Seattle is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Seattle BGRG Meeting
Time: Jan 10, 2026 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83865763796?pwd=3bULS5bFxWM8UrV5IdleIPMNGtfcbD.1

Meeting ID: 838 6576 3796
Passcode: 626133

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

10/27/2025

Hello BGRG Members and Friends

Please join the Black Genealogy Research Group (BGRG) on Saturday November 1st for our annual meeting. We have had an amazing year! Together let's celebrate our successes, show gratitude for our community and share our personal family history accomplishments.

We will dedicate time at the meeting to discuss the leadership and volunteer needs of BGRG. As we head into 2026, BGRG and our community needs your time, talents and support. Black Family History is America's Story Too!
This is our last meeting for 2025 – Be part of the joy and journey!

BGRG of Seattle is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting..

Topic:: Seattle BGRG Meeting
Time: Nov 1, 2025 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83865763796?pwd=3bULS5bFxWM8UrV5IdleIPMNGtfcbD.1

Meeting ID: 838 6576 3796
Passcode: 626133

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10/01/2025

October 2025 - This is a quick reminder that spaces for our annual Black Family Heritage Celebration are filling up quickly. We have a wonderful group of presenters. Below is a summary of the sessions. Hope to see you there.
Here is the link for registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-family-heritage-celebration-2025-tickets-1717175731839?aff=oddtdtcreator

Keynote Presentation

Seeing with Other Eyes by Esther Mumford, Historian
Drawing on her life's work as a researcher, lecturer, consultant, author, curator and small press partner, Esther will share insights which began with her experience conducting oral history interviews of elderly Seattle African Americans in the mid-1970's.

Kick off Family History Month with us! Celebrate Black Families, Legacy and Joy! Every family has a story. Discover yours.