Mississippi to Africa
captures Collier's 14-year journey in excavating the buried history of his
maternal grandmother's family -- a journey that took him back seven
generations, from northern Mississippi to the Piedmont hills of
South Carolina, and even back to a specific people and region in West Africa where his
ancestry undoubtedly began. Trekking the paths of his ancestors
and their displaced relatives before Emancipation (1863), this
emotion-filled journey traversed down an intricate paper trail of
federal, state, and local records, other public records,
and oral histories, presented in a narrative style to inspire,
entice, and propel readers into the fascinating world of
genealogy and historical discoveries. Collier also uncovered
the ways in which his ancestors ingeniously retained aspects of
their African heritage. DNA technology confirmed
his research findings and verified ancestral ties.
Mississippi to Africa
is not just a how-to book to trace family histories. It's not
just another story about the history of an African-American family.
Rather, it's simply a unique story that chronicles a history-uncovering
journey that unearthed captivating and heart-breaking discoveries
and surprising connections. Many "roots-digging" tips and
techniques can be gained along
the way.
Melvin appeared as one
of the
expert genealogists on
the Spike Lee episode of
Who Do You Think You Are
on NBC that aired on April 30, 2010. This episode highlighted Spike Lee's search for his ancestry
in Georgia. Click
HERE to see that episode online.
In Mississippi to Africa, A
Journey of Discovery,
you will follow a roots-tracing journey of discovery that
faced:
•
The Great Black Migration •
Slavery / slave-owners •
Surname changes •
Miscegenation •
Oral histories •
The
Civil War •
Family separations during slavery •
A plethora of historical records •
Slave documents •
Christianity •
DNA testing •
Trans-atlantic slave trade (Middle Passage) •
West African peoples & cultures •
AND MORE.
Gain
MUCH
Insight to Trace Your Own
History Back Generations!
By Melvin J. Collier
Foreword by
Rick Kittles, Ph.D., African DNA Pioneer
Co-founder of
African Ancestry, Inc.
