Published: 11/30/2021 3:59:44 PM
GREENFIELD — Greenfield resident Orice Jenkins will present a talk titled “Tracing Racism Through Genealogy” on Saturday, Dec. 4. Sponsored by Racial Justice Rising, the presentation will begin at 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Drawing from his own family records, Jenkins will use historical documents to highlight the effects of chattel slavery, according to a press release from Racial Justice Rising member Sherrill Hogen.
“My enslaved ancestors were only listed by name as the property of other people,” Jenkins said in the release. “Black genealogists are forced to uncover those names by searching the probate records of white families.”
Jenkins recently moved to Greenfield to be the new executive director of Musica Franklin, a free after-school music program for children ages 6 to 14. His role as a genealogy researcher and educator comes along with that of singer-songwriter, recording artist and performer.
According to the release, Jenkins’ presentation will look at the life of Albert Terrell, a man who was enslaved for 50 years on four different plantations in Georgia. DNA research unlocked the clues that showed what Terrell and his family endured.
To attend this free program, visit Racial Justice Rising’s website for the Zoom link: racialjusticerising.org/events-calendar. Racial Justice Rising’s monthly programs are supported by grants from various local cultural councils.