Ever since Alex Haley's Roots was published, and subsequently developed into a television mini-series, African Americans have been eager to trace their family histories.  In February, Simon & Schuster released a new guide to black genealogy, authored by noted genealogist, Tony Burroughs.  The guide is entitled, Black Roots: A Beginners Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree. 

Burroughs is a leading African American professional genealogist who has traced two family lines back a total of seven generations.  He is one of a handful of Americans who can trace ancestors to nearly every major military conflict the United States has engaged in since its independence, beginning with the War of 1812 and ending with the Vietnam Conflict. Burroughs' personal journey has garnered him a wealth of knowledge and international acclaim.  Burroughs not only teaches genealogy at Chicago State University, but lectures on all aspects of genealogy, nationally and internationally.

Black Roots is designed specifically for beginners who have little or no experience researching family histories. Burroughs uses solid genealogical principles to guide the reader through a series of discoveries. He explains things one needs to know to begin researching ancestors.  Real case histories are presented throughout Black Roots to illustrate some the difficulties African Americans are likely to encounter.  Fortunately for the reader, Burroughs is a determined and resourceful investigator who is eager to share the many tips and solutions he has discovered along the way.  The book includes worksheets and forms to help keep discoveries in order.  It is also rich in illustrations of members of Burroughs' family.

Burroughs first developed an interest in tracing his family history after attending a college lecture given by Alex Haley in 1969.  His interest became pro-active in 1975, after reading a "how-to" book called Genealogy, which was written by the Boy Scouts of America.  It turns out Burroughs was a Boy Scout and he couldn't resist the Scouts' interest in genealogy.  From that point on, Burroughs has been interviewing relatives, meeting with experts, attending seminars and lectures, and reading countless books.  

Black Roots is a must have for anyone interested in Black Genealogy or in the pursuits of one impassioned genealogist who unlocks the mysteries to his family's past. To order your a copy of Black Roots, click on the underlined text below.

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