The search for our roots has led many people to DNA websites like Ancestry.com and 23andMe. Those sites can tell you something about your genetic makeup, but they’re no substitute for digging into old-fashioned records.

Unfortunately, for many Black Americans, public records research can prove challenging — a fact addressed in the upcoming Trace Your Roots: An African-American Genealogy event at OneStop Centerville in Snellville.

The free event will teach you what to do when you find incomplete records — or none at all — and how to overcome these and other hurdles.

“Learn how to overcome the challenges of tracing African American genealogy and discover your family history, by using the tools available through free library genealogy databases — including Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest,” the event’s website states.

Organizers recommend registration, since the program will be held in the community room at OneStop, which is in the same building as the Centerville library branch.


IF YOU GO

Trace Your Roots: An African-American Genealogy

2-3 p.m., Saturday, February 25

OneStop Centerville: 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville, GA 30039

Phone: 770-978-5154

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com