Honoring 10 Million Lives: The Names Project Revealed

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Documenting Ancestors
3. The 10 Million Names Project: A Groundbreaking Initiative
4. The History of Slavery in the United States
5. The Challenges of Tracing African American Genealogy
6. The Brick Wall of 1870: Breaking Through to Pre-Emancipation Records
7. American Ancestors: Creating an Online Repository
8. Georgetown Memory Project: Tracing Ancestors Sold by Georgetown University
9. Lynn Nehemiah's Personal Connection to Georgetown
10. Partnering with the National Association of Black Journalists
11. Uncovering Fact-Based Information through the 10 Million Names Project
12. How You Can Contribute to the Project
13. Conclusion

10 Million Names: Documenting the Lives of Enslaved Africans and African Americans

Introduction

Many of our ancestors lived and died without any record to show they even existed. Just like us, they had hopes, dreams, and names. This article explores a groundbreaking initiative called the 10 Million Names Project, which aims to identify our ten million enslaved African and African American ancestors by their given names. By delving into the history of slavery in the United States and the challenges of genealogical research, this project seeks to create an online repository that documents the family history of enslaved Africans and African Americans. Join us on this journey as we unravel the stories of our past.

The Importance of Documenting Ancestors

Before we dive into the 10 Million Names Project, it's crucial to understand the importance of documenting our ancestors. Many African and African American individuals struggle to trace their family history beyond the 1870 census, which is often referred to as the "brick wall." By documenting the lives of enslaved individuals, we can rediscover their connections to other people and gain a deeper understanding of our familial roots.

The 10 Million Names Project: A Groundbreaking Initiative

The 10 Million Names Project is an ambitious endeavor that aims to connect the approximately 40 to 42 million Black individuals in the United States today with their enslaved ancestors. Spearheaded by American Ancestors, this collaborative project brings together Black scholars, genealogy groups, and individuals to create an online repository. This repository will serve as a comprehensive database containing the documented family histories of enslaved Africans and African Americans, providing a wealth of information for researchers and individuals seeking to uncover their own family's story.

The History of Slavery in the United States

Before we delve into the details of the 10 Million Names Project, it's essential to acknowledge the history of slavery in the United States. By 1865, ten million Africans and African Americans had been enslaved in the country. These individuals were treated as property and were listed as part of their enslavers' household inventory. The cruel reality is that our ancestors were listed alongside livestock, devoid of the basic recognition of their humanity.

The Challenges of Tracing African American Genealogy

Tracing African American genealogy poses unique challenges due to the legacy of slavery. The pre-Emancipation era presents a significant obstacle to genealogical research, as records prior to the 1870 census are scarce. This period is often referred to as the "brick wall" for many researchers. However, historians and genealogists continue to uncover names and records predating 1870, shedding light on the lives of our enslaved ancestors.

The Brick Wall of 1870: Breaking Through to Pre-Emancipation Records

The 1870 census marked a significant turning point for African American genealogy. It was the first federal census that documented a substantial number of African Americans by name. However, the 10 Million Names Project aims to go beyond 1870 and trace back further to connect enslaved individuals to their families and communities. Historians and genealogists have already discovered names and details predating this pivotal year, offering an exciting glimpse into our history.

American Ancestors: Creating an Online Repository

One of the main driving forces behind the 10 Million Names Project is American Ancestors—a revered institution dedicated to genealogical research. With this project, American Ancestors aims to create an online repository that consolidates the documented family history of enslaved Africans and African Americans. This repository will not only provide a comprehensive resource for researchers but also allow individuals to explore their own ancestral connections.

Georgetown Memory Project: Tracing Ancestors Sold by Georgetown University

The 10 Million Names Project is not limited to individual genealogical research. It also includes initiatives like the Georgetown Memory Project, which traces ancestors sold by Georgetown University in 1838. The project has successfully identified 236 enslaved individuals and more than ten thousand of their direct descendants. By shedding light on the university's role in slavery and connecting descendants to their ancestors, this project provides personal narratives that go beyond mere statistics.

Lynn Nehemiah's Personal Connection to Georgetown

One of the project's success stories is Lynn Nehemiah, whose DNA test led her to discover her ancestors' connections to Georgetown. Nehemiah's deep dive into her family history unlocked a rich tapestry dating back 400 years. This personal connection to Georgetown allowed Nehemiah to realize the profound significance of her family's role in shaping the country's history. It's these personal connections that make the 10 Million Names Project so impactful.

Partnering with the National Association of Black Journalists

To ensure widespread awareness and collaboration, American Ancestors partnered with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). By working together with journalists like Dorothy Tucker, the president of NABJ, the project expands its reach and engages individuals from diverse backgrounds. Anyone who possesses letters, diaries, or account books related to slavery is encouraged to come forward and contribute, as each piece of information is vital to completing the larger puzzle.

Uncovering Fact-Based Information through the 10 Million Names Project

The 10 Million Names Project seeks not only to document individual ancestors but also to uncover fact-based information that contributes to a broader understanding of slavery and its effects on society. By collecting and analyzing data from various sources, the project aims to provide a deeper and more contextual perspective on the lives of enslaved Africans and African Americans. This comprehensive approach ensures that the project not only serves as a genealogical resource but also as a valuable tool for historical research.

How You Can Contribute to the Project

The success of the 10 Million Names Project relies on the collective effort of individuals across the nation. If you possess any historical documents or information related to slavery, American Ancestors encourages you to reach out and contribute to the project. Whether you are Black or white, every piece of information plays a crucial role in reconstructing the lives of our ancestors. Together, we can expand the collective knowledge of our shared history.

Conclusion

The 10 Million Names Project represents a remarkable collaboration between historians, genealogists, researchers, and individuals who share a common goal—to uncover and document the lives of our enslaved ancestors. With an online repository curated by American Ancestors, this project provides a platform for researchers and individuals to explore their family history and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of slavery on our society. By valuing and acknowledging the lives of our ten million ancestors, we take a significant step towards preserving our collective heritage for future generations.