Events

 is a new genealogy community platform that connects Black folx to tools, support, and resources needed to uncover their family history.

Through its "Waymakers" series, kinkofa celebrates, amplifies, and uplifts Black folx shaping and preserving the culture year round — not just in February. 

First up: Kimberly Annece Henderson, a writer and curator based in New York City. After spending years researching her genealogy and discovering a unique personal family history, she was inspired to start the instagram-based curatorial project entitled, 

; which presents vintage portraiture of African American life from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Additionally, she currently facilitates digital projects for the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. And, recently curated images for the New York Times 1619 Project Book, available November 2021.

The Waymakers | Kimberly Annece Henderson of "Emaline & Them"

"What They Doin' Now?" hosted by Robyne Walker Murphy brings you the latest updates going on in these genealogy and family history streets. 

What They Doing Now? Hosted by Robyne Walker-Murphy ft. Nicka Sewell-Smith

In honor of Beyoncé's 40th birthday, we'll take a look back at the references to Black Family History and Southern Black Culture in Lemonade.

Retrospective: Beyonce's Lemonade

 team bi-weekly for a talk back on the latest episode "

" Season 2. We'll discuss how each topic intersects with the family history discovery. Catch us live on 

”, builds on Season 1 and asks the central question - “Is it genetic?!” 

Episodes in this season focus on understanding the origins of long-held beliefs about inheritance within the Black community that, in some cases, are and are not supported by genetics. 

For example, one of our favorite episodes, “Black Don’t Crack,” will explore prolonged aging and will take a deep dive into the “fountain of youth” using a genetic lens. Additional episodes will cover the genetics of rhythm, athleticism, and body shape while simultaneously learning the history of how these traits became racialized.

In Our DNA

The Lowdown: 2021 Wrapped + What's Next?

Join Tuesday evening (10/18) as we learn more about our matches aka "DNA cousins" in the African Diaspora Reunification Project.

The African Diaspora Reunification Project is a collaborative, community-centered effort to uncover shared ancestry and kinship. Using genetic genealogy, we actively work together to reconnect Black families separated by enslavement, separation and migration.

Learn more and request to join the project, here: 

What's Up, Cuz? | African Diaspora Reunification Project

In the decades following Emancipation, our ancestors searched for loved ones they were separated from during slavery. Many took out 

 ads in newspapers across the country. Lacking present-day technologies, the reunions were few. 

 is reconnecting the descendants of formerly enslaved African Americans with their relatives - actualizing the dreams of our ancestors.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we're hosting Jubilee Week!

It's is a time to reflect, celebrate, and honor the spirit of Juneteenth.

Jubilee Week 2022

What's Up Cuz?! 

 for a walking tour highlighting the unique contributions and under told stories of African American creatives and entrepreneurs in Austin’s history.

This walking tour takes us on a journey from the beginnings of Austin's Black community through present-day. Throughout our one-mile walk, we’ll visit historic sites in the epicenter of the African American Enclave and hear family stories from native Austinite Dr. Javier Wallace (founder, Black Austin Tours).

You’ll learn about The City of Austin's 1928 Master Plan, creation of the "Negro District", and how Black-owned businesses in East Austin thrived despite the ugliness of Jim Crow segregation. As we walk, Javier will also share stories of family members who played a key role in shaping Austin into the arts, culture, and business hub it is today.

 for a delicious meal and conversation with Javier's uncle, Mr. 

. Homer is a serial entrepreneur, community leader, and the one of the founders of Austin's annual Urban Music Festival.

Meeting location will be shared with guests 24 hours before the tour begins.

Dr. Javier Wallace is a Native Austinite with deep roots in the state. My family has been in the Austin area for almost 200 years. We arrived here as enslaved African people when Texas was still a part of Mexico in the 1820s. My father came to Austin in the 1970s on an athletic scholarship from The Republic of Panama. His love for history and community led him to create Black Austin Tours.

Founded by Jourdan Brunson and Tameshia Rudd-Ridge,

 is on a mission to reconnect millions of Black families and enhance the public’s understanding of Black Americans contributions to history. Its digital family history platform helps Black folx fill in the gaps in their family trees, preserve their unique origin stories, and reclaim the lost legacies of their ancestors.