Genealogy

Genealogy is central to the project of this book, as Jerkins seeks to explore the interconnected nature of Black American history via genealogical connections. Jerkins establishes the groundwork for this theme by emphasizing her own personal and genealogical investment in this research. Jerkins wanted to better understand Black American genealogy not only for its sociohistorical value, but also to better understand her own heritage. Jerkins writes, “My original birth certificate indicates that my story is half missing… there was a blank spot where my father’s name should’ve been” (1). Even though Jerkins knew her father’s identity, that blank space on her birth certificate seemed to represent her lack of knowledge regarding her ancestors in general. Ultimately, Jerkins’ research is a journey not only of self-discovery, but also one of necessary scholarship on the often-neglected academic subject of Black American history.

Jerkins’ research serves in part to...