The study of African American genealogy shows that, “American printed indexes and sources omitted black entries even though the original records included them,” and that African Americans have been ignored for decades by the compilers and collectors of genealogical sources in private and public documents. Therefore, Comprehensive Genealogical Services is committed to genealogy which would give recognition to the saga of Black Ancestral Research; examines the sources and tools, researches skills and techniques required in slave genealogy; and the history of that milieu.

The Program Committee

The Program Committee has the responsibility of developing, executing and maintaining an ongoing training program in genealogical research and the recording of family history for the people of Mecklenburg County, especially African American families. It may do so through its five sub-committees, namely Genealogical Education, Computer Genealogy, Family Reunion Conference, Cemetery Work, and Information Retrievable System- (IRS). It has the responsibility for structure, process, and human resource of all programs. All sub-committees report to the program committee.

 Genealogical Education Sub-Committee

This committee has the responsibility to provide continuous genealogical education for the public. It plans, schedules and conducts genealogical workshops for beginners, intermediates and the advanced. It develops a program of free consultation to individuals, families and other non-profit organizations of Mecklenburg County engaged in research and development in African American genealogy, simply by referring all such inquiries to the genealogist in residence.

Computer Genealogy

Computer genealogy is a hands-on laboratory experience which utilizes the computer to learn genealogy, computer research and the recording of family history. It specifically targets the adult population of the African American community by teaching the fundamentals of family research with high tech tools and computer techniques.

By utilizing the computer and commercial software programs, the learner gains hands-on experience in computer research. As the program progresses, the students learn how to facilitate genealogical research, use Family Archives CD’s, integrate sophisticated  research tools into a selected program, search a growing database of genealogy sites on the Internet and the use of Genealogy. Com. A by-product of using the computer to learn genealogy is also learning how to use Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel and more.

The Family Reunion Conference

Has the responsibility of developing, scheduling and conducting a Family Reunion Conference. It focuses on HOW TO PLAN A FAMILY REUNION, HOW TO KEEP A REUNION INTACT AND, HOW TO INCORPORATE FAMILY HISTORY INYO YOUR FAMILY REUNION.

Cemetery Work Committee

Has the responsibility of developing, scheduling and conducting an Inquest Program of Slave Cemeteries in Mecklenburg County, seeking the location, restoration and preservation of the 6,541 enslaved persons buried in the county by 1860. It also provides leadership and information to any group engaged in activities of restoration and preservation. It may coalesce with any other entity engaged in cemetery work.

Information Retrieval System

IRS sub-committee provides technical support to all program sub-committees. It deals with technical information including establishing and maintaining a database, a website, other computer generated matters and activities related to publicity.

African American Family Festival

An African American Family Festival is a celebration of all that we are and do which focuses upon our history, current experiences and our destiny. It is the coming together of the whole community to review African American culture in dress, dance, food, art, information, a parade, picnicking, African dancing, lecture on genealogy, singing, drama, vendors, booths, bands and any other expressions which depict the five programmatic thrusts of Comprehensive Genealogical Services.

The Festival combines services, information and entertainment with workshops, issues forums, exhibits, etc. for constructive action. It is the conglomeration of history, art and other racial and cultural values which teach, inspire and give expression to the joy of family life. “Learning through fun and celebration is the key.” The Festival is guided by a Director, an Event Planner and the Program Committee.

A point of clarification

Often, one notes a misuse of the word “slave,” hence a point of clarification. The word slave is not a proper name. It is a derision often directed toward persons of African descent, held in servitude as chattel of another. “Enslavement” describes the condition of African “captives,” who suffered atrocities in forced labor and human indignities against their will. “Enslaved  captives” were Africans and their descendants who were brought by force and violence to the Americas for the expressed purpose of slave labor. The end result of the “Black Experience” in Africa, in middle America and continental USA was “only the strong survived.” Such was the life and struggles of African Americans who were born in enslavement but were not slaves, merely captives. Their inner strength of soul, character and mind was passed on to future generations. So the next time, try using the “enslaved” instead of “slave”; “enslavement” instead of “slavery”; and “the enslaved master” instead of “slave owner.”