Attorney Discovers Civil Rights Activist in Family History w. Nicka Sewell-Smith | Ancestry

Chicago attorney and Spelman alum, Kimberly Johnson Cook, ESQ. speaks with genealogist and family historian, Nicka Sewell-Smith. The pair discuss rare records of Cook’s 2nd great-grandfather and his legacy as an educator and civil rights activist in the 1870s. Records featured were sourced from Ancestry’s newly-digitized Freedmen’s Bureau collection, which is accessible to the public for free on their site.
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[@AncestryUS]

What records have you found using the Freedmen's Bureau collection? Search over 3.5 million records to learn more about your African American ancestors: www.ancestry.com/cs/freedmens

[@niecylanae33]

I have a passion for history and genealogy. Sounds clichè but seeing her is actually encouraging me to go for it. I am “nosey” in a way that too much knowledge regarding our history isn’t a thing

[@sheilacoulton775]

There are websites on line that are free and you may discover a lot of info on your family

[@crazzy7899]

@@sheilacoulton775 can you link some please thank you

[@AL-fl4jk]

This work is so important. A few years ago my mom did ancestry analysis as my grandmothers family was Native American and to avoid having their kids stolen and given to the residential schools, “passed” as white. It meant obliterating all trace of who they were - but once my mom found out decades later, we had a whole other family

[@elenawilliams32]

What great work this lady is doing. I'm shocked by my own ignorance as I'd never thought about not being able to trace my family history. Hopefully this information will be a positive part of healing for all those affected. Brilliant!

[@AncestryUS]

We hope you enjoyed the video, Geoffrey. Please share your family history discoveries with those closest to you.

[@big.brained.creature]

It’s sad how black people back in the day were treated so bad that it’s upsetting

[@annetteharris3746]

Thank you! This was very encouraging.

[@AncestryUS]

We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the video Annette, we wish you the very best of luck in all of your family history research!

[@nitan.857]

This is amazing. So awesome. So touching.

[@jamonnaranjo]

how this video has 1.5 mill views and 11 comments??

[@mfkowboy4122]

I love to research and the investigative part of doing my tree. Creating stories of where I came from and recently coming to learn the hard truths of my ancestors in the 1800s. Even tho its a shameful past it is still apart of history but also learned really cool things in a military aspect. I found a great grand uncle was KIA in the Korean war that none spoke of and there is an engraving of his name in Honolulu. This summer I am going to Washington DC to find his name in the DC Korean war Memorial. But what throws my off and for a loop is when the siblings are names the same as the parents esp the females. The focus I have now is finding why both my 3xgreat grandparents died on the same exact day (Jan 23rd 1866) ive gone down a rabbit hole and becoming a detective in a way. I love this alot.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for watching, and for your comment. We're glad to hear that your research and investigations have been a rewarding experience for you. We hope you enjoy your trip to DC, and we look forward to the many more discoveries you could make as you piece the puzzle together that is your family tree. We hope to hear you'll be able to work out the mystery behind your 3rd great grandparents death as well! We wish you all the best for your future detective work, and hope you have a great day too. 🕵️‍♂️

[@kellydean9373]

Amazing story.

[@biancahackett5604]

Where can I find my family history if I am from the Caribbean

[@AncestryUS]

We have a great article that has some great tips on ways to get past that brick wall in your research. You can access that here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Brick-Wall-Solutions

[@geoffreyselvage1673]

I went to XULA with a young lady named Wilma Toomer.

[@shirleyjbaker1096]

RALEIGH NC 919 👋

[@tonyelectionfraud669]

Go back farther. We must find the kangz