Rooted in Memory Summer Workshop Series: Genealogy with Christopher Smothers

The SGA Summer Workshop Series: Rooted in Memory highlights the value of Archives and Preservation in Black communities.  This 5-month series highlights the importance of preservation from knowledge production at the level of the body to institutional repositories.  These workshops center work of HBCU archives, archivists, and Black Memory Work(ers) and will take place during the Summer and Fall quarters of this year and will be open to the public.

Workshop: Exploring Memory: Preservation and Community Engagement using Genealogy with Christopher Smothers

Description: In this interactive workshop, we will delve into the concept of preservation and its personal significance. Through guided discussions and introspective exercises, we will explore different approaches to preserving memory and reflect on our individual practices. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from one another, and gain insights into integrating community engagement into their preservation and genealogical efforts. We will also discuss practical tips for collaborating with institutions and maximizing the impact of our preservation work.

A passionate genealogist and history educator, Christopher, has always been interested in the stories of his ancestors and the experiences of minorities in America. At the age of 12, he began exploring his ancestry and learned how to conduct genealogical research. As he studied various nationalities, his fascination with family history deepened, and he became dedicated to serving others who were interested in learning about their own roots. In January of 2018, Christopher founded Unearthing Your Roots, Inc., a company that provides professional genealogical services to clients. Christopher is a recent graduate of Clark Atlanta University and currently teaches American history to 10-12th graders in Charlotte, North Carolina.