Finding Your Roots -- The Root's Guide to Genealogy

Research Black Family History State by State

Local archives and libraries are great resources for African-American genealogy research.

How to Research Your Family Tree

Getting started with genealogical research isn't as intimidating as it may seem. Curiosity about your heritage is your most important tool.

Explore Your Ancestry: Best No-Cost Sites

African Americans can do a surprising amount of online genealogical research at no cost.

Revealing Roots: Chris Rock Uncovers the Ancestral Source of His Drive

In this excerpt from African-American Lives, the comic is moved to tears when he learns about an ancestor who fought for the freedom of other slaves and, against terrible odds, became a state legislator at age 24.

Poet Elizabeth Alexander Explores Family History

Rewind: In an episode of Faces of America that aired on PBS in 2010, the poet talks about her grandfather's immigration from Jamaica to Harlem, N.Y., and how he influenced his community.