tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post3286341320057553389..comments2023-11-19T00:29:44.083-08:00Comments on Their Child: Roots Tech Part 2: The diversity problem and why a 99% white conference is a problem in 2014Their Childhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07827986345016626649noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-31372931163857581962014-03-21T09:39:13.030-07:002014-03-21T09:39:13.030-07:00Excellent post Elon! And thanks to George Geder fo...Excellent post Elon! And thanks to George Geder for linking your post on Google+ (I came late to reading it but George always directs my attention to important posts). <br /><br />I agree with your concerns about the lack of diversity at what is billed as the largest genealogical conference in the world (I also have concerns about that billing). The look and feel of a conference is dictated by the people who plan for it and put it together - instead of or in addition to a call for papers - oftentimes not seen in time by many who are not "in the know" - the program coordinator needs to actively encourage speakers and topics from a variety of disciplines. <br /><br />I know that SLIG has tracks for its educational offerings - I have not checked but wonder if there is or has been an African-American, Native-American, Hispanic or Asian track at SLIG. If we are studying genealogy and family history, these diverse tracks should be important to all of us because at some point in any family's life, paths cross. While I might not have African or Native genes (and I don't know that without a dna test) I learn about the surrounding culture and history and am able to see where my people fit by learning more about others they may have interacted with and certainly lived among.<br /><br />Not learning about these "experiences" lessens all of our understanding of American history and World history. I wonder what the experience is like at "Who Do You Think You Are? Live" in London - how do the conference planners address the diversity that exists in England (specifically London)? Are there the same concerns/disappointments?<br /><br />Would every genealogist be well served by FamilySearch reaching out during its planning phase to address the need for more diversity and working to make sure that non-white interests are served? Why would someone come to RootsTech if there were no courses that addressed their interests or background AND they knew that they would be in such a minority attendance-wise. I know from my first experiences in attending genealogy conferences (my age, my newness to the field, and my not knowing anyone - this was a SLIG conference) I felt very out of place and excluded. I also know from traveling that it is very disconcerting to be the only or one of the few of anything - english-speaking, white, etc.<br /><br />Finally everyone should give some thought to classes and talks where they really learn something - the most fascinating on television for me have been Professor Gates' series, Vanessa Williams' and Lisa Kudrow's stories on WDYTYA (because the Civil War and post Civil War story in Vanessa's family - and how they found records - was eye-opening; and the holocaust experience and issues with records for Lisa's family was riveting). We learn more about ourselves by learning more about others. We can appreciate their histories and their experiences.<br /><br />FamilySearch as host and major underwriter AND all of the major underwriters should work hard to provide a complete tapestry of the genealogy experience - one that includes all of the threads from all over the world - if they want to be the world's biggest genealogy conference.<br />Tessa Keoughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09146870113899850353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-72095382810746080452014-03-09T10:54:03.871-07:002014-03-09T10:54:03.871-07:00Elon,
First, I give you thanks and praises for yo...Elon,<br /><br />First, I give you thanks and praises for your insights, strength, courage and wisdom.<br />We elders and youth have a 'voice', in you, that is to be listened to and respected.<br /><br />Second, your reportage echos my sentiments and concerns on this very important matter. I've written numerous articles about how Black folks continue to be marginalized in the genealogy community specifically and society generally.<br />https://medium.com/p/4fccbaad2acf<br /><br />All RootsTech, Ancestry.com, FamilySearch and the rest need to do is declare that POCs are part of the equation and are to be factored in their conferences, forums and products. OR, they need to declare that POCs are NOT part of the equation and tell them to go elsewhere!<br /><br />Let's draw a line in the sand. Include us or not include us. One or the other.<br /><br />For our part, let us spend our family history research money wisely.<br />Let's develop our own products. Let's create and support our existing conferences and forums.<br /><br />Both sides have the power to effect change.<br /><br />Peace & Blessings,<br />"Guided by the Ancestors" Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-22171062251343324912014-03-08T21:01:18.850-08:002014-03-08T21:01:18.850-08:00Elon, Excellent post! Thank you for sharing your e...Elon, Excellent post! Thank you for sharing your experience and bringing light to this issue.Denise Muhammadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04029531203426898401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-31037176972912200772014-03-07T16:30:47.232-08:002014-03-07T16:30:47.232-08:00Yes there is a lack of people of color at the majo...Yes there is a lack of people of color at the major genealogy conferences-I would imagine for several reasons. That is why there is Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI, pronounced Maggie), it is offered in July in St. Louis, Mo. It is the only genealogy institute in the US specifically focused on African American genealogy research. I challenge you all to meet me in St. Louis, worth the money, hosted by a HBCU, etc. There is a scholarship opportunity as well. Here is the website-http://www.maagi-stl.org you can contact me if you have any questions-I will be there with bells on! @familytreegirlUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00114999982605327048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-17823809499722651182014-03-07T09:21:54.810-08:002014-03-07T09:21:54.810-08:00Hi Elon, Thank you for the mention! Being an LDS m...Hi Elon, Thank you for the mention! Being an LDS member, it was a hard decision not to attend RootsTech again this year. <br /><br />I am always asked by the LDS Church locally (Spartanburg) to help with an African American Workshop held during Black History Month every year on the Saturday of RootsTech. This year, I was presenting two presentations to African Americans who did not know about the free services offered by FamilySearch. I taught about the importance of gathering and preserving oral history as well. I was excited to witness the eyes of the beginners light up. It felt good knowing that I was doing something to honor my heritage on that day. If I had not made myself available, they may not have found someone to take my place. I have always felt that my time is well spent sharing the knowledge I have gained with the people who are still searching for the resources that we find commonplace.. <br /><br /> They keep me very busy all across South Carolina. I listened to the presentations streamed by RootsTech. I know that they probably where very useful for those who are at beginner and intermediate levels. Because I have access to so much information day in and day out by way of technology and genealogy, at least the streamed sessions did not really benefit me a great deal.<br /><br />I have been debating going next year, but I think your post has helped me to make my decision. I will continue to share my knowledge with those who reach out to me locally both in and outside the church and to people of all races. I really feel that I am helping to bridge the information gap both online and offline, and I cannot express to you how rewarding that is too me. <br /><br />Robin R. Fosterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10520036289307741520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-25328731429452378522014-03-06T07:57:51.722-08:002014-03-06T07:57:51.722-08:00Thanks for your comment Sandra! Yes I think there ...Thanks for your comment Sandra! Yes I think there is a lot that Roots Tech can do to be more inclusive and just be a better investment of everyone's time and money. Adding the AfAm perspective was not the only thing that was missing but it was the most glaring issue for me. I a currently working on a post about new solutions for better conferences. Thanks again for your support!Their Childhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07827986345016626649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-91259205203107170272014-03-06T07:54:18.774-08:002014-03-06T07:54:18.774-08:00Thank you J!!Thank you J!!Their Childhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07827986345016626649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-5352149387687784792014-03-06T07:53:44.600-08:002014-03-06T07:53:44.600-08:00Thank you True! And thank you for keeping the conv...Thank you True! And thank you for keeping the conversation going on Google +, Twitter and Facebook. Your voice is mach appreciatedTheir Childhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07827986345016626649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-55942312472124888642014-03-06T07:52:32.885-08:002014-03-06T07:52:32.885-08:00Hi Barbara! Informed opinions are always welcome. ...Hi Barbara! Informed opinions are always welcome. One look at the link to the lists of black genealogy societies across the country is a hint at the number of people of African descent interested in family history. There are also the Facebook pages, blogs and Linked In groups referenced in the post. From what I've heard and seen at genealogy events, presentations on African American genealogy are consistently well attended. The one session on African oral histories at Roots tech attracted about 30 people and that is to a session that was not previously advertised, and was up against at least 8 other presentations in the same time slot. Actually I think it was up against the Genetic Genealogist's session and thats pretty tough competition (I've seen her speak before and had planned on attending her session until I saw the one for Africa).<br />The fact is that these conferences are very expensive for attendees. If they cannot see personal benefits for attending, they will not attend. If the conference does not host sessions that feel inclusive, welcoming and include truly universal content and or content that speaks to minority experiences, then very few of us will attend.<br />I am now seeing several discussions popping up suggesting that minorities should host their own genealogy conferences. That has certainly been going on for decades but that is no excuse to not include us in the big genealogy events which are supposed to be for everyone. Our histories, like our bodies have been segregated, in varying degrees, since the beginning of this country. Yet we have always needed each other. The British along with the Dutch, Spanish and French believed that they needed African and Native American slaves and Asian low-wage laborers to successfully build this country. The descendants of those formerly commodified bodies have historically had to use the laws and legal system of their colonizers in order to gain their freedom and create their own version of the American dream. Our histories, and the artifacts of those histories are inextricably intertwined, and our conferences should be too!<br />We can put our money where our mouth is all day but we also need the active support of allies of every color. "An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere". Thank you so much for your comment. I hope you will share the ideas you have read here and will help us keep this conversation going.Their Childhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07827986345016626649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-59228119277377635282014-03-06T07:29:00.700-08:002014-03-06T07:29:00.700-08:00Thank you for commenting Mary Jewell! You know I h...Thank you for commenting Mary Jewell! You know I have a cousin in New Jersey with your name. Hmmm. Uniting our voices is one of the best ways to make change. <br />1) Let your networks know what happened at Roots Tech and get the conversation going to include other people's experiences at genealogy conferences. What conferences are getting diversity right? Which ones are screwing it up.<br />2) Lets talk about what WE want to see not only in genealogy conferences but what we need from these big companies.<br />3) Action: Spread the word, lend your support, write blog posts, emails, letters, make phone calls! There is a part to play for everyone. One of OUR issues is that our oldest genealogy enthusiasts are not on social media. If you are part of a local gen or historical society, bring up the diversity problems at the next meeting and get them involved.Their Childhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07827986345016626649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-13720822871510565982014-03-05T20:33:27.653-08:002014-03-05T20:33:27.653-08:00Elon, what an excellent post and THANK YOU!!! Our ...Elon, what an excellent post and THANK YOU!!! Our voices will be heard and when our children, and generations of grandchildren look back on this time in history, they will be able to say "we were a part of effective change" which I'm hoping we do become in the near future. Thank you again for the courage to be honest and candid about your conference experience!Dante Eubankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14000591891211743450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-35564760743637897332014-03-05T07:59:16.523-08:002014-03-05T07:59:16.523-08:00 I read your article with interest as a African Am... I read your article with interest as a African American member of the Association of Professional Genealogist..I have had a website for a couple years which has had good exposure. My question is every time I hear about others not including us I ask why not organize our own. Such a conference in a large city like Atlanta would I think be well attended.Our research and interest would be central. If I can be of any assistance please let me know<br />whoknowshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17087788636208383808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-74414731370080731112014-03-05T05:53:03.013-08:002014-03-05T05:53:03.013-08:00My comment may not be welcome, but that has never ...My comment may not be welcome, but that has never stopped me before :)<br /><br />As a white woman with black heritage, I can relate to your desire to explore this aspect of my heritage. I, like you, want to see this exploration become a greater part of the dialogue in the genealogical community. However, I'm even less likely to see it than you are because I'm not descended from African Americans--not directly anyway. My ancestors are black Canadians that migrated from the Caribbean from 1875-early 1900s. The day I see something that covers this oddly specific facet of black history in a major genealogy conference, I'll celebrate it together with you for sure ;)<br /><br />That being said, just because the attendees you could see at the conference LOOKED white doesn't mean they actually are. I know I'm not the only person like me out there--I'm just less removed from my black heritage than most people would be, and I'm not ashamed to own mine. As white people begin to discover and accept the black heritage they do have--through literal parentage or through their connections to slavery, you'll begin to see the change you seek.<br /><br />Waiting with you,<br />HeatherHeather M. Collinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13376753658671316403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-13846311133255982662014-03-04T18:30:40.607-08:002014-03-04T18:30:40.607-08:00Elon, you & I talked about the lack of diversi...Elon, you & I talked about the lack of diversity at RootsTECH from the minute you arrived in Utah. I'm proud of the transparency & honesty you reflected in this post. It takes courage to address tough issues like this. You did a marvelous job!:)<br /><br />Barbara & CeCe - know that the lack of diversity was an issue taken directly to RootsTECH coordinators by me as early as Oct 2013. At best the communications have been challenged but what appears to be a lack of understanding for how to engage diverse audiences. By their own admission, there is MUCH room & need for improvement. There isn't an absence of dialogue or market demand. I would venture to say at least 90% of online people of color researchers leverage Family Search tools. This is matter of audience engagement and inclusion.<br /><br />As you can read from the referenced post, as a community there have been efforts made to enjoy the RootsTECH offerings across the community.<br /><br />RootsTECH, Online Genealogy and the Question of DIVERSITY? http://ourgeorgiaroots.com/rootstech-online-genealogy-and-the-question-of-diversity.<br /><br />I do hope these discussions continue and that champions for diversity of audience and presentations continue to be heard.<br /><br />Well done Elon!:)<br /><br />LuckieLuckiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10747339234820634005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-19342090540001028032014-03-04T18:27:27.878-08:002014-03-04T18:27:27.878-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Luckiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10747339234820634005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-33410126379630331372014-03-04T12:03:40.575-08:002014-03-04T12:03:40.575-08:00Hi,
Great post.
I just wanted to mention that, al...Hi,<br />Great post. <br />I just wanted to mention that, although I cannot claim to be a representative of the African American community, in my "Real Life Stories from the Desk of a Genetic Genealogy Professional" presentation I specifically included a detailed case demonstrating how to confirm genetic descent from a slave owner using DNA testing, as well as discussing other subjects I thought would be of interest to African Americans. Unfortunately, when I looked out on my audience during that portion of my talk, I saw a sea of white faces and was a bit disappointed that those who might be most interested in what I was saying were not there. I was a little surprised because through my work with Professor Gates, I am in contact with a very active and enthusiastic African American genealogy community. I couldn't help but wonder, where was everyone? Did they decide not to attend because of the poor representation or is it that this conference was in SLC? I hope next year diversity is better represented in both the presentations and the attendees. Your Genetic Genealogisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14696248341534125135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-91802356286260061702014-03-03T23:25:05.560-08:002014-03-03T23:25:05.560-08:00Wow! What an eye opener I had bemoaned the fact th...Wow! What an eye opener I had bemoaned the fact that this event wasn't in my budget, now I'm happy that I wasn't able to go. I belong to a group who realized that POC were under represented in the wider circle of our shared interest. Three ladies created a yearly conference that while it did not exclude those who were not POC, it was designed around our particular style/needs and focused on what we were interested in learning/sharing. It is by US for US.<br />Fantastic post!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-86981517500695023512014-03-03T18:58:22.831-08:002014-03-03T18:58:22.831-08:00Elon sis, THANK YOU for this real "411" ...Elon sis, THANK YOU for this real "411" about Roots Tech 2014! <br /><br />I was actually planning to attend this event in 2015 because I liked the idea of attending 2 major genealogy related conferences (Roots Tech + FGS) under one roof. But after reading this excellent account of what you experience (or should I say didn't experience), I'm not so sure Roots Tech is where I want to spend my dollars in 2015. And I really hate the thought of that because I love all things technology just as much as I love all things genealogy (thank you for the mention in this review too). <br /><br />More and more, it is becoming very clear that those behind Roots Tech (FamilySearch.org) really don't want us there which explains why there is no diversity to begin with! According to their website --"RootsTech is a global family history event where people of all ages learn to discover and share their family stories and connections through technology" -- yet they don't plan for the "globe" that they advertise about. <br /><br />I'm tired of African American Genealogists & Family Historians having to put organizations like Roots Tech, on "blast" about their lack of diversity to only have them come to us "after" the fact and ask, "how can we help them prepare for next year's conference?" Do they really not know? Or is this "lip-service" intended to maybe pacify us for the moment?" Yeah right . . . sheesh! <br /><br />Excellent post indeed! Liv Taylor-Harrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07616092814156827360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-57175885721200197492014-03-03T17:55:35.397-08:002014-03-03T17:55:35.397-08:00African American interest in genealogy became appa...African American interest in genealogy became apparent after the mini-series and book, "Roots" -- and it's continued to grow. There's no reason why major genealogy-bases conferences can't be more inclusive in this day & age -- and I don't mean just adding African American interests, although that is my focus. I look for conferences that will broaden my knowledge & research abilities in general and also have something that will specifically attract African Americans -- for the networking aspect. I don't want to spend my time & money at conferences where I am "The Invisible Man". (One of my favorite books, btw.) Thank you, Elon, for shining the light and holding Roots Tech accountable!Sandra Williams Bushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04866635659997988787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-438228547454145812014-03-03T11:13:57.914-08:002014-03-03T11:13:57.914-08:00Great post Elon! You are absolutely right. There...Great post Elon! You are absolutely right. There are many African American Genealogist that could and would present if giving the opportunity. When you host a conference that is supposed to be diverse, one would expect to see that when they get there. Shame on Roots Tech and the other vendors! You can be selective to a degree (how many presenters, topics) but not dismissive (no diversity) unacceptable! Thanks for sharing your experience.Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06267244364261080142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-60102795712386899572014-03-03T10:30:17.680-08:002014-03-03T10:30:17.680-08:00That old saying! "What she Said"! All th...That old saying! "What she Said"! All the monies and traveling I do for my Family History and why it needs to be TAUGHT and SHARED. For the Good of the Whole Community. Great Blog! You said what a lot of us POC think! out LOUD!True Lewishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13940407628932172511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-69865142205285244852014-03-03T08:21:53.208-08:002014-03-03T08:21:53.208-08:00that is a great post. I wasn't even aware that...that is a great post. I wasn't even aware that the RootsTech was so focused on Europeans (although I am one, even born, raised and living across the pond ;)) <br />Maybe I sound a bit naive, but couldn't it also be an issue of offer and demand? If the demand wasn't there so far (just a few attendees of colour) why leaving the money-bringing crowd of european descendants? Pure market mechanism. If the demand grows, including posts and discussions like this, the offer has to grow with it or the money-bringing crowd of coloured people spends their hard earned $ someplace else. So, keep up the demand. Just a thought from an economist.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11651630470567649305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-67690150234541898732014-03-03T08:21:14.480-08:002014-03-03T08:21:14.480-08:00I love this post, and I hope many many people read...I love this post, and I hope many many people read it.Maggiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11261529677569862776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17097517992759404.post-14233473623464039972014-03-03T00:48:50.024-08:002014-03-03T00:48:50.024-08:00Amen, Amen Amen .... great post and it's all t...Amen, Amen Amen .... great post and it's all truth. Maybe we should devise some special way to let them know how our missing dollars could impact their businesses.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06178185732783437728noreply@blogger.com