Send us a text In this episode of Conversation with Kenyatta , host Kenyatta D. Berry welcomes back author Gail Lukasik to discuss her latest book, What They Never Told Us: True Stories of Family Secrets and Hidden Identities Revealed . Gail shares poignant and often heart-wrenching stories from the book, including tales of individuals discovering their true parentage and racial identities, and the profound emotional and psychological impacts of these revelations. The discussion delves into the ...
Dec 05, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Send us a text On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow remembers the past 75 episodes of her podcast through a retrospective interview - that looks at her favorite guests, as well as examines what she wants for the future of her show. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social ...
Oct 29, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Send us a text In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry sits down with Dr. Ed Ayers, a distinguished historian with a deep focus on the American South. They delve into Ed's childhood in East Tennessee, his educational journey, and his serendipitous path to becoming a historian. Ed shares his fascination with integrating social history to include everyday people, and his groundbreaking work on 'The Valley of the Shadow' project. They explore how technology has revolution...
Sep 17, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Send us a text In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta - Kenyatta D. Berry interviews Dr. Marcia Chatelain, a historian and professor who recently transitioned from Georgetown University to the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chatelain discusses her profound journey from a childhood love of reading to her career in history and teaching. She examines the backlash against teaching accurate history, focusing on the political weaponization of history and its impact on education. The conversat...
Aug 29, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Send us a text In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta , host Kenyatta D. Berry sits down with historian and author W. Caleb McDaniel to explore the fascinating intersection of history, storytelling, and the enduring quest for justice. McDaniel, an award-winning author and professor at Rice University, shares insights into his journey as a historian, author, the impact of influential teachers, and the compelling story of Henrietta Wood—a formerly enslaved woman who took an unprecedented s...
Jul 31, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Send us a text In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow talks with historian and author Dylan C. Penningroth about his background, upbringing, and his journey towards becoming a historian. Penningroth shares insights from his book Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights' shedding light on how family stories and court cases inspired his research. They discuss the significance of p...
Jun 25, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Send us a text On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Daniel Brook, author and Historian. Kenyatta and Daniel explore the unique civil rights histories of Charleston, South Carolina, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The conversation delves into why Charleston and New Orleans diverged from other Southern cities during the Civil Rights Era, attributing it to their long-standing traditions of racial mixing and complex social struct...
May 31, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Send us a text In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta -Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit - is joined by Steve Luxenberg, author and associate Editor of the Washington Post. Steve's story is fascinating - as an adult, he found that his mother had kept a family secret - that she had a sister who was committed to an asylum and then died. He never knew anything about his aunt and delved into finding out more about her in his book ...
May 15, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Send us a text In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta - Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Dr. Manisha Sinha, who shares her journey from India to the United States to study and teach US history. This interview delves into Dr. Sinha's perspective on slavery, enslaved individuals, and talks about her latest book, published in March 2024 - The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic: Reconstruction, 1860-1920. ...
Apr 19, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Victor Luckerson, an author and journalist. Victor and Kenyatta talk about his love of research and his new book Built from the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa's Greenwood District, America's Black Wall Street. He also talks about his work as a journalist, including his time at the University of Alabama and calling out racial disparity in hi...
Mar 29, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Send us a text On this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow , and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Rachel J. Webster, a professor of creative writing, and author of Benjamin Banneker and Us: Eleven Generations of an American Family . The two discuss what it means to find that you descend from a famous individual in history, what it means to discover Black ancestry in your lineage when you've thought to have a predominate...
Feb 08, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Send us a text In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Pulitzer Prize Winner, author, and historian, Dr. Jefferson Cowie. The two discuss his latest book Freedom's Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance to Federal Power , which won the Pulitzer Prize in History, his research, and so much more. ABOUT DR. JEFFERSON COWIE (as taken from Vanderbilt.edu) Jefferson Cowie's work in social...
Jan 26, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by author and historian Gregory May. The two discuss his work and his books and research for his latest - A Madman’s Will which tells the story of one of the largest and most controversial private emancipations in United States history. About Gregory May Gregory May is a historian who writes about the early American republic. In his first bo...
Jan 12, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Send us a text On this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta is joined by Dr. Lynn Hudson, historian and professor. The two discuss the immigration of Black individuals because of Jim Crow, Black inidivudals and the Klu Klux Klan in Los Angeles, and O'Day Short. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and ...
Dec 15, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Send us a text On today's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow , and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Cassandra Newby-Alexander, an author and historian whose contributions to history have helped pilot some of the most important research on Black individuals, and the enslaved, as well as extensive work in the state of Virginia. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. We are dedicated to exploring and dis...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Send us a text This week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Sarah Allen, an author, journalist, and executive producer of Showtime's #STAND documentary, where the two met and collaborated. This episode looks at the behind-the-scenes of Sarah's career, and how she has come to be one of the most versatile journalists out there. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit , and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by KB Barcomb. The two discuss military records, military history, and how WWI and WII can aid in the lens of discovering family history. ABOUT KB BARCOMB - KB Barcomb specializes in conducting WWI and WWII research through the lens of family history. A retired Army officer, she focuses on the context of military records so as to more accu...
Nov 09, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Send us a text On this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Alec Ferretti, professional genealogist and board member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. The two discuss Freedom of Information Act Records, what Alec does for his own family history, and how he came to be a genealogist. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. We are dedicated to explor...
Oct 12, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Send us a text This week on the podcast, Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by her first repeat guest - Gail Lukaisk. Gail and Kenyatta met on PBS' Genealogy Roadshow where Kenyatta revealed to Gail that a member of her family had been passing as white, and Gail actually had Black ancestry. Gail went on to write the book White Like Her , which featured a foreword by Kenyatta. Well, now Gail is back with a new book - a fictional goth...
Sep 22, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Send us a text In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Catherine Wiest Desmarais, CG. The two discuss Catherine's work with genealogy as well as her specialty in forensic genealogy, and what it means to be in the field, as well as some of her work with military repatriation. Catherine holds a pivotal role in the world of genealogy, and this is a fascinating look into her work! ABOUT CAT...
Aug 24, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow , and author of The Family Tree Toolkit , is joined by Thomas A. Guglielmo, who is Department Chair and Professor of American Studies at The George Washington University, and the author of Divisions: A New History of Racism and Resistance in America’s World War II Military. The two discuss military records, immigration, and so much more. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vib...
Aug 23, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Chris Haley. Chris is an actor, author, and is the Director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland, as well as the Utopia Film Festival. He and Kenyatta discuss his work, how he got into genealogy, and how being related to Alex Haley, author of Roots has inspired him to do other genealogy work in his life. Please learn more abo...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by Amy Johnson Crow. Amy is a professional genealogist, author of 31 Days to Better Genealogy , and creator of the "WANDER" method and 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks. The two discuss Amy's work, how genealogists can use the WANDER method, and what has helped Amy with her work as a professional genealogist. Find out more about Amy on her website here: https...
Jul 16, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit is joined by certified genealogist and professor Mark A. Wentling. The two discuss forensic genealogy, genealogy graduate studies in genealogy, and discuss more the academic side of the profession, as well as examine Mark's career and some of his tips for genealogists. More about Mark: Mark A. Wentling, MLS, CG, of Massachusetts, owner of Ancestor Int...
Jul 11, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit , and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Andre Kearns. Andre is the current director-at-large for the National Genealogical Society(NGS), as well as chair of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. The two discuss Andre's background in genealogy, as well as the recent apology that NGS released regarding racist and discriminatory actions in their past. You can read th...
Jun 27, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Send us a text This week, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by author and certified genealogist Mary Penner. Kenyatta and Mary discuss genealogy and writing, and how to find a creative spark when writing - for family history - and in general. This is an incredibly inspiring conversation that will have you wanting to create your next family history story immediately. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. We...
Jun 12, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, host of Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit , breaks format - just slightly. Kenyatta is interviewed by her podcast producer Caitlin Howle, who delves into Kenyatta's career, her goals for the podcast, and why she started Conversations with Kenyatta . The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. We are dedicated to ex...
Jun 02, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit , and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by narrative biographer and author Jenifer Kahn Bakkala. The two discuss writing, how professional genealogy spawns storytelling, and how family history is key. Learn more about Jenifer's work here: http://www.jkbgenealogy.com/ The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe," by Ketsa. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good V...
May 18, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta is joined by an award-winning author, documentarian, and photographer. Kenyatta and Candacy discuss her work, her struggles as an artist, and what it means to learn about yourself, and your history, through your work. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, cul...
May 05, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Send us a text This week on Conversations with Kenyatta , Kenyatta D. Berry, PBS' Genealogy Roadshow host, and author of The Family Tree Toolkit , is joined by Dr. Ned Benton and Dr. Judy-Lynne Peters of John Jay College, and are the co-directors of the Northeast Slavery Records Index. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. The music for this episode, as always, is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa. We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, c...
Apr 20, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 47
