Celebrating 9 Years of Paperdoll Journal: My Journey Through African American Genealogy Research5/4/2024 May 2024 It's been an incredible journey over the past nine years, documenting my family's history and diving deep into African American genealogy research. My blog, Paperdoll Journal, has been a place for me to share my journey, and I'm excited to celebrate our 9th anniversary. When I first started this digital storytelling journal in 2015, I had no idea where it would take me. I began documenting over four generations of family oral history, tracing my family's matrilineal line of Free Black women and children dating back to 1790. Through my research, I've discovered lost family connections and memory of ancestors born in Africa, born into slavery, born free, emancipated during the antebellum period, Civil War Navy colored troop veterans, Revolutionary War Patriots, Buffalo Soldiers, World War II veterans, Great Migration, and so much more.
It hasn't always been easy. The emotional toll of the research has been challenging, but I remain committed to uncovering my family's legacies and bringing their lost stories to light. It's an honor to my grandmothers and ancestors to gather their history, and I'm grateful to be able to share their stories with future generations. Through Paperdoll Journal, I've had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals throughout the African diaspora and beyond. It's been a wonderful journey of self-discovery, and I'm excited to see where the next nine years take me. Lisa Hazell PaperdollJournal.com I hope this post resonates with the readers of Paperdoll Journal and adds a meaningful perspective to the ongoing conversation about African American Genealogy. |