Andre Kearns

Andre Kearns, founder and CEO of Black Ancestries is a recognized genealogist, author, and historian with 20 years of research experience, including tracing his own family’s history as early as 1619 and the first Africans to arrive in colonial Virginia. He has presented at leading conferences such as the National Genealogical Society Family History Conference and RootsTech, and his work has been featured in the Washington Post, National Geographic, and USA Today. His forthcoming book, Finding Cornerstone Stories: Uncovering Inspiration in Your Family’s History (American Ancestors) reflects his mission to inspire families by reconnecting them with their past. Visit www.blackancestries.com to learn more.

Andre's Upcoming Live Webinars (1)

Fri, February 13 2026: 19:00 UTC
Breaking the 1870 Brick Wall: Comprehensive Strategies for Tracing Formerly Enslaved African American Ancestors
Fri, February 13 2026: 19:00 UTC
Overcoming the 1870 brick wall in African American genealogy is challenging, but possible. This session presents a clear, step-by-step roadmap for tracing formerly enslaved ancestors using the Genealogical Proof Method. Learn how to reconstruct the freedmen generation, identify potential enslavers, and mine enslaver records for hidden ancestral clues. We’ll explore records on Ancestry and FamilySearch, including census and vital records, Freedmen’s Bureau files, cohabitation records, and estate records. If you're ready to move beyond 1870 and build a fuller picture of your family’s past, this webinar will equip you with the tools and confidence to begin.
Overcoming the 1870 brick wall in African American genealogy is challenging, but possible. This session presents a clear, step-by-step roadmap for tracing formerly enslaved ancestors using the Genealogical Proof Method. Learn how to reconstruct the freedmen generation, identify potential enslavers, and mine enslaver records for hidden ancestral clues. We’ll explore records on Ancestry and FamilySearch, including census and vital records, Freedmen’s Bureau files, cohabitation records, and estate records. If you're ready to move beyond 1870 and build a fuller picture of your family’s past, this webinar will equip you with the tools and confidence to begin.
Fri, February 13 2026: 19:00 UTC