The next Best of Elizabeth Shown Mills series webinar is on Friday (a members-only event). Learn more here. Become a member here.

The next Best of Elizabeth Shown Mills series webinar is on Friday (a members-only event). Learn more here. Become a member here.

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By
Speakers

Nicka Smith

African Diaspora Bonus webinars DNA Testing Historical Records Court Records, Military Records, Civil War Newspapers Methodology and Skills Evidence, On-site Research Miscellaneous Photos and Digital Images Photography Places and Ethnicities African American, Native American Webtember

Nicka Smith is a professional photographer, speaker, host, and documentarian with more than 20 years of experience as a genealogist. She has extensive experience in African ancestored genealogy, reverse genealogy, and family reunion planning and execution. She is also an expert in genealogical research in the Northeastern Louisiana area, sharing genealogy with youth, documenting the ancestral journey, and employing the use of new technology in genealogy and family history research.

Nicka has diverse and varied experience in communications, with a background in publications, editing, graphic design, radio, and video production. She has edited and designed several volumes of family history that include narratives, photos, and genealogical information and has also transferred these things to an online environment. She is the host of BlackProGen LIVE, an innovative web show focused on people of color genealogy and family history.

She is a past board member of the California Genealogical Society (CGS) and the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC), member of AAHGS Memphis/Mid South and the Southern California Genealogical Society, and former chair of the Outreach and Education Committee for AAGSNC, and former project manager for the Alameda County, CA Youth Ancestral Project where more than 325 youth were taught the value of family history.  Nicka is also the family historian and lead researcher for the Atlas family of Lake Providence, East Carroll, Louisiana.
 

Nicka's Upcoming Live Webinars (3)

Places and EthnicitiesHistorical Records
Giving Them Their Glory: First Kansas/US Colored Troops 79th Regiment
Nicka Smith
Fri, April 14 2023: 14:00 UTC
Register for free
Giving Them Their Glory: First Kansas/US Colored Troops 79th Regiment
Fri, April 14 2023: 14:00 UTC
Organized in August 1862, the First Kansas Colored Infantry was the first Black unit recruited in the North, the first to see and die in battle in the Civil War. Made up of both free and enslaved men, including those from the Five Tribes, its exploits were legendary. Yet, the lives of its rank and file outside of their service were prolific and unsung.
Places and EthnicitiesHistorical Records
Giving Them Their Glory: First Kansas/US Colored Troops 79th Regiment
Nicka Smith
Organized in August 1862, the First Kansas Colored Infantry was the first Black unit recruited in the North, the first to see and die in battle in the Civil War. Made up of both free and enslaved men, including those from the Five Tribes, its exploits were legendary. Yet, the lives of its rank and file outside of their service were prolific and unsung.
Fri, April 14 2023: 14:00 UTC
Register for free
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy, 1718-1820
Nicka Smith
Fri, June 2 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy, 1718-1820
Fri, June 2 2023: 18:00 UTC
This groundbreaking collection, which also goes by the name Louisiana, U.S., Records of Enslaved People, 1719-1820, was the brainchild of Dr. Gwendolyn Midlo-Hall and features the names, genders, ages, occupations, illnesses, family relationships, places of origin and more for upwards of 100,000 formerly enslaved in Louisiana. In this session, learn the history of the collection, where records were obtained, how to search and find original documents, and more.
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy, 1718-1820
Nicka Smith
This groundbreaking collection, which also goes by the name Louisiana, U.S., Records of Enslaved People, 1719-1820, was the brainchild of Dr. Gwendolyn Midlo-Hall and features the names, genders, ages, occupations, illnesses, family relationships, places of origin and more for upwards of 100,000 formerly enslaved in Louisiana. In this session, learn the history of the collection, where records were obtained, how to search and find original documents, and more.
Fri, June 2 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
Places and EthnicitiesDNA TestingWebtember
Finding John Lee
Nicka Smith
Fri, September 22 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free
Finding John Lee
Fri, September 22 2023: 18:00 UTC
Discover how DNA, online and offline genealogy converged to break down a more than 100 year old brick wall revealing the life, times, and relations of a mysterious multi-ethnic man named John Lee.
Places and EthnicitiesDNA TestingWebtember
Finding John Lee
Nicka Smith
Discover how DNA, online and offline genealogy converged to break down a more than 100 year old brick wall revealing the life, times, and relations of a mysterious multi-ethnic man named John Lee.
Fri, September 22 2023: 18:00 UTC
Register for free

Nicka's Webinars (14)

1:33:19
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
Older Than Us: The Elders of the Trask 250
Nicka Smith
454 views
CC
Older Than Us: The Elders of the Trask 250
From Sago and Fatima, Randall and Esther, to Moosa and Katy, learn the ancestral story of the Trask 250 from the vantage point of their oldest traceable ancestors. These incredible individuals were born before the founding of the United States, survived the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and count more than 6,000 descendants between them.
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
Older Than Us: The Elders of the Trask 250
CC
Nicka Smith
454 views
From Sago and Fatima, Randall and Esther, to Moosa and Katy, learn the ancestral story of the Trask 250 from the vantage point of their oldest traceable ancestors. These incredible individuals were born before the founding of the United States, survived the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and count more than 6,000 descendants between them.
Sat, October 29 2022: 0:11 UTC
Register for free
55:24
Places and Ethnicities
National Ex-Slave Mutual Relief, Bounty and Pension Association
Nicka Smith
203 views
CC
National Ex-Slave Mutual Relief, Bounty and Pension Association
The concept of ex-slave pensions gained traction in 1890 and became a full movement by the beginning of the 20th century. Learn about the history and demise of the movement, the leaders, and how to find ancestors among the records.
Places and Ethnicities
National Ex-Slave Mutual Relief, Bounty and Pension Association
CC
Nicka Smith
203 views
The concept of ex-slave pensions gained traction in 1890 and became a full movement by the beginning of the 20th century. Learn about the history and demise of the movement, the leaders, and how to find ancestors among the records.
Sat, February 26 2022: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
1:31:37
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
The Trifecta: The Secret Sauce of Researching the Formerly Enslaved
Nicka Smith
1.0K views
CC
The Trifecta: The Secret Sauce of Researching the Formerly Enslaved
Genealogists and family historians alike have spent decades looking for a tried and true method for unearthing slaveholders of those enslaved prior to 1865. Learn how three crucial record sets (Civil War Pensions, the Freedmen’s Bureau, and Probates/Successions) can become just the wrecking ball needed to obliterate brick walls related to slavery.
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
The Trifecta: The Secret Sauce of Researching the Formerly Enslaved
CC
Nicka Smith
1.0K views
Genealogists and family historians alike have spent decades looking for a tried and true method for unearthing slaveholders of those enslaved prior to 1865. Learn how three crucial record sets (Civil War Pensions, the Freedmen’s Bureau, and Probates/Successions) can become just the wrecking ball needed to obliterate brick walls related to slavery.
Fri, February 4 2022: 19:00 UTC
Register for free
1:19:50
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaHistorical Records
Court Records for People of Color Family History Research
Nicka Smith
514 views
CC
Court Records for People of Color Family History Research
What’s the difference between circuit and chancery court? Are probate and succession the same thing? Why bother looking at court records when it’s not involving slavery? Get the answers to these questions and more during this session, where we’ll cover court records from top to bottom, from the perspective of…
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican DiasporaHistorical Records
Court Records for People of Color Family History Research
CC
Nicka Smith
514 views
What’s the difference between circuit and chancery court? Are probate and succession the same thing? Why bother looking at court records when it’s not involving slavery? Get the answers to these questions and more during this session, where we’ll cover court records from top to bottom, from the perspective of…
Fri, November 12 2021: 19:00 UTC
Register for free
50:28
Places and Ethnicities
Osiyo to Cherokee Ancestry
Nicka Smith
1.4K views
CC
Osiyo to Cherokee Ancestry
Go beyond just sharing the stories of familial ties to the Cherokee. This top to bottom presentation will share an extensive amount of information regarding identifying and tracing Cherokee and Cherokee Freedmen ancestors before the Trail of Tears to current day.
Places and Ethnicities
Osiyo to Cherokee Ancestry
CC
Nicka Smith
1.4K views
Go beyond just sharing the stories of familial ties to the Cherokee. This top to bottom presentation will share an extensive amount of information regarding identifying and tracing Cherokee and Cherokee Freedmen ancestors before the Trail of Tears to current day.
Thu, April 8 2021: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
Advanced
1:30:17
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
The Ten Percent: Free People of Color
Nicka Smith
2.7K views
CC
The Ten Percent: Free People of Color
In 1860, there were more than 4 million enslaved people of African descent living in the United States. At the same time, there were nearly 400,000 free people of color (FPOC) living in the U.S. Learn more about this often not talked about group and how you may have FPOC…
Places and EthnicitiesAfrican Diaspora
The Ten Percent: Free People of Color
CC
Nicka Smith
2.7K views
In 1860, there were more than 4 million enslaved people of African descent living in the United States. At the same time, there were nearly 400,000 free people of color (FPOC) living in the U.S. Learn more about this often not talked about group and how you may have FPOC…
Fri, March 5 2021: 19:00 UTC
Register for free
1:29:21
Miscellaneous
The Ultimate Family History Interview
Nicka Smith
3.5K views
CC
The Ultimate Family History Interview
One of the most important sources of genealogy information is oral history. Learn the tips, tricks, and more to get the most information from the family members you interview.
Miscellaneous
The Ultimate Family History Interview
CC
Nicka Smith
3.5K views
One of the most important sources of genealogy information is oral history. Learn the tips, tricks, and more to get the most information from the family members you interview.
Wed, May 13 2020: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
1:33:25
Places and EthnicitiesHistorical Records
Newspapers for People of Color Genealogy Research
Nicka Smith
3.1K views
CC
Newspapers for People of Color Genealogy Research
Newspapers can be a goldmine for genealogy, especially in the case of records destruction or when all other avenues have failed to yield findings on an ancestor. In this session, we’ll discuss all you need to know to get the most out of using periodicals as genealogical resources for people…
Places and EthnicitiesHistorical Records
Newspapers for People of Color Genealogy Research
CC
Nicka Smith
3.1K views
Newspapers can be a goldmine for genealogy, especially in the case of records destruction or when all other avenues have failed to yield findings on an ancestor. In this session, we’ll discuss all you need to know to get the most out of using periodicals as genealogical resources for people…
Wed, February 19 2020: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
Advanced
1:24:47
DNA Testing
Case Studies in Gray: Identifying Shared Ancestries Through DNA and Genealogy
Nicka Smith
38.6K views
CC
Case Studies in Gray: Identifying Shared Ancestries Through DNA and Genealogy
You’ve identified a group of shared DNA matches, but you're stumped on how you’re all related. Learn how to let DNA take the lead in determining who and where to search to uncover the group’s most recent common ancestor.
DNA Testing
Case Studies in Gray: Identifying Shared Ancestries Through DNA and Genealogy
CC
Nicka Smith
38.6K views
You’ve identified a group of shared DNA matches, but you're stumped on how you’re all related. Learn how to let DNA take the lead in determining who and where to search to uncover the group’s most recent common ancestor.
Wed, August 7 2019: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
1:12:54
Bonus webinarsMethodology and Skills
Get set, GO! Planning and Executing a Successful Research Trip
Nicka Smith
1.7K views
CC
Get set, GO! Planning and Executing a Successful Research Trip
Everyone will hit a wall in what they can obtain online for their family history project. Get practical tools, tips, and tricks for a successful genealogy research trip which can exponentially grow and develop your genealogy research.
Bonus webinarsMethodology and Skills
Get set, GO! Planning and Executing a Successful Research Trip
CC
Nicka Smith
1.7K views
Everyone will hit a wall in what they can obtain online for their family history project. Get practical tools, tips, and tricks for a successful genealogy research trip which can exponentially grow and develop your genealogy research.
Fri, January 25 2019: 0:00 UTC
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1:24:10
DNA Testing
The Family DNA Project
Nicka Smith
5.7K views
CC
The Family DNA Project
Genetic genealogy truly bears fruit if multiple family members on multiple lines of the family have tested. Learn how to create and manage a project for your family while being mindful of privacy and sensitive issues that may arise.
DNA Testing
The Family DNA Project
CC
Nicka Smith
5.7K views
Genetic genealogy truly bears fruit if multiple family members on multiple lines of the family have tested. Learn how to create and manage a project for your family while being mindful of privacy and sensitive issues that may arise.
Fri, June 8 2018: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
1:37:06
Places and EthnicitiesBonus webinars
Full Circle: Tracing the Descendants of a Slaveholding Ancestor
Nicka Smith
7.2K views
Full Circle: Tracing the Descendants of a Slaveholding Ancestor
Descendants of former slaveholders come from all walks of life. DNA and renewed interest in family history research continue to unearth this phenomena for thousands of people every day. In this session, learn how to confirm slaveholding ancestors and the tools needed to trace and identify living descendants of their...
Places and EthnicitiesBonus webinars
Full Circle: Tracing the Descendants of a Slaveholding Ancestor
Nicka Smith
7.2K views
Descendants of former slaveholders come from all walks of life. DNA and renewed interest in family history research continue to unearth this phenomena for thousands of people every day. In this session, learn how to confirm slaveholding ancestors and the tools needed to trace and identify living descendants of their...
Fri, January 12 2018: 0:00 UTC
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Login to register (for webinar members)
1:31:38
Methodology and Skills
Finding Isaac Rogers
Nicka Smith
2.2K views
Finding Isaac Rogers
Discover how a book, scant clues, crowd sourced research, and limited online records came together to make ancestral ties to the Trail of Tears, US Civil War, a hanging judge, an outlaw, and of slavery in the Cherokee Nation.
Methodology and Skills
Finding Isaac Rogers
Nicka Smith
2.2K views
Discover how a book, scant clues, crowd sourced research, and limited online records came together to make ancestral ties to the Trail of Tears, US Civil War, a hanging judge, an outlaw, and of slavery in the Cherokee Nation.
Wed, September 13 2017: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
1:31:37
Bonus webinarsPhotos and Digital Images
Photography for Genealogy
Nicka Smith
8.6K views
Photography for Genealogy
Do more than let the camera figure things out. Learn the basics of photography and ways you can creatively incorporate it into your existing genealogy or family history project.
Bonus webinarsPhotos and Digital Images
Photography for Genealogy
Nicka Smith
8.6K views
Do more than let the camera figure things out. Learn the basics of photography and ways you can creatively incorporate it into your existing genealogy or family history project.
Wed, February 1 2017: 0:00 UTC
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