African Americans Heading West

Janice Lovelace, PhD
Aug 5, 2022
216 views
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About this webinar

After the end of the Civil War in 1865, African Americans began leaving the areas where they had been enslaved. Many went to North to larger towns where work was more plentiful. But less discussed is that a number went West to farm, using the Homestead Act of 1862 to claim land of their own. Other settled in and helped develop some all-Black towns in Kansas and Oklahoma. Still others headed to the Pacific Coast for work. What can we find out about these settlers’ lives? Where can we find records?

About the speaker

Janice Lovelace is a genealogical researcher, educator, author, and lecturer, with over thirty years of experience. She completed the Genealogy and Family History certificate at the University of...
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Comments (43)

Sort byNewest
  1. JF
    Joan Taylor Fischer
    3 years ago

    Thank you from a new member.

  2. WV
    Webinar Viewer
    3 years ago

    Excellent information

  3. DK
    Doug Klein
    3 years ago

    Very informative. Loved the history lesson and background. Many great suggestions and possible sources were mentioned. A must watch in this specialty area!

  4. PM
    Phillip Murry
    3 years ago

    Excellent presentation on an important part of our history.

  5. NH
    Nocoasha Henry
    3 years ago

    I learned a lot about the military and the railroad that I didn't think about for my research. This will be very helpful

  6. CG
    Carnell Gadson
    3 years ago

    Very specific information and I'm familiar with some of the information used in today's presentation about the Buffalo Soldiers, Mexicans that are African, migrating West. Great job by presenter.

  7. WV
    Webinar Viewer
    3 years ago

    Lots of new source for research.

  8. WV
    Webinar Viewer
    3 years ago

    The webinar was really wonderful. I enjoyed the details that she offered and the great number of links that was also given. But most of all she kept the presentation very interesting!

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