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Founded in 1979, the Afro-American Genealogical & Historical Society of Chicago (AAGHSC) is dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing Black history and genealogy. The Society supports individuals in tracing their family roots and documenting their heritage for future generations.

First President | Helen Burnett

“We were most fortunate in having the leadership of our first president, Helen Burnett.  Her knowledge of the techniques for genealogical research was shared with us, her dedication spurred us to lose fears of the unknown and Helen’s careful direction through the dangerous shoals of organization save us many headaches.  She gave us direction in establishing our long-range goals.”

Muriel Wilson, “President’s Corner,” AAGHSC Newsletter, Volume 5, Number 7 (August 1985).

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xiv.

Second President | Anne Drew

In her last President’s Corner, Anne Drew stated

“It has been a singular experience to have been the head of such a unique group.  Through our increasing participation in conference and workshops throughout the region, other society and the local citizenry are becoming aware of the only black genealogical society in Illinois. This increasing visibility is making acquaintances and friends for the Society and its members.”

Anne Drew, “President’s Corner,” AAGHSC Newsletter, Volume 5, Number 6 (July 1985).

In Anne Drew’s term as President, we began to realize more of our goals and her enthusiasm has encouraged us to search even further. The completion of the Constitution was a great hurdle to overcome.  We have a good document as a result.

Our organization procedures and scheduling skills continue to grow.  The numerous duplications of various forms have been a major contribution to our progress.  We are indeed indebted to Anne.  The format of our monthly meeting has brought a positive response from participants, as we share poems and prose related to our searches.”

Muriel Wilson, “President’s Corner,” AAGHSC Newsletter, Volume 5, Number 7 (August 1985)

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xiv.

Third President | Muriel Wilson

“During my term of office, I’d like to develop further the historical focus of the Society, through trips and tours, geared to inform and delight. These outings to sites of historical interest would clarify and document the roles of our ancestors in the growth of this country. Another aspect of historical research could be in the collecting and certification of photographs of institutions and residences pertinent to our culture.  Still another source for scholarly research would be that of recording of cemetery inscriptions or records.  Publication of these activities could add to our finances.”

“More important could be the impact of such scholarly publications on the destruction of negative stereotypes and as an aid I the building of corrected images of our Black ancestors. More publicity, increased Public Relations can assist us in our continued growth.  With your dedication and enthusiasm, we can move further along toward our goals. As an infant society, breaking ground in a new area, that of Black genealogy, I believe that we’ve done well indeed, “We’ve come a long way,” but we’ll keep our eyes on that North Star!”

Muriel Wilson, “President’s Corner,” AAGHSC Newsletter, Volume 5, Number 7 (August 1985).

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xiv.

Fourth President | Marcia McGhee

“It would be great to “light a new fire” under all that talent, knowledge and enthusiasm; producing more publications, updating the Society Archives, sharing and helping each other with our searches.”

“I do believe in having some fun while working hard so I suggest that we all pitch in and enjoy “Our Searches” and our work for the success of the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society.”

Marcia McGhee, “President’s Corner,” AAGHSC Newsletter, Volume II, Number 3 (September 1987).

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xiv.

Sixth President | Roma Stewart

The Society began sponsoring research trips to key libraries and archives nationwide. In turn, members formed state-specific study groups to focus on the records unique to each state.

“The first goal I stated was the need to create bibliographies and indexes and other lists of African American source materials for Chicago sources. As a society, we have not met this goal although we have discussed it, made and abandoned plans, and continued to do so. One of our members (Ed.—Lori Husband) has undertaken several indexing projects herself, and has published them, thus setting an example for the Society.”

“The goals of increased membership has been met.  However, that is an ever-expanding goal; the more members we get, the more we want, so that we can share our enthusiasm and expertise with as many fellow searchers as possible.

The goal to begin a family database is nearing fruition as material is being collected.  However we have not succeeded in encouraging our members to publish the extensive research they have done. That is a goal which cannot be stressed enough.”

Roma Stewart, “Parting Notes,” AAGHSC Newsletter, (Summer 1991)

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xv.

Seventh President | Tony Burroughs

“When I assumed office in July 1991, I listed nine initial goals I wanted to accomplish.  I think all but one as been accomplished with some degree of success.  

We have strengthen our structure, increased our membership, and increased the participation in committees. Increased our bank balance substantially, increased visibility of our society, increased our technological skills, and we have working committees.”

Tony Burroughs, “President’s Corner,’ AAGHSC Newsletter, Volume 13, Number 2 (June 1993)

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xv.

Eighth President | Cristal Simmons

Having served as the Membership and Newsletter Chairs before becoming President and while being the youngest President of AAGHSC (at that time), I was one of those members who helped modernize the society. During my term, we continued to move the Society towards updating its manual processes.  

Looking back at my term, I am proud of the forward thinking genealogical programming society members presented at conferences, study groups, and monthly meetings. I enjoyed challenging members to go beyond speculating, to encourage them to start to research and analyze genealgical data to derive the right conclusions about their family history.  I am still profoundly touched and blessed from having served as President of AAGHSC.

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xv.

Ninth President | Dorothy M. Sutherland-Roberts

Dorothy first joined the AAGHSC in February 1991 and quickly became active.  She headed the Membership Committee and implemented a membership package that included such items as, AAGHSC history and members telephone directory.

When she became President, she introduced Robert’s Rules of Order by parliamentary procedures into the AAGHSC Board Meetings. She also helped to develop and get accepted the AAGHSC Bylaws.  

Dorothy’s biggest legacy would not be in the tangible things she left behind but her imprint of fellowship, spirit of goodwill and love of God.

Dorothy passed away March 7, 2002.  Her daughter, Dorita Roberts-Carson submitted this information on her mother’s behalf.

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xv.

Tenth President | Saundra R. Oliver-Brown

“When I became President, I had many ideas of activities as to what I’d like to see our group accomplish.  However, ideas have to be placed into action by the various members of the society.”

The Computer Committee began during Saundra’s term.  She believed that this committee could help the Publicity Committee to complete their task.  The Research and Training Committee presented members with exquisite certificates based on various levels of research.  The Conference Committee sponsored two dynamite conferences. “During our conference this year, the founders were presented with plaques from our Society, thanking them for their foresight in creating us.”

Saundra Brown, “President’s Corner,” AAGHSC Newsletter, Volume 18, Number 4 (December 1998).

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), pp. xv-xvi.

Eleventh President | Belzora Cheatham

My family history research began in March 1988; little did I know that this would be a lifetime hobby.  While researching in the National Archives, on a sunny day in July of the same year, I met two women who were members of the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society of Chicago, Inc. One gave me some information on the society and invited me to a meeting.  I attended my first meeting in September and joined the group of proud and productive Family Historians.

I started volunteering in December by helping the Hospitality Committee. This continued until 1993 when the Treasurer had to leave for unknown reasons, I was asked to complete the term by the President (Ed.—Tony Burroughs). I was elected Treasurer for the next three years and worked on several other committees.

In January 1999, I was elected President of AAGHSC and Jamie Harris was my Vice President.  My other officers were Ernest Rose, Margaret Robinson and Janis Forté.

My Committee Chairs were Muriel Wilson, Ruth Reynolds, Renée Moore, Berceuse Johnson, Angela McGhee, Jo Ann Page (deceased), Alma McClendon, Roma Stewart, Betty Craft, and Nettie Nesbary.

With their help, I obtained a 501(c)(3), created and implemented a paper trail for funds in and out of our treasury and created a Policy and Procedure Manual.

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xvi.

Muriel Wilson discusses strategies for locating and researching early Black churches.

Sep 5 | Janis Minor Forté: The Reparations discussion has given African Americans the impetus to explore their history.

Oct 10 | Washington, DC – Tony Burroughs testifies before 106th Congress: H.R. 5157, the Freedmen’s Bureau Records Preservation Act of 2000

Twelfth President | Eric A. Smith

Through the history of African Americans in the United States, a majority of the significant historical and social events happened first in Chicago and set the stage for the rest of the nation.

My vision as President of AAGHSC was to make Chicago the “center” of African American genealogical research in the United States. This goal would be achieve through members of the society playing an active part by contributing and participating in national conference as writers of articles in national journals, speakers and authors.

As host of CAN-TV,  I was able to network and bring in guests from outside of the Chicago area to link the study of history and genealogy nationally.  

Some of the notable guests that appeared on our show came from Louisiana, The Creole Heritage Center, and from the Pacific Northwest, Seattle Washington, Dr. Quintard Taylor, the genesis of Blackpast.org, an online African American Encyclopedia.

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xvi.

Thirteenth President | Ivy M. Dise Dunn

Ivy holds the distinction of having served the longest term as President. Ivy finished Eric Smith’s term after he resigned in 2001.  

During Ivy’s term, many activities help keep AAGHSC moving in a positive direction.  AAGHSC finances increased tremendously through fundraising efforts; AAGHSC received an award from the Chicago Friends of the Amistad Research Center; AAGHSC applauded the new generation of genealogists through awards to grammar school, high school and college students.  

AAGHSC worked with the International Society of Sons and Daughters of Slave Ancestry, and the Patricia Liddlell Researchers for Juneteenth Celebrations.  The Chicago Access Network (CAN-TV) program started. In addition, Ivy encouraged members to continue to submit original articles to the AAGHC Newsletter.

Information was gathered from various AAGHSC Newsletters.

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xvi

Timuel Black—our very own—was honored by Chicago Magazine.  A recognized authority on Black Chicago history, Mr. Black earned “Chicagoan of the Year” honors ahead of his second book publication on the Black Migration in Chicago. 

Jan 11 | Fourteenth President | Angela F. McGhee

I became President of the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society of Chicago (AAGHSC) at the start of Socety’s 30th Anniversary year. I encouraged members to give of themselves through writing their family history and submitting it to a publication, to assist one of the Society’s committees’ Chairpersons, and to participate in one of AAGHSC’s activities. I asked members to take our membership brochures  to their local library, and to join one of the State Study Groups.

Thus far, our membership increased, more study groups formed, more members joined study groups, and more members contributed to the AAGHSC Newsletter.  Our website, www.aaghsc.org, continues to improve with new and up to date information thanks to our webmaster, Timothy Pinnick.  

Our Annual Family History conference continues attract more members and to encourage more members to give presentations. We continue to network outside of the Chicago area. AAGHSC formed a partnership with Ancestry.com to index records benefitting the genealogical community. We gained a new genealogy family with the St. Louis African American History & Genealogy Society.

Moreover, a special “thank you” goes to Janis Minor Forté for her ideas, leadership, and drive in making this Heritage Book a reality. The membership enthusiastically contributed stories, pictures, autobiographies and more to the Heritage Book. The Heritage Book Committee spent months planning, reading, and re-reading articles. To this committee, I salute each of you for your teamwork and efforts.

I am especially grateful to work with a great group of dedicated individuals who served on the Board, the Officers: Vice President, Evelyn Nabors; Treasurer, Francine Gauthier; Corresponding Secretary, Janis Minor Forté;  Recording Secretary, Carolyn Lewis; and the Committee Chairpersons, Roberta Mack, Research and Training; Nettie Nesbary, Trips and Special Events; Sylvia Rogers, Hospitality; Pamela Pickett, Archives; Carol Hill Williams, Newsletter Publisher; Anita Boyd, Membership; Lettie Sabbs, Genealogical Supplies; William Floyd, Newsletter Editor; and, Art King, Auditor.

In addition, I need to thank Belzora Cheatham, our Past President, for being a mentor and showing support for the ideas that come to me, and to Ernest Rose, our Annual Conference and Heritage Book logo designer.

AAGHSC continues to reach great heights in the 21st Century, and thank all of you!

Sincerely,

Angela F. McGhee

AAGHSC President, 2009-2010

AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book (Our Heritage: Family Stories), p. xvii.

Oct 29-31 | Fort Wayne, IN: International Black Genealogy Summit (IBGS)

President Angela McGhee, Corresponding Secretary Janis Minor Forté, and several more members came to represent. They not only brought receipts but real authority. Their presence reflected the very best of our society and reminded everyone why AAGHSC is a respected voice in the field of African American family history.

Interviews provided by the late Eric D. Hackley, of Fort Wayne, IN: Tony Burroughs, Shaya Gardner Hayum, Doris Jackson, Sandy Flemming, Connie Tensley

Feb 10 | AAGHSC partnered with Ancestry.com World Archives Project. Led by President Angela McGhee, members began indexing Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves.

Feb 19 | St. Louis, MO – Several AAGHSC members fly to the Show Me State where Anita Boyd presented at STL-AAHGS’s First Annual Conference: Tracing African American Roots: “A Bridge to the Future.”  

Aug 18-21 | Knoxville, TN – Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) Conference

Interviews provided by the late B. J. Smothers, of Selma, AL: Tim Pinnick, Janis Minor Forté

Oct 8-10 | STL-AAHGS (St. Louis African American History & Genealogy Society) is in the house! 

“Cousin Charles” brought a bus load of our St. Louis genealogy family to AAGHSC’s 28th Annual Family History Conference at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Featured speakers, from St. Louis, included Etta Daniels, Exec. Dir., Greenwood Cemetery, St. Louis; Mike Everman, Supervising Archivist MO State Archives, St. Louis; and, Julius Crouch, STL-AAGHSC.

From Chicago, featured speakers included: Dr. Margaret (Taylor) Burroughs, Founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History; Professor Timuel Black; Jefferson Perry; and William Garth, Sr. 

Jan 9 | Fifteenth President | Judith Samuel

Feb 11 – The AAGHSC 30th Anniversary Heritage Book was published. Janis Minor Forté, Chair of the Alabama Study Group, led the effort, bringing the project to completion after nearly two years of tireless work and dedication.

Feb 19 | St. Louis, MO – AAGHSC’s Dr. Sheila Smith, LaDonna Garner, and Janis Minor Forté presented at STL-AAHGS’s Second Annual Conference, Genealogy from Cradle to Grave: Researching the African-American Family over the Generations.”  

Genealogy for Kids Series—a four-week program held at the Avalon Library.

Volunteers Needed: Mississippi Death Indexing project. See Nettie Nesbary.

Aug 28 | San Antonio, TX – Kudos to Janis Minor Forté—her lecture, Researching the Digital Library on American Slavery, was named the James Dent Walker Lecture at the Federation of Genealogical Societies national conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Walker, the late nationally recognized genealogist, researcher, and first president of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), was employed by the National Archives and Records Administration for over 30 years. In recognition of his decades of achievements in researching African American source materials, FGS annually designates a lecture that exemplifies his legacy.

Oct 23 | O’Fallon, IL – Tony Burroughs received the Volkel Medal of Honor.  Nominated by fellow-genealogist Thomas MacEntee, Tony’s contributions to Illinois genealogy are unparalleled.  

This award pays tribute to the late Lowell M. Volkel (1936-1992), an archivist at the Illinois State Archives.  In honor of Volkel’s many accomplishments, the Volkel Model of Honor and the Volkel Hall of Fame were established.

Jan 11 | Sixteenth President | Sheila Smith

Jul 23 | Abbeville, SC – “Angela McGhee Day” proclaimed. July 23 will be known as Angela McGhee Day…having done years of genealogy research, including several research trips to Abbeville, Angela was recognized…for her efforts to uncover the history of Thomson Lakeview Cemetery where her ancestors were interred.

Anita Boyd, Vice President, gave our website a makeover. Take a trip down memory lane on the Wayback Machine. Scroll through the captures prior to December 15, 2016!

Jan 21 | Saundra Shelley was inducted into the DAR meeting of the Chicago Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. DNA testing connected her with a cousin named Ric Murphy.

Murphy, President General of the Society of the First African Families of English America (SOFAFEA), provided her with a copy of a 1782 Virginia tax record for her fifth great-grandfather, Josiah Milton. This record established Milton’s support of the War of Independence, enabling Saundra’s DAR admission and recognition of her ancestor as a new patriot.

Janis Forté Appreciation Day at the Alabama Study Group. Janis’s many students have won awards, given presentations at General Meetings and the Annual Conference, and published books.

Tony Burroughs received the Arthur and Lila Weinberg Fellowship to Research Slave Schedules at the Newberry Library.

Nov 10 | AAGHSC Bylaws were once again amended and adopted.  They were prepared for ratification by the Membership at the Annual Business Meeting (on January 13, 2019).

Jan 13 | Seventeenth President | Roma Stewart

Jan 12 | Eighteenth President | Owinda Marchbanks

Oct 4 – NBC Nightly News: The Legacy of Slavery

“Today, a typical White Family is eight times wealthier than a typical Black Family … a recent investigation, by Reuters, found that five living U.S. Presidents and at least 100 members of the last Congress are all direct descendants of Slaveholders.”

Do you know your Congressmen’s family history? Share your story at the next General Meeting.

The AAGHSC GEDmatch Ancestor Project is here—tap into 2+ million profiles to find elusive cousins and push your research beyond the paper trail.

Jan 12 | Nineteenth President | Anita Boyd