No April Fooling...1940 census due April 1,2012

Just 436 days until the 1940 Census release date! On Sunday, April 1, 2012, the 1940 census will be released. There is a 72-year privacy mandate that will lapse at that time.

Heres what the form looks like. Click to view

In memory of Teena Marie-A True Silky, Silky Soul Singer

About a week ago, my heart broke. It was when I heard the news that one of my favorite singers of all times passed away. The legendary, Teena Marie, born Mary Christine Brockert passed away in her sleep on December 27, 201o. I was shocked and saddened but not all together. It is because 2 days before her actual passing, I learned of the earlier passing of Marvin Isley. Upon learning this, I thought back to the last time that I seen the Isleys and remembered that it was in a sold out concert in Concord, CA with Teena Marie. Upon remembering this, a wave of saddeness came across me but for some reason my sadness was for Teena even though she had not yet passed yet. Strange but true.

Anyway, the world has lost a wonderfully gifted yet understated talent and heaven has gained a new angel to join the choir of all choirs. This woman had one of the most amazing voices that I have beared witness to! If any of you had ever had the pleasure of seeing and hearing her live, then you know exactly what I am talking about. Her recorded voice on albums and CD's although awesome too did not compare to her live voice! This woman had some pipes on her that could rattle wall and her high soprano notes could break the finest crystal glass.

Known as "Lady T," "Vanilla Child," and the "Ivory Queen of Soul," she ranked amongst the great female singer and her voice transcended race. She became well known for her work with Rick James who was one of her early mentors and their duet, "Fire and Desire," one of my favorites.

Who Do You Think You Are?

Last night I watched the final episode of the new genealogy series, "Who Do You Think You Are?" As you may recall that is the new spin-off show of the the British series that documents the ancestry of national celebrities.


Last night's show featured the African American film-maker, Spike Lee. It was an excellent show. Spike with the help of several genealogists was able to uncover and trace his family back to the slavery era. He learned that one of his maternal great-great grandfathers, Mars Woodall Jackson had Georgia roots and that he was formally owned by a Plantation Owner bearing the surname Woodall. He also discovered that after slavery, his grandfather changed his surname from Woodall to Jackson. Additionally, he retrieved land records documenting the ownership of 80 plus acres in Georgia. A very moving moment came when Spike visited and set foot on the actual land that his ancestor owned and farmed. It was a very poignant moment for him as well as myself when he collected red clay dirt to take back home as a reminder of who he came from. This was especially meaningful to me as I too come from the Red Clay Dirt land of Louisiana. Irony presented itself with Spike learning of his ancestor, Mars Woodall Jackson because it was also the name of the main character in his first film. The idea for the name came from his grandmother and benefactor, Lucinda Jackson but he just learned the full history of its origin.


Later in the show, Spike traced another ancestor by the name of Wilson Griswald who was owned by a slaveowner bearing the same name in Griswaldville. It turned out that he was one of the largest slaveowners in the area. Legal documents suggest that Wilson was a skilled slave who highly valued by his slaveowner. Spike learned that Wilson worked in a firearms factory in Griswaldsville where weapons were manufactured, primarily by slaves, for the Confederate Army. The factory was destroyed during the Civil War by none other than General Sherman and his army since it was the largest producer of guns for the Confederate Army. Again, it was a stirring moment when a historian handed Spike Lee an actual gun produced in the factory. Unfortunately, all records of Wilson Griswald after the destruction of the weapons factory disappear. Hence, it is not known whether or not he was killed in the factory or taken captive by Sherman's army since there is record that 5 Negroes were captured and taken with his company.

The show ended with a reunion between Spike and a white descendant of the Griswald slave owner. The pair appeared initially uneasy during their meeting but came to a meeting of the minds that slavery was a terrible atrocity.

Anyway, it was a very enjoyable finale show. I says kudos to "Who Do You Think You Are" and Ancestry.com for doing such a great job presenting the ancestry of the celebrities who appeared on the show during the season. Another awesome show was the episode that presented the ancestry of football-great, Emmitt Smith.

If you missed the show or any other episodes, you can go to http://www.hulu.com/ to watch it.

Genealogy Workshop at St. Paul's Baptist Church

There is an upcoming Genealogy Workshop at St. Paul's Baptist Church. St. Paul's has always been a place where members of the African American community can come for worship and fellowship. However, the church also offers a variety of resources to the community in order to provide assistance and enrichment in other areas of their lives.

With that said, St. Paul Baptist Church is hosting its first Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 8:30 to 12:00 pm. The workshop will feature a Keynote Speaker as well as several local Genealogists, including myself, Karen Burney, Linda Bradley and Annette Madden who will be teaching beginning, intermediate and advanced classes in Genealogy. These classess will teach attendees skills and techniques that will enable them to reconnnect with their ancestral pasts including some of their slave ancestors.

This workshop serves a as a milestone, not just in Sacramento but for African American churches throughout the country. The church has always been a refuge for Africans Americans since slavery. It is only fitting that the church is allowing its present members to trace their roots and reconnect with their ancestors many of whom also relied on the church in their lifetime. In doing so, St. Paul is setting a precedent for African American churches throughout the Country.

Due the overwhelming interest and response, the classes are already at capacity. However, I wanted to do a story on the event so that it might spark interest in future seminars as well as encourage other churches in the African American community to host similar events.

Obama Victory Speech

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama

Election Night, Chicago, Illinois
Tuesday, November 04, 2008


If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference. It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America. It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s next First Lady, Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.

And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you. I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair. The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people. Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope. For that is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin. And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can. At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can. When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can. When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can. She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can. A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

President Elect Barack Obama II

Life in America changed on November 4, 2008. Yesterday, the country elected the first African American President, Barack Hussein Obama II and all the world has beared witness to one of the most profound moments in United States History.

There is a sense of renewed freedom in the air. Freedom from racial divides, stereotypes and barriers that have existed in this country for so many years. This event marks a new era not just in the United States but the world!

It shows that in the year, 2008, we have evolved! If we can get past petty things like skin "color," then its no telling what else can be accomplished.

For once, it feels as though, we are moving towards becoming one race. The "human race."

Praise the Lord!

Barack Obama

Today, marks a historic moment in time. Barack Hussein Obama II born August 4, 1961 just became the 44th president of the United States.

For the first time in history, the United States feels truly "united." The nation is celebrating.

I went out and cast my vote today and although I have voted every election since becoming of age, this experience was the most profound. I took a photograph at the polls to memorize the day. I will upload it later.

Yesterday, President-elect Obama spoke in Manassas, Virgina and I was reminded of how my great-great-great grandfather Henry Johnson of Bossier Parish, Louisiana had fought on the front lines at the 2nd Manassas at the Battle of Bull Run which took place on August 28-30, 1862. He survived but his former Master, Hodge died on August 29, 1862 despite my Grandpa's efforts to save his life by carrying him for miles on his back.

Grandpa Henry was freed along with thousands upon thousands of other slaves when the North won the war and now 143 years after slavery was abolished, Barack Hussein Obama II has become the first black president.

God bless America!

Important Election 2008 information

PLEASE ALERT EVERYONE YOU KNOW ESPECIALLY YOUTHS THAT MIGHT NOT BE AWARE, THAT CAMPAIGN CLOTHING, BUTTONS, PINS, HATS, ETC ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THE POLLS.



THEY ARE BANNED BY LAW WITHIN 40 FEET OF THE POLLING PLACES SINCE THEY ARE CONSIDERED BY LAW TO BE CAMPAIGNING AND YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY AT THE POLLS AND NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE.



PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. IT IS AN IMPORTANT ELECTION YEAR AND WHETHER YOU ARE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT, WE NEED ALL THE VOTES TO COUNT!

Miracle at St. Anna

For those of you who have not already gone to see it, Spike Lee's "Miracle at St.Anna" is a must see. It is based on the screenplay and novel written by James McBride.

The movie is set in Italy in 1944 and highlights the contributions and sacrifices of Colored Troops during World War II. It demonstrates the bravery of these colored men who put their very lives on the line to defend the United States even though racism still thrived even in the military.

The cast was awesome. They did a wonderful job of connecting with the characters, era, the mood of the 1940's and the war. The cast included Derek Luke, Aubrey Stamps, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller and Matteo Sciabordi.

According to military records, there were an estimated 922,965 blacks who served in various capacities during World War II.

These men should be forever remembered for their valiant service and contribution.

Again, for a glimpse into that time in history, I encourage you to go see, "Miracle at St. Anna."

Juneteenth Celebration

This weekend, thousands of african americans and others will celebrate Juneteenth across the country.

In case you don't know, Juneteenth celebrations began in this country, primarily in the Texas region in remembrance of when slaves in the United States were emancipated. The name comes from June 19th which is run together to form the word, Juneteenth.

On June 19, 1865, the Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas announcing the war had ended, and all those enslaved were now free! From that moment in Galveston, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day had spread across the United States and beyond. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.


Today, Juneteenth’s national celebrations focus on African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. In recent years, an increasing number of Juneteenth organizations have risen to take their place alongside older organizations with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and heritage. As they continue to take on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not only remembered, but celebrated.

My mother, Lottie Green Burney who grew up in rural Louisiana recalled that when she was a young girl, they never really celebrated the 4th of July because blacks were never really free in this country until the Emancipation Proclamation was passed. Hence, Juneteenth was a big day in the South. People would barbeque, do fish frys, put together dances, and just fellowship with with family and community while reflecting on what it meant to be free.

She recalled sitting around with the "Old Folks" listening to what some called "Slave Tales." At the time, she thought they were telling tales, like Peter Rabbit or Southern legends. It was not until later that she realized that they were not just "Slave Tales," but "Slave Truths."

African Americans have certainly come a long way in this country in the last century. While racial divide still exists, God has brought us from a mighty long ways. We are even at the point where we could have the first black president, Barrack Obama.

So in rememberance of Juneteenth, and all of those men and women both white and black who put their lives on the line to bring about freedom for all, I encourage you to attend a Juneteenth celebration in your area.

Here are some of the celebrations going on around the Country:

Sat - Jun 21, 2008
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Legions Hill Community Center
South Pardue
Vivian, LA 71082
Phone: (318) 455-1390 PRICE: free.
PHONE: (318) 375-4649 or 375-5730


Sacramento California
June 21 - 22, 2008
William Land Park
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free Admission

June 21 2008, 10:00am - 7:00pm
San Francisco, CaliforniaTomorrow,
Where: Civic Center Plaza Park
Polk, McAllister, Grove & Golden Gate
San Francisco, CA

Friday, June 13 at 1:00 PM
Park Strip (Anchorage, AK)
Mid-town, Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508

Charlton Heston (Moses) passes away

The Great Charlton Heston, the critically acclaimed and one of my favorite actors of all time passed away on April 4, 2008 at the age of 84 reportedly of the effects of Alzheimers.

Heston was born John Charles Carter in an unincorporated area between Evanston and Wilmette, Illinois, the son of Lilla (née Charlton) and Russell Whitford Carter, a mill operator.

Genealogically speaking, Heston was of English and Scottish descent and a member of the Fraser clan.


His passing was definitely a loss to many of his adoring fans including myself who were inspired by his life-long work. His best work in my opinion was in the late Cecille B. De Mille's, "The Ten Commandments."



Mr. DeMille's should also go down in history as having produced, directed and written the epic movie. He delivered on that end and Charlton Heston, again in my opinion became "Moses."


The story chronicles the journey of the Biblical hero, Moses' life from his humble entry into the world as an infant son of slaves doomed for execution by edict of the reigning Pharoah of Egypt to his basket journey across the Nile into the hands of his adoptive Egyptian Royal mother that landed him into the House of Pharoah. From there, Moses rises to power as a strong, young Mighty Warrior Prince smitten by a beautiful Egyptian princess, Neferteri and is destined to assume the title of Pharoah until his true identity is learned and he is exiled from Egypt. He finds the strength to make it across the desert into a distant land where he marries and lives amongst the descendents of Ishmael until God speaks to him in the form of a "Burning Bush" on a high mountain and ordains him to lead the Hebrew people out of the bondage of Egypt. He does return to Egypt and following many God sent plagues and against strong opposition of his once brother, Ramses, leads a nation out of bondage across a parted Red Sea to receive "God's Ten Commandments" for living a good life only to have them lose faith and sin against God so they are made to wonder in the desert for 40 years until the ones that sinned died off. You may be thinking, I nailed that summary of the movie. If so, that is because I have literally seen the movie over 100 times since I own the movie and watch it at least 10 times a year.


This movie written in 1956 was spectacular in every way, shape and form. The setting, the scenes, the costumes and especially the actors. Highest honors in that regard as mentioned above goes to Charlton Heston. He was the central character, Moses and his fabulous portrayal of that role made the epic movie what it was. In the process, he touched many hearts and souls including mine and undoubtedly lead as many people to Glory and delivered them from the bondage of sin in real life as he did in his portrayal in the movie. I believe and pray that he is sitting on the right hand of God as we speak!


He leaves behind his wife, Lydia and the world who was blessed by his presence in the world and will forever cherish his memory.

Dessie Lee Patterson, S. Mansfield Mayor murdered

Dessie Lee Patterson, Mayor of South Mansfield, Louisiana in Desoto Parish, was recently slain on Tuesday, March 11, 2008. The 88 year old was brutally stabbed to death by suspected killer, Bobby Harris for $200 in $1 bills.

The small amount of money he took makes it even more senseless and tragic.

Mayor Dessie Lee Patterson became the state's first black female mayor on March 14, 1971 when she was appointed to fill an unexpired term in the village of South Mansfield. Her term was set to expire in December 2008.

Prior to becoming Mayor she was involved in politics and community activism decades earlier. Patterson was one of the pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement in the local area. She joined federal officials in the 1950s and 1960s to encourage blacks to vote since elections in South Mansfield even were hampered by the lack of registered voters.

I did not know the lady personally but her story touched me and senseless murder saddened me especially since she was from the ancestral parish of my father's maternal line.

She was described as a sweet-spirited person who gave her life for this community and worked tirelessly in her role as Mayor.

I'm sure that she will be missed but by all accounts, her memory and legacy will not be soon forgotten.

May you rest in peace!

New York's 1st times two!

Lt. Gov. David Paterson is expected to succeed disgraced Gov. Eliot Spitzer who is expected to resign following a sex scandal.

In doing so, Lt. Gov. David Paterson will not only become the first black governor of New York but since he is legally blind, he will also become the 1st blind and disabled governor since Franklin D. Roosevelt.

53-year-old Paterson is a native New Yorker and is the son of former state Sen. Basil Paterson who also the 1st black to hold the office of Secretary of State.

By all accounts, Paterson is up for the task despite his handicap.

African American Family History Seminar

The 3rd annual African American Family History Seminar took place on March 8,2008. It was a resounding success! We had a great turnout in terms of attendees. The keynote speaker was Ugo Parego with the Sorenson Foundation and he did a wonderful job. In addition, on behalf of the Sorenson Foundation provided free DNA testing to all interested attendees including myself. I can hardly wait for my results!

I taught a class this year, "Using Genealogy to Plan Your Family Reunion" and my class was almost full to capacity. As well, I got a lot of positive feedback.

Also, in attendance was news media staff, Karen Massie and Dana Howard.

I was on the planning committe for the event and everything flowed pretty much as planned with few unexpected occurences.

I am already looking forward to next year's event!

Obama, an all american family man

The following are images of Presidential hopeful, Barrack Obama with various members of his family.



Barrack's maternal grandparents pictured w/his late mother as a child


Barrack pictured w/his late mother and grandfather at high school graduation


Barrack pictured with his maternal grandparents



Barrack Obama's Kenyan, Harvard educated father



Barrack pictured with his paternal grandmother in Africa


Barrack pictured with his wife Michelle and their children

3rd Annual African American Family History Seminar

March 8, 2008 is the 3rd Annual African American Family History Seminar.
Watch for details on the free DNA testing at the seminar.

Osmonds appear on Oprah

The entertainment world suffered a loss this week with the death of the patriach of the Osmond family. George Osmond, 90 passed away leaving to cherish his memory 9 children including Donny and Marie of former variety show fame.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Olive who died in 2004 and is also survived by 55 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.

His daughter, Marie who currently appears on the hit show, "Dancing with the Stars," had dedicated a dance in honor of both her parents who she said met during their military service.

Following the elder Osmond's death, almost the entire clan, 130 members, were flown in for an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show courtesy of the wealthy talk show host.

What a legacy! It is just amazing that all these people descended from the union of 2 individuals. This pales only in comparison to Adam and Eve!

God said be fruitful and multiply and they certainly did!

King Tut unwrapped

Yesterday, on Nov. 5, 2007, the mummified body of the 19 year old boy King Tut was unwrapped exactly 85 years after being discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.

Photographs reveal the tar-black faced skeletal remains of the once Egyptian King. His mouth is stacked full of crusty decayed teeth that point upward giving the impression that he had a pronounced overbite. The entire body looks like has been torched.

The body of the King, was removed from its original resting place to a new coffin in the high tech climate-controlled antechamber of his small underground tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

The purpose of the move accordingly to Egyptian officials was to help preserve the mummy, which has been suffering poor condition since it was first discovered.

Wrapped in many layers of linen and resin, Tutankhamun's body was nearly destroyed by Carter and his team, when sharp tools were used to remove his gleaming gold-and-blue death mask. Sources have also indicated that further damage has been caused by the body heat of the huge number of tourists who enter the tomb each year.

I have always been fascinated by Egyptian history and heritage. Part of the reason is naturally due to the riches and majesty that dominates its history and also because of its location in my ancestral land of Africa.

The country of Egypt sits at the northeastern tip of the Great Continent of Africa. It borders Libya and Chad to the west and Sudan to the south. The country boasts some of the greatest riches in the world.


Although, I have not yet traveled to Egypt, I have had the opportunity to view many Egyptian artifacts over the years in both New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art which houses a large collection and also at the Louvre in Paris where the collection is even more massive than their New York counterparts. I was just enchanted with the awesome display of beauty and attention to detail in their clothing, art, sculptures and architecture.

Well, Tut, only God can say whether your soul lives on for an eternity but your mortal remains and memories have lived on centuries upon centuries. I guess the responsibility for that goes to the many hands and hearts that took the time and love to try to memorialize, preserve you and make your journey to the afterlife a pleasant one.

I can't say how you feel about being "upwrapped" but from one human being to another I hope that you are resting in peace and are in the presence of the King of All Kings, God Almighty!

Because you know now, Tut what the rest of us know only by faith:



Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.


Psalm 135:13
Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.


Psalm 145:13
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

New Indian Governor of Louisiana

Louisiana elected its first Indian-American governor on 10/22/07. 36-year-old Republican Bobby Jindal became the first non-white Louisiana governor since Reconstruction and the youngest sitting governor in the country.

Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback (May 10, 1837 – December 21, 1921) was the first African American to become governor of a U.S. state. Pinchback, a Republican, served as the governor of Louisiana for thirty-five days, from December 9, 1872, to January 13, 1873 during Reconstruction. He is pictured below:

Barrack Obama and Dick Cheney cousins?

The media is all abuzz with the recent revelation by the Lynne Cheney, the wife of vice president, Dick Cheney that he is the eighth cousin of US. Senator and Presidential Hopeful, Barrack Obama.

Apparently, Mrs. Cheney made the discovery when she while researching her while researching her ancestry for her new memoir, Blue Skies, No Fences.

According to her research, the Mrs Cheney's spokesman, Senator Obama is a descendant of Mareen Duvall whose son married the granddaughter Richard Cheney, a Bristish and Maryland native and ancestor/namesake of Vice President, Richard B. Cheney.

This just proves what I have long known, that if we dig deep enough and go far back enough, we will find that we are all related!

It was was only fairly recent that it was announced that Civil Rights Activist,The Rev. Al Sharpton is descended from a slave owned by relatives of the late senator and one-time segregationist Strom Thurmond and the fact that is well known that slaveowners often mingled blood with their slaves, they could very well be related as well.