Midwestern African American Genealogy Institute Day #1

Professor Dru, aka Drusilla Pair discusses thinking  outside the box.

Things got underway in the first full day session of MAAGI. The tracks all began ontme, and by 8:00 am the Pre and Post slavery era was in full swing. By 8:30 the other tracks began their sessions.  In the professional and Beginning Level track a joint session on planning one's research and establishing a research plan was held. After an introduction of the participants, Shelley Murphy and Angela Walton Raji each gave a presentation to the the participants in the joint session.

Then the Professional Track had their own separate sessions and the day got better with Lisa Smith and Professor Dru (Drusilla Pair) each leaving the participants enthusiastic and filled with information. The day ended with an amazing discussion on the process of documenting the genealogical process and how to give a professional summary to the genealogical journey, whether a research trip, or even a journey to one's ancestral homeland.

And it must be mentioned that for many participants, the opportunity to fellowship with other researchers was just as rewarding as the workshops.

After classes ended on this first day a special treat was to have a wonderful meal at the famous Sweetie Pie's Kitchen.

                                                                                    In line at Sweetie Pies.

                                           Connie Tensley and Bernice Bennett before having dinner. 

The evening ended with many returning either to the residence hall or the hotel  to fellowship and discuss some of the topics presented in the day's sessions. The enthusiasm was shared by many and comments continued to pour in throughout the afternoon and evening about how much had been learned.