The Southern California Genealogy Jamboree is now underway!
I had the honor to share a panel with Bernice Bennett, and Nicka Smith for the panel "Reaching Out and Reaching In" early this morning. This was the first session offered in the African American track at the Jamboree.
(courtesy of Felicia Addison)
Our panel listening to comments from audience.
A very poignant discussion unfolded and the interactive action that we desired, unfolded smoothly. And delightfully there was good audience participation. They found the topic to be a much needed one, and everyone shared their thoughts and ideas.
Bernice Bennett served as moderator of the panel and raised several key questions,
What does reaching out reaching in mean to each of us?
Why isn't there diversity?
What is the community?
Who "owns" the African American story?
Where do we begin?
As a presenter I was delighted to see the participation from the audience, and their willingness to share their stories with each of us.
After the session ended, I had the honor of meeting a gentleman whose family history I had researched and blogged about in 2013. He had printed the article and asked me to autograph it for him. What a humbling thing to meet him and to know that he had appreciated the article. He, Mr. Tommy J. Clark of San Diego, is a direct descendant of Chickasaws, Samuel Chawanochubby and Mason Clark.
Awaiting the opening of the exhibit hall later and I shall be posting things from there. But the day is off to a great beginning!
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