A few hours after I sent out the newsletter with the words quoted above, the mailman delivered a copy to my door. I can now report that this book does indeed live up to the publisher’s description.

First of all, I can testify that Tony Burroughs is highly qualified to write this volume. He is an internationally known genealogist and frequent author. He teaches genealogy at Chicago State University. He also lectures throughout the United States and Canada on all aspects of genealogy. I have had the pleasure of meeting Tony a number of times, I have dined with him occasionally, and I have sat through a half-dozen or so of his lectures. I already know he is a great speaker, but I had never read any of his written words until this week.

When looking at the Table of Contents, Black Roots appears to be similar to other genealogy how-to books. There are chapters on "What Is Genealogy?", family group sheets, pedigree charts, census records, and most all the other topics that genealogists deal with. However, as you begin to read the text, it becomes apparent that Tony describes these topics from the Black American’s viewpoint. For instance, when describing cemetery records, he points out that the published records of Certified Genealogist Paul E. Sluby contains information about African American cemeteries in the Washington, DC area, information that often is missing in other published records. He also writes about how past segregation and racism affected record keeping. Again and again, Burroughs describes the items that all genealogists need to know, but describes them from the viewpoint of someone researching Black ancestry. Some things are the same, but wherever the Black experience brings a unique perspective, Tony presents that point of view and prescribes an approach to researching these aspects.

As Burroughs writes early in this book, "Many genealogists state that Black genealogy is the same as traditional genealogy until you get back to slavery, prior to 1865. I cringe every time I hear those words. This statement is only partially true." He then goes on to fill the rest of the book with explanations of the differences and suggestions on how to proceed.

Burroughs’ writing style is light and easy to read. He not only writes about the "how to do" research topics, but he also offers suggestions of "what you might want to think about." He writes about giving our children a heritage and fostering pride and self-esteem.

Black Roots is full of examples, case histories that illustrate real-world challenges. It has many illustrations and photographs of records similar to the ones you will need to look at. It also has samples of worksheets and various forms that you will find useful.

This book is a good read, and I highly recommend it to anyone researching Black ancestry. At only $16, this book is cost effective. While other genealogy books also are useful for the Black genealogist, Black Roots can save you a lot of wasted time and frustration.

Black Roots is published by the Fireside Division of Simon & Schuster and should be available soon at most major bookstores and online booksellers. It is brand new, so they may not yet have it in inventory. However, you should be able to order it at any bookstore by specifying ISBN 0-684-84704-3.