Black Genealogy | Secrets of Slave Compensation Records

Explore Black history and trace Jamaican ancestry with Paul Crooks in this insightful masterclass on the 1834 Slave Compensation Records.

By Black History Speaker | Paul Crooks

Date and time

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:00 - 12:00 PDT

Location

Online

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 hour

Join this Black history masterclass with Genealogist and Black History Speaker, Paul Crooks, as he delves into his ancestral research regarding the British government’s 1833 legislation to end its system of enslavement.

This event sheds light on the largest state-sponsored payout in British history before 2008, where Britain raised the equivalent of £20 billion to compensate slave owners for the 'loss of human property.' Discover how taxpayer money enriched those who had already profited from slavery, and explore the concept of reparations in this historical context.

Paul Crooks will discuss his journey tracing uncompensated ancestors enslaved in Jamaica. He will reveal documentary evidence of compensation linked to the enslavement of his ancestors.

This talk offers valuable insights on how historical records can illuminate the stories of your ancestors, deepen your understanding of Black history, and explore the broader discussion on reparations for historical injustices.

Plus Ticket: Along with event access, Plus Ticket holders will receive a digital copy of the 'Black History of Resistance and Abolition Timeline' interactive PowerPoint, which will be sent via email after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/9vIa8Q9yjh8?si=vTLS31X6efdx18rn

Premium Ticket: Premium access includes all Plus offerings, plus a digital copy of Paul Crooks' latest novel 'Descendants,' sent to you electronically after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/BmI8rTjUEmE

Deluxe Ticket: Deluxe attendees enjoy all Premium benefits, with the added bonus of the 'DNA Testing Demystified: Separating Fact from Fiction in Genealogy' eBook to deepen your understanding of genealogy which will be sent via email after the event.

Trailer video: https://youtu.be/mQanCy3o1XM

About the speaker

Trailblazing family historian Paul Crooks pioneered research into Black genealogy during the 1990s. He traced his family history from London, back 6 generations, to ancestors enslaved on a sugar plantation in North America.

Paul was told that it would be impossible to trace records of slave-ownership let alone his Ancestors enslaved on plantations in North America. “No one had tried because such records did not exist.” Undeterred, he embarked on a journey of discovery that led from suburban North London to North America and ultimately back to the Gold Coast.

His books, Ancestors and A Tree Without Roots - The Guide To Tracing British, African and Asian Caribbean Ancestry brought him international recognition for his breakthrough research into Black genealogy.

Paul is credited with inspiring an upsurge in interest in Black and British ancestry. He is also recognised for having spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy.

Frequently asked questions

Events are listed in English pounds (£). I live in the USA. Can I still register for events?

Yes, you can. 40% of registrants are residents of the USA. All you need to do is follow the registration process using your credit card or PayPal when prompted. The amount will be converted to USD ($) and be shown on your next bank and PayPal statement in USD ($).

I'm in the USA. What is the cost?

Try Googling "free currency converter" to calculate the cost. £1 = $1.23 (approximately). The actual currency conversion applied by your bank will appear on your bank statement.

I can't attend on the day. Will you be repeating this event?

Yes, I will repeat the event at some point in the not-too-distant future. Follow me on Eventbrite for updates on upcoming talks (all events will have a follow button displayed prominently). Alternatively, you can sign up for my e-mail of upcoming events from my webpage at https://paulcrooks.info

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Black History Speaker | Paul Crooks

Welcome to Paul Crooks' world of Black History and Ancestry—a platform dedicated to exploring, celebrating, and empowering through the untold stories of the African diaspora. As a pioneering African Caribbean genealogist and celebrated Black History speaker, I aim to inspire and enlighten audiences by unraveling the threads of our shared heritage.

In 2025, I invite you to join my season of Black History and Ancestry events, an exciting series of talks designed to deepen understanding of Black ancestry, challenge conventional narratives, and uncover the incredible contributions of Black individuals to world history. These events are crafted to inspire personal growth, foster connection, and empower communities through knowledge.

Discover topics ranging from tracing African Caribbean roots and understanding the 1817 Slave Registers to exploring the origins of colorism, legendary leaders, and the role of DNA in Black ancestry research. My talks are perfect for anyone at the beginning of their ancestral journey or those looking to delve deeper into Black history’s empowering lessons.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, curious about genealogy, or passionate about exploring your heritage, my events are here to provide you with engaging insights and practical knowledge. Together, let’s redefine how we view Black history—as a vital branch of world history and a tool for personal and collective empowerment.

£5 – £13.70