Reconnecting Creole of Color Lineages in Southwest LouisianaHow do Creole of color families in Southwest Louisiana rediscover and reconnect their shared histories? In this episode, my guest Alex D. Lee guides listeners through community-driven methods for tracing lineage—blending DNA results with courthouse and notarial records, oral histories, and collective memory. Together, we explore the first steps families can take to begin their search, how to navigate challenges like name changes and migration, and how collaboration within communities can transform research outcomes. We also reflect on the ethics of sharing stories that reveal painful truths about race, identity, and enslavement—and how families can safeguard their histories while honoring those who came before.
Alex D. Lee is a genealogist and public historian who specializes in African American and Creole of color lineages across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Through Alex Genealogy, Alex helps families reconstruct ancestral stories using archival records, DNA results, and community oral histories, translating research into accessible narratives, educational programs, and heritage tourism. Alex partners with nonprofits and cultural institutions to preserve cemeteries, curate family reunions, and bring overlooked histories to the forefront.
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