DILAN Principal Consultant and DEI Practice lead Dr. Hasse Leonard-Pagel hosted Kenyatta D. Berry, a professional genealogist, host of Genealogy Roadshow (PBS), author, attorney, and contributor to the New York Times’ groundbreaking “1619 Project.”

These two black professional women, who have been friends since childhood, engaged in a dynamic and heartfelt discussion on the history of the United
States’ newest Federal holiday, Juneteenth. Ms. Berry used genealogy-based stories to bring the meaning of Juneteenth to life and to discuss how our personal and shared ancestral history shapes our identity and influences our sense of belonging. During this webinar, viewers had an opportunity to participate in an ancestral charting reflection exercise.

Whether one is new to genealogy or someone who’s explored their family history, Ms. Berry helps people make new ancestral discoveries. In addition to helping Black Americans break down the barriers of limited information about their ancestors, Ms. Berry assists individuals from many different ethnic groups in the US and abroad.