James White, a reknowned Black historian, acticvist, Pan Africanist, and the best-selling author of Roots Recovered: The How-To Guide For Tracing African-American and West Indian Roots Back to Africa…, is also releasing a second version of his book. This time, he’s asking African Americans who have visited the motherland (Africa) to trace their ancestry to submit their tales for publication.
James, a pioneer in African genealogical travel, published the first edition of Roots Recovered in 2004, and for the past 20 years, it has won readers over. By sharing the unique journeys of people of African origin inspired by their DNA, it was intended to shed light on and celebrate the rich tapestry of African heritage. It originated from the author’s dissatisfaction with widely held false beliefs and unfavourable stereotypes about Africa.
Since its first publication, Roots Recovered has received numerous awards and honours. The Tavis Smiley Show on NPR Radio, CN-8 News, Africa Meets Africa on Pacifica Radio, WHUR’s The Caribbean Experience, Radio One, WKGO Radio, and the well-known travel talk show John Hamilton on the Go are just a few of the platforms where it has been broadcast. The book had a significant influence on The Boston Globe, the Africana Heritage website at the University of South Florida, and a host of other journals and media sources. It was also hand-picked for the DiverCity Book of the Month Club.
After twenty years, James is now extending an invitation to the public to share in this extraordinary trip. With the goal of gathering and disseminating individual tales, the recently released book Roots Recovered Part II hopes to encourage all African children who have been uprooted to start their own DNA-based family history searches. He hopes that every distinct story will serve to debunk misconceptions, honour cultural traditions, and inspire people to discover their African ancestry. All Diasporan African Americans are encouraged to submit their narratives.
Submission Instructions:
The author interested participants that want to contribute their personal story to Roots Recovered Part II, to please follow these guidelines:
- Trace your ancestry to Africa. Please mention the company you used.
- Identify your tribe or African ethnic group.
- Describe your family’s journey in detail. Was it a life-changing experience?
- Your submission should not exceed 20 pages, double-spaced, in 12-point Courier font. By submitting your story, you agree to its inclusion in Roots Recovered Part II.
- Please note that while we eagerly anticipate your contributions, there is no guarantee that your story will be selected for publication.
- The submission process is not associated with any form of remuneration, and submitting your story does not establish any partnership, employment, contractor relationship, or grant any business or ownership rights.
- Email your submission to wjames3968@gmail.com and rootsrecoveredpart2@gmail.com by March 1, 2024.
The author looks forward to your participation in this remarkable project. He comments, “Let your story be the beacon that inspires others to embark on their own DNA-inspired journeys back to their ancestral origins.”
About the Author
James White, a native of Trenton, New Jersey, is not only an accomplished author, historian, and globetrotter but also a Howard University graduate and New York Law School graduate. Inspired by his own journey of self-discovery, his goal is to provide a platform for fellow African Americans to explore their roots. As a father of five who has served as an Attorney General for the federal government, he eagerly anticipates the creation of a space to curate and share these meaningful stories.
Submission Deadline: March 22, 2024
