Five Books on Black Traditions and Tracing Your Roots

By Bianca Crawley,
Special at AFRO

In keeping with our theme of discovering our roots and honoring the past from which we come, AFRO has compiled a short list of recommended books that discuss ancient traditions, people who have contributed to the culture, and trace the family line. .

Take a look at the list below, then head to your local library or your favorite black-owned bookstore to pick up a copy!

1. African American Herbalism: A Practical Guide to Medicinal Plants and Folk Traditions

by Lucrezia VanDyke

This informative book focuses on holistic treatments and remedies that gain healing powers to help replenish the body. By guiding the reader through ancient practices rooted in African traditions and folktales, readers learn about healing traditions that have been observed and practiced throughout the African Diaspora, yesterday and today.

This exceptional book provides information on herbal skin care routines, medicine, food and more with much to learn, understand and integrate into your own life.

2. A Nation of Descendants: The Politics and Practice of Genealogy in United States History

by Francesca Morgan

This engaging and compelling book focuses on the deeply rooted history of family ancestry, particularly within the black American community. Taking the reader on an exploration of the commonalities and ties that unite us, the text does a great job of honoring all the things that make us unique.

This book is a must for anyone wishing to gain knowledge about who they are as a race and how it binds them closely to those in the world around them.

3. Black Roots: A Beginner’s Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree

by Tony Burroughs

This book is a must for all black people interested in tracing their own family’s historical roots as well as learning about the challenges faced by African Americans since they were brought to the Americas. The novel gives you step-by-step everything you need to know to learn how to research your own personal family history, how to organize those records, and how to best analyze and understand the research that has been found.

4. Fundamental American Black Racing Bait by Tariq Nashed

Tariq Nasheed is an author, actor, and producer known for his controversial work on black history and systemic racism in America. He is best known for his film series, hidden colors, which focuses on a collection of scholars and books dealing with the historical roots of black people throughout the African diaspora. His outstanding book Fundamental American Black Racing Bait is an autobiography discussing Nasheed’s life and personal experiences growing up and experiencing systemic racism in America while living in different environments. His sometimes controversial opinions shed light on the challenges that many black Americans face while experiencing racism at different phases of their lives.

5. Black on Earth: African American Literary Traditions by Kimberly N. Ruffins

This controversial and intriguing book elaborates on the relationship between the culture and traditions of African Americans and other ethnic groups. It discusses in detail important distinguishing factors such as economic discrimination, environmental issues and differences, social and political contradictions, racism, etc. This essential book will keep you intrigued by the different types of research and thought that led to the creation and masterpiece of this work.

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