36: Connecting Your Past to the Present: Genealogy, DNA, and Identity w/ Nicka Sewell Smith

Guilty Privilege

In this episode, Amber sits down with Nicka Sewell Smith, an expert genealogist, speaker, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in family history and ancestral research. Together, they discuss the profound power and privilege in uncovering one’s heritage and the importance of documenting family stories to preserve legacies. Nicka shares moving personal stories from her own genealogical journey, revealing how connecting with living relatives and discovering hidden ancestral ties can deepen one’s sense of identity and belonging.

They also dive into the latest in genealogical technology, including DNA testing advancements that can unlock family secrets hidden for generations. Nicka provides practical tips on gathering, documenting, and safeguarding family history, offering advice on connecting with relatives, even across generations, and using creative methods to preserve precious memories.

This episode is an inspiring reminder of the gift of family history and the responsibility we each carry to pass down our heritage. Join Amber and Nicka to discover how honoring your roots can shape your future.

KEY POINTS:

- What is genealogy?

- The value of preserving family history and cultural heritage

- Digitalization: Ancestry from storytelling to DNA testing

- The powerful story behind A Dream Delivered: The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson film

- Connecting with African-American ancestors through genealogy research

- The importance of privacy in DNA testing

- The pivotal role of relationship-building

- Preserving history: How photography connects with storytelling

- A preview of what Black Progen is

- What’s one thing that Nicka refuses to be guilty about?

QUOTABLES:

“As a family historian, as a genealogist, you have to be a connector. You're like the heartbeat of your family… And I do that in my life. I do that in my family.” – Nicka Sewell Smith

“What I've learned in researching this community is that the remnants of these people who survived the transatlantic slave trade brought together these communities with people they don't know. They make a community for themselves, and their children intermarry, and then that's how we end up.” – Nicka Sewell Smith

GUEST RESOURCES

Nicka Sewell Smith

LinkedIn | @nickasewellsmith

Amber Cabral

IG | @bamcabral

LinkedIn | @ambercabral

Facebook | @amber.cabral

Twitter | @BamCabral

Watch Amber’s TED TALK episode here.

Grab a copy of Amber’s books at Amazon!

Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture

Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others -

Guilty Privilege is produced by EPYC Media Network