One of the key characteristics of humanity is how it defines its self by geographical borders, language, culture and heritage. These are all linked to our sense of family, community and citizenship and our role in civil societies and the economic and political empowerment of a nation.

Family history and genealogy is based on a variety of information and evidence (documentary and spoken word) the tribe, clan, village, language, customs, folklore, name, and wealth.

This tradition was probably the first form of genealogy in the world. The classic example of this is the late Emperor Haile Selassie from Ethiopia who could trace his ancestors to the Queen of Sheba, a family lineage of over 3000 years.

During the Victorian era the focus on family history was around pedigree and wealth and connections to nobility and heroic figures.

Today, genealogy is a quest for searching identity, heritage and a sense of belonging. However, it is important to recognise that issues around family heritage and identity is an international and local phenomenon where all ethnic groupings, races and nationalities are going through a period of soul searching and reflection (e.g. Cool Britannia or French language Protectionism) which is often reflected in most extreme way in the form of genocide (Bosnia, Rwanda, Sudan, East Timor).

The issue of genealogy and heritage is becoming more important to Black and Minority ethnic groups and races such as African Caribbean, Asian, Irish, Turkish,Chinese and Jewish. They similarly have challenges of connecting with their Diaspora experiences and centuries of displacement and immigration.

ROLE OF FAMILY HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Over the last 30 years, research evidence, government reports and the experiences of the community highlight that we are on the extreme margins of British Society.

The familiar story of over representation in school exclusions, mental health institutions, criminal justice system, children in care, gun violence fatalities, living in the most deprived neighbourhoods, poor access to health care and widening health inequalities means that is not surprising all these factors have an impact on our self-esteem and identity, and a lack of sense of community.

The impact of negative media stories on immigration and asylum, and the growing marginalities of young people from white working class and minority ethnic communities have given rise to extremism and break down in community cohesion.

In my opinion, the role of family history and genealogy provides a useful way of people reclaiming and defining our identity, and a platform to understand and develop our own solutions in tackling inequality, racism and the negative impact of globalisation.

Often there is a perception that family history and genealogy is for retired or older people who want to reminisce about their childhood and spend days in libraries, archives and boring people for hours about family folklore and tales. However, family history and tracing your roots is also important and fun for children and young people in care. Namely:

1. identify hereditary disease and genetic disorders(e.g. Sickle Cell);

2. learning about family history, folklore, custom and heritage is fun and can bridge the generation gap;

3. unlocking family secrets which may give some understanding of relationships with family members and extended members in the community;

4. promotion of genealogy as an interesting and stimulating hobby and pastime(almost becoming a detective or private investigator);

5. gives a sense of identity and purpose in planning personalobjectives and career developments knowing that you have a family tradition or heritage;

6. identify role models from within families for a source of inspiration and encouragement there could be a tradition of being doctors, lawyers, healers, scientists, writers,artists, skilled crafts person, etc);

7. recognition of family ancestors who made a contribution to the local community, nationally and internationally;

8. information on cultural festivals and religious ceremonies

9. Advice on the preservation and formats of family history of descendants and ancestral connection (this ranges from museums, archives, ceremonies, statutes/plaques, manuscripts, census records, inheritance/property laws, publications).

10. Information on events, conferences and festivals nationally and international on cultural diversity and family history.

BLACK HERITAGE AND IDENTITY

The reconstruction and distortion of African history, culture and heritage as part of world history has made it a formidable task to establish the same level of information and awareness for people who are black and mixed parentage in tracing their family tree. Namely:

- Black presence in Britain and Europe over the last 1000 years (integration in white society. Estimated that I in 20 white people in Britain have a black or Asian ancestor);

- Early Black presence in Indian Subcontinent, Asia and Oceania;

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