When Your Ancestors Choose You: Finding Binky with Michael A. Willis

Beyond the 1870 Brickwall with Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved with Robin Proudie

Beyond the 1870 Brick Wall with Descendants of St. Louis University Enslaved The Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE) is a descendant-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to the pillars of Remembrance, Restoration, and Reparative Justice. DSLUE works to preserve and honor the legacies of more than 70 men, women, and children enslaved by the Jesuits in Missouri between 1823 and 1865. Through education, advocacy, memorialization, and direct action, the organization seeks to restore dignity to descendants while encouraging institutions to acknowledge historical harms and pursue meaningful repair. Robin Proudie is a direct descendant of Charles F. Chauvin and Henrietta Mills-Chauvin, as well as the Queen, Hawkins, Brown, Tyler, and Blacklock families. Her ancestors were among those enslaved by the Jesuits whose labor helped build and sustain Saint Louis University, Georgetown University, and other Jesuit institutions. Inspired by her family's history, Robin founded DSLUE and co-founder of the White Marsh Historical Society to ensure that the stories, sacrifices, and enduring legacy of these families are remembered and that descendants have a voice in shaping the future of truth, accountability, and reparative justice. Robin Proudie is the Founder and Executive Director of the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE), a descendant-led 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to Remembrance, Restoration, and Reparative Justice. A U.S. Navy veteran and retired federal civil servant, Robin is a nationally recognized advocate for descendant engagement and historical repair. She is also a founding board member of the White Marsh Historical Society and a direct descendant of Jesuit-enslaved ancestors whose labor helped build and sustain Georgetown University, Saint Louis University, and other Catholic churches, schools and farms in Missouri. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. You can find Ancestor’s Footprints on Spreaker.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, and many other platforms. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The Story Lives On: Tracing Freedom, Faith, and Family Through Generations with Carol A. Turner

"The Story Lives On: Tracing Freedom, Faith, and Family Through Generations." Today's episode will feature Carol Turner who is a descendant of the historic Quander, Carter, Ford, Jasper, Lucas, Robinson, and Cherokee families. Her ancestry includes Nancy Carter Quander, who was freed from the estate of George Washington in 1801 and later married Charles Quander, helping establish one of America's oldest documented Black families. Carol A. Turner, a technology executive, family historian, genealogist, digital creator, and ambassador of the Black and Brown diaspora. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in technology, cybersecurity, and program management, Carol has led transformational initiatives across federal agencies, global corporations, and major financial institutions. A proud Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Carol will celebrate 35 years of membership this October. She is also a cousin of Nellie Quander, the incorporator and first Supreme President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Passionate about preserving history and uplifting culture, Carol uses technology, genealogy, storytelling, and digital media to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and enduring legacy of the African diaspora while inspiring future generations to honor their heritage and embrace their possibilities. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. You can find Ancestor’s Footprints on Spreaker.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, and many other platforms. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Enslaved on the Trail of Tears with Terry J. Ligon

Ancestor's Footprints is featuring author Terry J. Ligon’s groundbreaking book "Enslaved on the Trail of Tears: Race, Removal, and the Transformation of Indian Territory." His research challenges common oversimplifications about the Trail of Tears by revealing that thousands of enslaved African-descended people were forcibly removed alongside the so-called Five Civilized Tribes, with many being named through his genealogical research using documents like Dawes Commission records, census data, and muster rolls.   Terry J. Ligon is a founding member of the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California and the Choctaw Chickasaw Freedmen Association. For decades, he has dedicated his work to researching and preserving the history of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Freedmen and illuminating the lives of formerly enslaved people in Indian Territory. His passion for genealogy began in 1987 when his father entrusted him with family photographs, letters, and documents that opened the door to a deeper understanding of their family history. That journey led Terry to become a respected genealogist, lecturer, and researcher whose work has helped countless people reconnect with their own ancestral stories. Terry’s research into his own ancestor, Bettie Love-Ligon, uncovered a remarkable legal and historical story that eventually reached the United States Supreme Court in the case known as “Equity Case 7071.” His scholarship continues to bridge genealogy, history, law, and memory in ways that challenge long-held assumptions about race, citizenship, belonging, and identity in Native and African American history. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. You can find Ancestor’s Footprints on Spreaker.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, and many other platforms. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The Choctaw Freedmen of Skullyville with Angela Walton-Raji

The Choctaw Freedmen of Skullyville - Uncovering an Oklahoma Ghost Town This episode will explore the  story of Skullyville a once-thriving capital of the Choctaw Nation that faded into obscurity. Unlike the freedmen communities in Spiro, Fort Coffee, and Poteau, the town of Skullyville eventually became a ghost town. Historical accounts documented aspects of life there, yet often omitted the stories of those who arrived in the 1830s along the Trail of Tears, enslaved people of African descent who endured displacement alongside their Choctaw enslavers. Joining Ancestor's Footprints is Angela Walton-Raji, a nationally recognized genealogist and historian specializing in Freedmen of the Five Tribes, author of Black Indian Genealogy Research, and host of The Freedmen Files. She is also a renowned author of several books including Black Indian Genealogy Research, the first book of its kind focusing on the unique record set reflecting the Indian Freedmen found within the Dawes Records from eastern Oklahoma. Since the publication of that first book - Angela has continued to publish other books including “Freedmen of the Frontier” Volumes 1 and 2, released in 2019, and 2020 respectively, present family profiles of Freedmen from all of the Five Tribes. “Oklahoma Freedmen of the Five Tribes” is a compilation of Freedmen family stories told by the descendants from all of the former slave-holding tribes and her latest Book - The Choctaw Freedmen of Skullyville - Uncovering an Oklahoma Ghost Town. Angela’s decades of research and advocacy have helped bring national attention to the history and rights of Freedmen descendants. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. You can find Ancestor’s Footprints on Spreaker.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, and many other platforms. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Behind the Gavel- Lessons from Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson and KaTrina Chantelle Griffin

Today's episode features a new book: Behind the Gavel: Lessons from Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson. This book is  co-authored by Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson and the Honorable KaTrina Chantele Griffin.” “This inspiring book introduces young readers to the life lessons, values, and experiences that shaped one of the nation’s groundbreaking legal minds.”  The Honorable KaTrina Chantelle Griffin currently serves as the Orleans Parish School Board Member for District 4 and is widely recognized for her passionate advocacy for children, families and public education. KaTrina is the author of Behind the Gavel: Lessons from Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, a book inspired by the life and legacy of the FIRST African American woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court.  A respected business professional and community leader, KaTrina is committed to preserving stories that inspire future generations and empower young people to create lasting impact in their communities.  “Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson made history as the first African American Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, serving with distinction and integrity. Born during segregation and determined to make a difference, she attended Spelman College on scholarship before becoming one of the first African American women to attend the Louisiana State University Law Center. Her career was grounded in civil rights, advocacy, and service to communities often overlooked and underserved. From working with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund during the Civil Rights Movement to becoming Chief Justice of Louisiana’s highest court, her journey teaches us that leadership is not about power alone — it is about responsibility, compassion, and courage.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. You can find Ancestor’s Footprints on Spreaker.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music, and many other platforms. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.