undefined undefined Finding My Black Ancestors
1987
Finding My Black Ancestors
June 1987


“Finding My Black Ancestors,” Ensign, June 1987, 54

Finding My Black Ancestors

Soon after my conversion to the LDS Church, I received my patriarchal blessing. In it I was counseled to do my genealogy work. This surprised me, for as a black person I had always thought that pursuing genealogy would be hopeless. Slaves were only recorded as nameless property. How could I possibly find the records of my ancestors?

But although I didn’t have the experience, time, or funds that Alex Haley had, I did have a patriarchal blessing that encouraged me to uncover my personal roots and see that my ancestors’ temple work was done. So I began.

After months of dead ends, one night I had a dream. In the dream, a photograph of my great-great-grandmother that hangs on our living room wall was lifted down and handed to me. I had already searched in vain for her records. Yet the dream was so vivid that the following day I stared urgently at the photograph, wondering what it held for me and why it had appeared to me in the dream.

Many times that day I returned to the picture. Slowly, but firmly, I received the impression that I should write to the Mississippi archives for information. It didn’t seem logical, but I followed the impulse.

One week later I received the copy of a particular census that verified my great-great-grandmother’s birth and gave me all the information I needed. I now look forward to performing the saving ordinances for her in the Atlanta Temple.

I used to look at that photograph in my living room and see only my great-great-grandmother. Now that picture reminds me that when I felt that finding information about my ancestors was impossible, a way was shown to me.

  • Carol Batey, a homemaker, is a member of the Nashville (Tennessee) First Ward.

  • Brad Wilcox, a teacher and lecturer, serves as a Primary teacher in the Provo Fiftieth Ward, Provo Utah Grandview Stake.