Tracing the Unseen: Genealogy Challenges of Free People of Color (Podcast)

What happened when entire communities of marginalized people lived on the periphery of the white-dominated power structure at the county and state levels? What if records that documented these communities are missing, or never existed at all?

In this eye-opening episode, we confront the unique challenges African American genealogists face when researching the lives of Free People of Color in American history. Our special guest, Renate Yarbrough Sanders, a renowned professional genealogist, brings decades of experience and deep insight to a conversation too often overlooked in mainstream genealogy.

Through stories, strategies, and invaluable resources, Renate reveals how to navigate the scarcity, complexity, and fragmentation of historical records that surround the lives of Free People of Color. More than a technical discussion, this episode is a call to persistence, creativity, and truth-seeking in the face of historical erasure.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why tracing Free People of Color is uniquely difficult—and critically important
• Where to find overlooked sources of information
• How to piece together fragmented records and family stories
• The emotional and cultural significance of uncovering these histories

Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist, just beginning your family research, or passionate about historical justice, this episode will leave you with practical tools—and deeper purpose—in uncovering the roots of resilience.