African Diaspora
Explore African diaspora genealogy
African diaspora genealogy connects family histories across Africa, the Caribbean, North America, Latin America and communities around the world. Research may involve migration, slavery, emancipation, colonial records, immigration and the preservation of community histories.
Explore by community
Begin with the community or geographic history most closely connected to your family. Many African diaspora family histories cross several regions and research traditions.
African American Genealogy
Research African American family history through census records, emancipation-era records, slavery-era sources, migration and DNA.
Afro-Caribbean Genealogy
Explore African ancestry and family history across the Caribbean, including colonial, plantation, church and migration records.
Afro-Latin American Genealogy
Discover resources for African-descended communities throughout Central America, South America and Mexico.
African Genealogy
Explore African family history, ethnic communities, languages, historical territories and available records.
African Diaspora Worldwide
Research African-descended communities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other parts of the world.
DNA & African Ancestry
Explore how DNA matching, ethnicity estimates, segments and genetic communities can support African diaspora research.
Key research areas
African diaspora genealogy often requires combining different types of records and research methods across multiple countries and historical periods.
Research across generations and borders
African diaspora family histories often cross national boundaries. An ancestor may have been born in Africa, transported through the Caribbean, lived in North America and later migrated again. Records may therefore appear in several countries and under different names, languages and historical classifications. Following these connections can be essential to reconstructing a family history.
DNA as part of the research process
DNA can help identify genetic connections when documentary records are incomplete or difficult to connect. Autosomal DNA, shared matches, chromosome segments and genetic networks can be used alongside historical and genealogical records rather than as a replacement for documentary research.
Connect Africa, diaspora and family history
Start with a community or region, then follow the migration routes, historical records, archives and DNA evidence that can help connect generations of your family.
DNA Academy - Quick Answers
What formats are your free templates available in?
Our templates are available as downloadable Excel/Google Sheets files (for digital tracking).
How do I use a research log effectively?
A research log helps you track which records you’ve searched, what you found, and what’s still missing. We recommend filling it out as you go, it prevents duplicate searches and helps you identify patterns. Our template includes columns for date, source, location, and findings.
Are the templates available in languages other than English?
Currently, our templates are in English only. We are exploring translations into Swedish, Spanish, and German based on user requests. If you need a specific language, contact us and we’ll prioritize it.