Send us a text

In this relaunch episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry and producer Caitlin Howle introduce the podcast’s powerful new direction—spotlighting stories systematically erased from history and amplifying marginalized voices. Drawing on her extensive research and her own family history as a descendant of enslaved individuals, Kenyatta shares the inspiration behind this shift. Together, they explore the challenges of uncovering erased histories, the role of storytelling in genealogy, and the potential of modern tools like AI. This episode sets the stage for a series designed to educate, inspire, and reframe how we think about America’s past.

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome Back to Conversations with Kenyatta
00:51 The Inspiration Behind the New Focus
01:49 Exploring Historical Erasure
04:12 Genealogy and Historical Context
07:11 Challenges in Telling Erased Stories
17:06 The Role of AI in Genealogy
25:38 The Emotional Connection to Genealogy
31:27 Hopes for the Podcast’s Impact
34:42 Conclusion and Future Excitement

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.

Send us a text

In this episode of Conversation with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry welcomes back author Gail Lukasik to discuss her latest book, What They Never Told Us: True Stories of Family Secrets and Hidden Identities Revealed. 

Gail shares poignant and often heart-wrenching stories from the book, including tales of individuals discovering their true parentage and racial identities, and the profound emotional and psychological impacts of these revelations. The discussion delves into the motivations behind keeping family secrets, the importance of social context, and the role of empathy in storytelling. 

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.

Send us a text

On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow remembers the past 75 episodes of her podcast through a retrospective interview - that looks at her favorite guests, as well as examines what she wants for the future of her show. 

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.

Send us a text

In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry sits down with Dr. Ed Ayers, a distinguished historian with a deep focus on the American South. They delve into Ed's childhood in East Tennessee, his educational journey, and his serendipitous path to becoming a historian. 

Ed shares his fascination with integrating social history to include everyday people, and his groundbreaking work on 'The Valley of the Shadow' project. They explore how technology has revolutionized historical research and discuss the impact of his tenure as President Emeritus at the University of Richmond. 

The conversation also touches on his notable books, 'In the Presence of Mine Enemies' and 'The Thin Light of Freedom,' and his latest work, 'American Visions.' The episode wraps up with Ed's insights on the intersections of genealogy and history, and his unwavering commitment to making history inclusive and accessible.

00:00 Welcome and Early Life of Dr. Ayers
01:16 Discovering a Passion for History
02:25 Becoming a Southern Historian
04:30 Leadership at the University of Richmond
05:15 Achievements and Challenges in Academic Leadership
06:54 Innovative Initiatives at the University of Richmond
12:23 Receiving the National Humanities Medal
14:09 The Valley of the Shadow Project
16:39 Writing the Civil War and Reconstruction
28:26 Award-Winning Works and Civil War Interest
29:03 The Writing Process: Challenges and Rewards
33:18 The Emotional Impact of Genealogy
36:41 Exploring 'American Visions'
45:12 Integrating Technology with History
52:32 Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Historians and Genealogists

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.

Send us a text

In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta - Kenyatta D. Berry interviews Dr. Marcia Chatelain, a historian and professor who recently transitioned from Georgetown University to the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Chatelain discusses her profound journey from a childhood love of reading to her career in history and teaching. She examines the backlash against teaching accurate history, focusing on the political weaponization of history and its impact on education.

The conversation delves into her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, exploring McDonald's role in Black communities during the civil rights movement. Dr. Chatelain also shares insights into her research process, writing practices, and how she balances her professional career with the joy of motherhood. 
 
They discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing a PhD in the humanities, and Dr. Chatelain hints at her next book project.

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.

Send us a text

In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry sits down with historian and author W. Caleb McDaniel to explore the fascinating intersection of history, storytelling, and the enduring quest for justice.

McDaniel, an award-winning author and professor at Rice University, shares insights into his journey as a historian, author, the impact of influential teachers, and the compelling story of Henrietta Wood—a formerly enslaved woman who took an unprecedented step in suing for reparations. Join us as we delve into McDaniel's writing process, the significance of confronting history, and the lessons we can learn from the past to shape our future, all while looking at his book Sweet Taste of Liberty:  A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America.

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.

Send us a text

In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow  talks with historian and author Dylan C. Penningroth about his background, upbringing, and his journey towards becoming a historian.
 
Penningroth shares insights from his book Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights' shedding light on how family stories and court cases inspired his research. 

They discuss the significance of preserving Black history, the complexities of race in legal contexts, and the critical role genealogical research plays in uncovering hidden narratives. The episode also delves into surprising themes such as Black-owned corporations and the intricate relationship between law and race throughout history.

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.

Send us a text

On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Daniel Brook, author and Historian.

Kenyatta and Daniel explore the unique civil rights histories of Charleston, South Carolina, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The conversation delves into why Charleston and New Orleans diverged from other Southern cities during the Civil Rights Era, attributing it to their long-standing traditions of racial mixing and complex social structures.

They also discuss Daniel's work and research with his book The Accident of Color, including a discussion of uncovering lost and expunged records from institutions like the New Orleans public school district and the University of South Carolina, revealing efforts to erase the history of integration and black achievements during Reconstruction.

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.

Send us a text

 In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta -Kenyatta D. Berry, host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow and author of The Family Tree Toolkit - is joined by Steve Luxenberg, author and associate Editor of the Washington Post.

Steve's story is fascinating - as an adult, he found that his mother had kept a family secret - that she had a sister who was committed to an asylum and then died. He never knew anything about his aunt and delved into finding out more about her in his book Annie's Ghosts: A Journey into a Family Secret.

Steve is also known for his second book Separate, which is a narrative of how the United States embraced “separation” and its consequences, and examines the famous Plessy vs. Ferguson case. 

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.

Send us a text

In this week's episode of Conversations with Kenyatta - Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Dr. Manisha Sinha, who shares her journey from India to the United States to study and teach US  history.

This interview delves into Dr. Sinha's perspective on slavery, enslaved individuals, and talks about her latest book, published in March 2024 - The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic: Reconstruction, 1860-1920.

Dr. Sinah also discusses the challenges she faces as a woman of color in historiography, as well as her work exploring Reconstruction, enslaved narratives, and her groundbreaking work on abolition as well as a profound exploration of America's historical injustices.

Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.

Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.

You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB

Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.

We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.

Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.

.