". . . I moved to Oakland in early 1994. After I got things settled, I made an effort to get on with the rest of my life. For many years my predominate interest has been the genealogy of my family. I had been very active with the African American Genealogy Group in Philadelphia, even writing a column for their Newsletter, as well as recruiting. When I visited the Family History Library here, Betty Andres, the Assistant Director, asked if I would like to sign a list of those "interested in an Afro-American Genealogical Society for study and exchanging information." I signed. "Many months later when I had not heard from anyone concerning forming such a group, I visited the Library again and learned that no one had attempted to call folk together. I asked for and was given the list of | names. Roughly, there were about 125 names and addresses from all over the area. I opted to send post cards to about 25 people, choosing randomly, but from areas in or very close to Oakland. Electra Price was not on the list, but someone called to ask if she could come. I sent a card to her. I'm so glad I did. She became our most resourceful support person." "The first meeting was scheduled for October 26, 1995, in the conference room at my residence. Five people showed up, including Electra. The others were Charlesetta Braggs-Ford, Savannah Bello, Dolores Doswell, and Jeannette Braxton-Secret. A second meeting was scheduled for after the holidays. Thanks to Electra, Charlesetta and Jeannette, attendance was up and some sort of organization took place. | 
Kathryn Burgess Smith
Charlesetta Braggs-Ford agreed to act as President. By the third meeting in May, held at Golden Gate Branch Library, we were off and running . . ." |