For many Black families, tracing their lineage is often a frustrating and heartbreaking journey. Centuries of enslavement, forced migration, and the deliberate erasure of records have made it difficult for many African Americans to fully uncover their roots. Documents were poorly kept, families were torn apart, and generations moved across the country, often leaving no trace—or trying not to be found. Thanks to advancements in technology, like genealogical DNA tests and digital record keeping, more people are rediscovering their origins, reconnecting with relatives, and embarking on a genealogical journey that brings clarity and belonging.

For DeJuan Patterson, a community empowerment strategist and advocate, this journey has been deeply personal and profoundly rewarding. In a candid interview with I Love Us, Patterson shares the incredible story of the Blackwell family, a history that spans nearly 300 years. His family has managed to trace their lineage from the Gold Coast of West Africa to the plantations of Virginia, and today their legacy lives on through family reunions, oral histories, and an ever-expanding family tree.

Uncovering the Past: A Family History of Survival and Faith

DeJuan Patterson’s research into his family’s past revealed a history that stretches back to 1734, when two of his earliest known ancestors, Amar and her daughter Tab, were forcibly taken from their homeland in West Africa. “Amar and Tab left the Gold Coast aboard the slave ship Doddington on October 1, 1734, and arrived in Yorktown, Virginia, on June 18, 1735,” Patterson explains. Their homeland was part of the great empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, and genealogical research suggests that Amar and Tab were of the Soninke ethnicity from Bakel, Senegal​.

Patterson also spoke of another pivotal ancestor, Odofo [Jack], an Ashanti man who was brought to Virginia in the mid-18th century. Odofo was bought by James Goodwin of York County and later hired out to Robert Blackwell in Lunenburg County, where he met and married Tab. “Odofo was a Christian gentleman, a moralist, and a preacher who believed in the family altar,” Patterson shares, emphasizing how his ancestor’s faith and values have been passed down through generations​.

These early ancestors laid the foundation for the Blackwell family’s remarkable story of survival and faith. Despite enduring the unimaginable horrors of enslavement, their strength, spirituality, and family values have been preserved across centuries, helping their descendants maintain a strong sense of community and belonging.

Reuniting the Family: The Power of Tradition

The Blackwell family’s commitment to unity continued across generations, leading to the birth of one of their most cherished traditions—the family reunion. In 1952, following the passing of Nay Woodrow Blackwell, Estelle Blackwell famously declared, “The family should gather often for a happy occasion.” This simple statement sparked what would become a lasting family tradition. “That sentiment snowballed into family gatherings, and eventually, we started calling them family reunions,” Patterson explained​.

These reunions are opportunities for the family to come together, share stories, and strengthen bonds. “Our gatherings are about more than just being together—they’re about honoring our shared history and celebrating the unbreakable bonds that keep us connected,” Patterson shared​. Today, the Blackwell family reunions occur frequently throughout the year and are filled with food, laughter, and stories that honor the family’s legacy and preserve the connections between generations.

According to the Blackwell Family Association website, the first formal family tree, The Blackwell Kinsfolk, was unveiled at the 7th Annual Blackwell Family Reunion on August 29, 1959, in Warfield, Virginia. The tree, designed on a 6’ x 8’ canvas, was inscribed with 1,500 names and decorated with gold leaf to commemorate tennis champion Arthur Ashe, Jr., for his Wimbledon victory. Thelma Dowell, Blackwell Family Historian and geneaologist, is credited with the creation of the tree. This version of their tree now resides in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

Since then, the tree has grown exponentially to include over 5,000 names, with branches reaching across generations, states, and continents. “In 1991, we had a document showing that we had about 5,000 relatives,” Patterson said. “I’m sure that number has drastically increased now, because the family tree stopped at my third great-grandmother”​.

Patterson shares that the Blackwell family tree, currently housed at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, is an expanded version of the original family tree. This updated 8.25’ x 11.75’ canvas, unveiled on October 30, 1971, at the Dillard Street USO in Blackstone, Virginia, includes roots to symbolize a more complete understanding of their lineage. This version of the tree reflects extensive research tracing the family back to 1735. “The tree is stationed at the museum, and you’ve got to request to see it.” Patterson explains.

Twenty years later, on October 26, 1991, an even larger Blackwell family tree was unveiled at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. This 9.5’ x 11’ canvas now holds the names of 5,000 family members spanning 15 states, as well as relatives in Africa, Canada, Germany, and Haiti. Currently housed at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond, Virginia, this monumental family tree was part of the museum’s Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality exhibition.

A Spiritual Journey Back to Ghana

One of the most profound moments in Patterson’s genealogical journey came during his first trip to Ghana in 2018. “Ghana wasn’t just a destination for me—it was a homecoming,” Patterson said. He explained that, at the time, he was unaware of his family’s ancestral ties to the region, yet he felt a deep and powerful connection to the land. “I felt an unshakable connection to the land and people,” Patterson recounts. His trip to Cape Coast, where many enslaved Africans were held before being shipped to the Americas, was an emotional experience that deepened his bond to his ancestors​.

It wasn’t until after his trip that Patterson learned that Amar and Tab had been taken from the Gold Coast. “Discovering that this was where my ancestors began their journey made the experience deeply spiritual. It was a return to my roots, a reminder of the strength and resilience that runs through my blood,” he reflected​.

Patterson’s time in Ghana solidified his commitment to uncovering his family’s history and understanding their journey. Learning that his family originated from the Ashanti region further illuminated the spiritual connection he felt during his trip. “Knowing the tribe and region my family came from gives me more context and helps me explore even further than 1734,” he explained. He plans to return to Ghana to continue researching his family’s history.

Taking on the Mantle of Family Genealogist

Patterson’s journey into family genealogy began more than a decade ago, during his time in graduate school. He recalled a pivotal classroom moment when he realized that, while many of his classmates could trace their family traditions back to their countries of origin, he knew little about his own lineage beyond a few generations. “I was one of three Black students in a class of 30, and I noticed that when everyone else shared their family history, they identified with their nationality—German, Jamaican, Italian—but all I could say was, ‘I’m Black,’” Patterson remembers. “That was a turning point for me. It made me realize how much I didn’t know about my own identity.”​

Since that moment, Patterson has taken on the role of family historian, investigating his family’s oral history and preserving documents that tell the story of the Blackwell family. “I’ve taken it upon myself to preserve the living history that we’re currently making,” he shared. His efforts have included collecting birth certificates, death certificates, photos, and newspaper clippings, and ensuring that the stories of his ancestors are passed down to future generations​.

One of Patterson’s most significant achievements has been his contribution to expanding the family tree, which now includes relatives from 15 states as well as Canada, Haiti, and Africa. “Our family is spread out across the globe, and I feel a responsibility to ensure that future generations don’t lose touch with their roots,” he said​.

Discovering African Roots Through Food

In addition to documents and family stories, Patterson’s genealogical research has uncovered connections to African culture in the everyday lives of his family—particularly through food. During his visit to Ghana, Patterson discovered a pepper sauce that felt remarkably familiar to him. “There was something about this sauce that resonated with me, and I later found out it comes from West Africa,” Patterson explains. His family’s affinity for spicy foods, he realized, was directly linked to their African heritage​.

“Through food, we can trace so much of our culture and history,” Patterson said. His experience illuminated how cultural traditions, particularly those related to food, have been unconsciously passed down through generations, allowing Black families like his to maintain a connection to their ancestral roots, even across centuries.

A Legacy of Strength and Unity

For DeJuan Patterson, the Blackwell family’s story is about much more than tracing names and dates. It’s about preserving a legacy of resilience, faith, and unity that has carried his family through centuries of adversity. “For nearly 300 years, our family’s strength has been rooted in unity and resilience,” Patterson reflects. “Through every generation, we have upheld the values of love, faith, and togetherness that bind us across time and distance”​.

As Patterson continues to uncover more about his family’s history, he remains committed to sharing these stories with future generations. By doing so, he ensures that the legacy of Amar, Tab, Odofo, and countless others will continue to inspire and guide their descendants for years to come.