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California African American Genealogical Society

California African American Genealogical Society

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Mission & History

Mission Statement

CAAGS mission is to foster genealogical research and documentation through presentations at local, state and national conferences and seminars, offering of educational classes, and the publication of sound genealogical research.

Objectives

  • To encourage and support the utilization of genealogy as a tool for Americans to become aware of their history, heritage and self worth.
  • To encourage the collection, preservation and maintenance of African American genealogical materials at various libraries, museums and other repositories as the Society deems appropriate.
  • To stimulate the membership and the general public to research, study, and record their family histories.
  • To promote and maintain ethical standards in genealogical research and publication.

History

In 1985, James Dent Walker (1928 – 1993), Edgar F. Love (1919 – 2009), and Lonnie G. Bunch III recognized the need for African American genealogists and family historians in Los Angeles to network with one another. James Dent Walker was the founder and served as president of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Edgar Love was a Southern California college/university educator. Dr. Lonnie Bunch was the first curator at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, and is currently the Director of the new Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

 

They collaborated and collectively, their vision led to the formation of the California African American Genealogical Society (CAAGS). The first meeting was held on March 23, 1986 at the California African American Museum.

 

 

 

 

 


LOGO Designer

Charter Member, Dr. George B. Jenkins (1919 – 2010)

Designed CAAGS Logo, was an Asst Professor at Cal Poly Pomona.

Researched and traced ancestors from slavery before joining a trek that led to Placerville, CA, during the Gold Rush Era.

The Society was officially incorporated in March 1992 and is a non-profit 501(3)(c) tax exempt organization.

 


Former CAAGS Website Pages

CAAGS’ First Web Home Page Until 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Home Page – Until 2013

 

SUPPORT CAAGS TODAY!

Please consider making a donation to help CAAGS continue its work. Your donation will allow us to further our genealogical research, educational classes, conferences & seminars, and publication of research.

You can use the DONATE button to make a safe secure donation online.  Thank you very much for your time and consideration.



Join / Contact Us

Meetings:
Beginners/intermediate Classes
General Membership Meetings
Third Saturday monthly (dark July and August)

Meeting Location
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
10625 South San Pedro
Los Angeles, CA 90003

(IN PERSON MEETINGS Currently Suspended Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic Crisis)

Mailing Address:
California African American Genealogical Society, Inc (CAAGS)
P.O. Box 8442
Los Angeles, CA 90008-0442
(323) 806-5634

Information:

Email: info@caags.org

Media Contact: Edna Briggs

CAAGS Social Media

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