Say Amen… It Is Imperative

The Black Code of Louisiana, was installed in 1724. Also called Code Noir, it was the list of rules forced upon enslaved people of color. Religion is a beautiful part of Black culture. I cannot easily conjure up words to express the respect that I feel for America’s Black Church services. From the beginning, the Code Noir made it “imperative on masters to impart religious instruction to their slaves.” Throughout the centuries, Black religionists have fought hard to break away from the pay-to-play requirements imposed upon them when establishing their own churches.

Suellen Ocean is the author of the Civil War Era Historic Romance, Black Pansy:

Are You Hard of Hearing? Might Be Your Native American Genealogy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Native Americans suffer moderate to severe hearing problems two to four times more than non-Natives. Hard of hearing or ringing in your ears? It could be a small clue to add to your list if you’re searching for your ancestors and think that they might be Native American.

Suellen Ocean is the author of Secret Genealogy IV – Native Americans Hidden in Our Family Trees:

What Was the Purpose of the SLAVE CODE?

“To regulate relations between slaves and colonists, the Louisiana Code noir, or slave code, based largely on that compiled in 1685 for the French Caribbean colonies, was introduced in 1724 and remained in force until the United States took possession of Louisiana in 1803. The Code’s 54 articles regulated the status of slaves and free blacks, as well as relations between masters and slaves.”

Suellen Ocean is the author of the Civil War Era Historic Romance, Black Pansy:

Genealogy… The Old Indian

Let’s admit one thing. The movie industry gave us a distorted picture of Native Americans. Many untruths. The Internet is the new go-to, to answer our questions. Wikipedia says that, “Chief John Smith… of Minnesota… was reputed to have been 137 years old when he died of pneumonia.” My goodness that’s old. But is it true? And he’s probably someone’s ancestor. Did he take a DNA sample? I think probably not.

R.I.P. Chief John Smith.

Suellen Ocean is the author of Secret Genealogy IV – Native Americans Hidden in Our Family Trees: