Why Pharrell Almost Didn’t Exist – Since this is the anniversary of 1831 Nat Turner Rebellion, I’m sharing this piece about the roots of Pharrell Williams. You’ll find a tangential connection in his family tree – as well as a more direct link to Liberia.

Words We’re Watching: ‘Nibling’ – Hey, genealogists! Let’s make this a thing. Merriam-Webster says, “The more you use it, the sooner it’ll get in” their dictionary.

Danny DeVito discusses his Irish connections – Fun genealogy tidbit – Italy in Ireland!

Genealogy mask of the day #12: Dia De Los Muertos Skull Mask

Genealogy mask of the day #13: DNA Chakra Circle of Life

Genealogy mask of the day #14: Pink Kokeshi Dolls

Genealogy mask of the day #15: Quarantined But Willing To Discuss Genealogy

Genealogy mask of the day #16: Irina and Friends

Top Photo Credit: Mark Bonica under Creative Commons license

The post Genealogy Roundup, August 26 appeared first on Megan Smolenyak.

The Family Tree of Pharrell Williams and Why He Almost Didn’t Exist – Several weeks ago, I posted to ask folks help me get from 900 to 1,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel, and ya’ll responded like crazy! I’m now up to 1,271 subscribers, a 41% increase!

I know it’s out of sight, out of mind, so I’ve decided to periodically post a particular video to give y’all an idea of what’s on there.

This one – about Pharrell Williams’ roots – is one of my favorites. For one thing, he loved it! For another, it showcases one of those pockets of American history that many don’t know about – the American Colonization Society and the (partially successful) effort to send “free blacks” (i.e., those who secured their freedom before Emancipation) in America to Liberia. Nat Turner is also a factor in this tale about an intriguing ancestor of Pharrell’s, Ambrose Hawkins.

I hope you enjoy it, and if you do, please consider sharing it. Thanks!

Ancestry to lay off 6% of workforce because of a slowdown in the consumer DNA-testing market – First 23andMe and now Ancestry. Tough days for the genetic genealogy market.

Griffis: Happy birthday, Mr. President! – Some kind words from Joan Griffis who has been writing about genealogy for as long as I can remember. I think we first connected way back when my first book was published!

Genetic Family Reunion: DNA Reveals Alex Haley’s Scottish Roots – Thought I’d share this trip down genetic genealogy memory lane from my YouTube channel. Alex Haley’s nephew DNA testing. Cool update: Even though this was 11 years ago, Chris Haley and his cousin June Black remain close and just recently got together in London. Family is family!

The post Genealogy Roundup, February 13 appeared first on Megan Smolenyak.