The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of the Black Power Movement and black cultural nationalism on the surge of interest in black genealogy that arose in the 1970s and the Black Genealogy Movement that was birthed from this interest. It will also explore the activism of black genealogy groups as and extension of the activism of the Black Power Movement. The Black Genealogy Movement arose from individuals coming together to research, not only their own family histories, but also the stories of black societies, churches, schools, traditions, business and neighborhoods. They used their findings to contribute to the larger black cultural identity.