PROJECTS

Dead Town Records

Through the course of time ... between shifting economics, dismantling segregation, migration by young residents, and the passing of the elderly ... once small vibrant Black communities have or are in the process of dwindling and dying out. Through this page, we want to document some of these small towns in Alabama of their decline and for some, a bit of a rise.

Family Quilts

"This quilt was made with many hands. My mother never visited Selma and in her memory this is one place she always wanted to visit. I use one of her old sweaters and in 2015 when the Museum of Art had a sewing day I attended. Remembering Mary E Mott on her traveling journey around the States."

African American Stories

There is nothing more satisfying or enlightening than hearing or reading a story or memory about one of your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents. Family folklore can provide context as to why your family lives in a particular area or region of the country or maybe it explains why grandma had a particular quirk in her personality. It is important to write these stories about our families to preserve our family's legacy. From time to time we will post BAAGG members' stories about their family memories. Please pick up a pencil and begin writing.

Cookbooks

The best thing about Black Culture is FOOD! We want this website page to house photos of old family cookbooks and favorite family recipes. Please send a JPEG photo of your family's cookbook to tjm_rejoice@yahoo.com and also an original family recipe. We will in turn send you a release form which will protect your ownership of the photo and recipe. Also, include a short paragraph describing what the cookbook and recipe mean to you and your family.

2022 Surname Directory

Surname Directory with contact information.

MUSCODA BLACK MINERS

MUSCODA MINES were located in an area southeast of Bessemer, Alabama. Nearest road is Jefferson County Road 150 passing through Readers Gap & Hamlet of Muscoda. The MUSCODA MINES were operated by Tennessee Coal and Iron or TCI. They operated a series of mines running along the northwest side Red Mountain from Birmingham to Bessemer. About 12 miles. The different mine names reflected the Native Americas who lived in the area such as the MUSCODA.

Blacks who died in Alums

Black people who died in the poor house in Jefferson County, pre-1900. List of Black people who died in Jefferson County pre-1901.

Convicts and Labor Camps

Websites, collections, lists, records, family papers, county court documents.

Colored Schools

Look how far we have come. 1900-1970.

Church Directories

You would be surprised where names, past information and stories can be found. We are looking for old Church directories and old Sunday School Attendance Roles.

Funeral Programs

We have loved them in life, let us not forget him after death. In Loving Memory. Funeral Programs. Life stories and family. Keeping their memories alive.

Missing Graves

Missing Graves and Unknown Black Cemeteries. We were lost, but now we are found!