January 2026 Newsletter

As we welcome 2026, we do so with pride in our shared heritage and gratitude for the generations who came before us. This new year offers a meaningful opportunity to honor our ancestors’ sacrifices, preserve their stories, and strengthen the bonds that unite our lineage society today. With optimism and enthusiasm, we look forward to continued fellowship, research, and remembrance—carrying forward a legacy of service, history, and patriotism as we begin another promising year together.

We are pleased to announce our upcoming Annual Conference a signature gathering that brings together members, family, scholars, and friends to celebrate our shared history and advance our mission. Our conference this year will be held on May1st and 2nd at the Museum of the American Revolution and will feature an engaging summit, meaningful discussions, special luncheon, a Black Tie evening and opportunities for fellowship as we reflect on the historic events of America 250 and the contributions of our ancestors.

We look forward to welcoming you for this inspiring event and encourage all members to join us for a memorable and enriching experience.

Please Join Us for a Special VIP Event
America 250:
Forgotten Patriots A Dream Yet To Be Realized

Museum of the American Revolution
101 South Third Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

Conference Weekend: May 1 - 2, 2026

For more information on the conference ...click here

As we begin January 2026, we proudly join the nation in marking the start of America 250—the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This milestone year invites reflection on the ideals of liberty, sacrifice, and civic responsibility that shaped the nation, while also encouraging a fuller and more inclusive telling of our shared history. With the launch of our America 250 programs, we look ahead to a year of educational initiatives, public conversations, and commemorative events that honor both the well-known and the often-forgotten patriots whose contributions helped build the country. Together, these programs will celebrate the American story as a living history—one that challenges us to learn, engage, and help shape the nation’s next chapter.

We are excited to introduce the much-awaited and multi-awarding book Forgotten Patriots of the Northern Theater, a compelling work that has generated excitement among readers, scholars, and history enthusiasts alike.  With signature clarity, insight, and narrative depth, Forgotten Patriots of the Northern Theater challenges, informs, and inspires, and brings fresh perspective on the men, women and children of African and Indigenous ancestry who served in the American Revolution. This long-anticipated release promises to be both timely and thought-provoking, and we are proud to share it with our community as an important contribution to ongoing conversations about American history, patriotism, leadership, and the ideas that shape our world.

Please click here for further details and instructions in purchasing the book in paperback or a Kindle version.

A Dream Yet Realized

Each January, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership and moral courage helped move America closer to its founding ideals of liberty and equality. Through his steadfast commitment to nonviolence, justice, and service, Dr. King challenged the nation to confront injustice and to recognize the dignity of all people. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a moment of remembrance, but a call to action—encouraging us to reflect on his enduring message and to continue the work of building a more just, inclusive, and compassionate society.

Remembering Betty Reid Soskin 

Betty Reid Soskin, was the nation’s oldest park ranger when she retired in 2022 at the age of 100, on December 21 2025, at the age of 104. While her pre-National Park Service life was  accomplished in so many ways, educators and public historians remember her for her advocacy on behalf of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, where as a park ranger she highlighted the contributions of women and Americans of African ancestry on the home front as part of her lifelong commitment to inclusive history and social justice. We pay tribute to a remarkable woman. 

REMINDER: Annual Meeting   

The Virtual Meeting for the Society’s - Annual Meeting and State of the Society will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. EST/ 6:00 p.m. CST/ 5:00 p.m. MST/ 4:00 p.m. PST. An email under separate cover will be sent to members with a virtual meeting link on or before January 20, 2026.

DID YOU KNOW?

That the two-time Emmy® nominated series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, will air this week with twenty new celebrity guests, and we learn about their genealogical history and the journeys of their ancestors dating back hundreds of years when the series returns January 6 on PBS.

Henry Louis Gates and his team use genealogical detective work and cutting-edge DNA analysis to trace the family trees of twenty celebrity guests, telling stories that shine a light on America’s diversity and compelling similarities. This seasons celebrities includes: Kate Burton, Lizzy Caplan, Kristin Chenoweth, Liza Colón-Zayas, Darren Criss, Danielle Deadwyler, Barry Diller, America Ferrera, Flea, Rhiannon Giddens, Brittney Griner, Sara Haines, Wiz Khalifa, Sanaa Lathan, Spike Lee, Tracy Letts, Delroy Lindo, Lizzo, Hasan Minhaj, and Chris Paul.

Subscribe a Friend to SOFAFEA's Newsletter

Stay connected with the stories that shape our shared past and inspire our future. Here, you’ll find the latest issues of our newsletter—featuring project updates, upcoming events, behind-the-scenes insights, and profiles of the people who bring history to life.

Each edition of our newsletter offers a closer look at our Society's ongoing research, community initiatives, and partnerships that honor the legacy of our ancestors who helped build our nation. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a new reader, this is your gateway to the discoveries, milestones, and reflections that keep our mission moving forward.

For more information

The Society of the First African Families of English America is a 501(c)3 organizations that relies on contributions, and all contributions are tax deductible.