March 2026 Newsletter

2026 Annual Conference

America 250:
Forgotten Patriots A Dream Yet To Be Realized

VIP Luncheon:
A Lineup of Distinguished Speakers and Honored Guests Unlike Any Other

We are honored to welcome an exceptional gathering of faith leaders, diplomats, and national society representatives whose presence reflects the richness of our shared American heritage at our America 250 Luncheon.

Clergy participants include Rev. Carolyn Cavaness (Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church) and Rev. Gayle Fisher-Stewart (Episcopal Diocese of Washington). Representing the international community, we welcome  Ambassador Agostinho Van-Dúnem of the Embassy of Angola. National and lineage society leaders joining us are Lisa Pennington, Governor, General Society Mayflower Descendants; Ed Horton and Ken McKeever, General Society of Colonial Wars; Beth Watkins, Vice President, and Matthew Dupee, Order of Founders and Patriots of the United States; Ambrose Richardson, General Society of the Sons of the Revolution; and Marguerite Fritsch, Organizing Secretary General, Daughters of the American Revolution. Additional distinguished participants include Dr. Patti Maclay, American Friends of Lafayette; Ms. LaJoy Mosby, Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society; Ric Murphy, President General Emeritus; and Douglas Cornwall, President General, Society of the First African Families of English America.

We extend our sincere appreciation to each of these distinguished guests for their leadership, service, and commitment to preserving and advancing the ideals that unite us.

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2026 Honorees

The Society of the First African Families of English America is proud to announce it's 2026 Honorees …recipients whose lives have made a significant impact on history, culture and our way of life, but whose deeper personal stories have often been overlooked, ignored or misrepresented. Recognition will be made at our Annual Conference on Friday, May 1st at our Black Tie Reception in their honor.

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President General's Message:
Honoring Legacy, Embracing Renewal

As March brings the first signs of spring, it reminds us that heritage work is much like the turning of the seasons. What our ancestors planted generations ago continues to grow through our efforts today.

This month, we reflect on the courage, resilience, and vision of those whose lives shaped our shared lineage. Whether they were pioneers, patriots, educators, builders, or community leaders, their stories remain alive because of your commitment to preservation and research.

March also invites renewal. It is a wonderful time to revisit unfinished research; organize family documents; mentor a new member; or help someone begin an application for lineage verification

Thank you for preserving our collective story and ensuring it will flourish for generations to come.

Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month, making it the perfect opportunity to spotlight the remarkable women in our lineage lines. Too often, women appear in records only as daughters, wives, or widows. Yet through careful research—wills, land records, pension files, church registries—we uncover stories of strength, sacrifice, entrepreneurship, and patriotism.

Consider researching revolutionary War pension files that include widows’ testimonies; property records that reveal female land ownership; and family bibles, diaries and letters passed through maternal lines of the family. 

We encourage members to submit short biographies of their female ancestors for inclusion in upcoming newsletters, our social media channels and/or our Annual Journal. By honoring the women in our family trees, we restore balance to the historical record.

"Keep Hope Alive"
Reverend Jessie Jackson

Few modern leaders have embodied the enduring struggle for justice, dignity, and opportunity like Jesse Jackson. For more than half a century, he has stood at the intersection of faith and activism, carrying forward the moral urgency of the Civil Rights Movement as a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he built a broad, multiracial, and multi-faith movement committed to economic empowerment, educational access, voter engagement, and equal opportunity. His historic 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns expanded the electorate and gave voice to communities long overlooked, proving that the pursuit of office could also expand participation and hope.

Beyond politics, Rev. Jackson has championed peace and human rights worldwide, demonstrating that faith is active, courageous, and rooted in service. As we reflect on his extraordinary legacy, we honor a movement builder and bridge across generations whose enduring call to “keep hope alive” continues to inspire the ongoing work of justice.

Museums and Cultural Institutions
Are Under Attack

Last week, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley highlighted the 100th anniversary of Black History Month by leading 52 of her colleagues in introducing a resolution honoring Black history museums and cultural institutions. SOFAFEA is proud to be among the many distinguished organizations endorsing this resolution including the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of African American Museums, the Association for the Study of African American Life & History, the American Historical Association, Museum Hue, the National Action Network, and the American Library Association.

In her resolution, Representative Pressley called upon the people of the United States to: (a) visit Black history museums and cultural institutions; (b) engage with their educational resources; and (c) support them through membership, attendance, and philanthropy. We could not agree more.

Although Black History Month has drawn to a close, our work does not end, it deepens. As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States, the stories, struggles, and triumphs that SOFAFEA preserves and shares are more vital than ever. This history belongs to all of us, and it is our shared responsibility to share and protect it.

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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.

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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.