May 2026 Newsletter

The Society of the First African Families of English America celebrated an overwhelming success with its 2026 conference, bringing together historians, genealogists, scholars, heritage societies, educators, clergy, and descendants from across the nation for an unforgettable gathering of remembrance, scholarship, and unity. Through powerful presentations, moving tributes, historical analyses and dynamic discussions, attendees explored the enduring legacy of the first African families who helped shape colonial America and the founding of the United States.

The conference not only highlighted groundbreaking research and untold stories of perseverance, patriotism, and achievement, but also strengthened partnerships among organizations committed to preserving and sharing this vital history.

Luncheon

The 2026 Annual Conference of the Society of the First African Families of English America marked a historic milestone as the Society hosted its first highly successful luncheon program, bringing together representatives from several of the nation’s largest and most respected lineage and hereditary societies.

The distinguished presenters delivered compelling discussions examining the period from 1619 through the end of the American Revolution and the profound impact of Americans of African ancestry on the founding and development of the nation. Through powerful historical presentations, scholarly dialogue, and shared research, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the critical roles African-descended men, women, and families played as laborers, patriots, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and community builders during the colonial and Revolutionary eras.

The luncheon fostered an atmosphere of unity, collaboration, and renewed commitment among heritage organizations dedicated to preserving and elevating these foundational American stories, further establishing the Society as a leading voice in the national effort to recognize the enduring legacy of America’s earliest African families.

Pictures and videos will be posted by June1, 2026 on the our web site and on the SOFAFEA TV Channel. 

Authors

SOFAFEA achieved another landmark moment during its highly acclaimed 2026 Saturday Summit featuring the distinguished authors, Connie Curts, Lisa Fox, Jackie Long, Debra Newton-Carter and Judith Sanford-Harris, of the award-winning book Forgotten Patriots of the Northern Theater.

The engaging session captivated attendees as the authors illuminated the remarkable yet often overlooked stories of African American patriots, soldiers, families, and freedom seekers whose courage and sacrifice shaped the Revolutionary era in the Northern colonies. Participants were deeply engaged by the compelling research, powerful personal narratives, and rich historical insights that brought these forgotten voices to life. The summit session sparked meaningful dialogue among scholars, genealogists, descendants, educators, and community leaders, reinforcing the Society's mission to preserve and elevate the legacy of the first African families of English America. The audiences enthusiastic response reflected the growing national interest in uncovering and honoring these essential chapters of American history.

President General Douglas Cornwall announced that the Society of the First African Families of English America in collaboration with the Port Of Harlem Gambian Education Partnership announces the "West Africans in Early America" exhibit it created for the Juffureh Slavery Museum in The Gambia. Nine panels at the UNESCO site present the history of nine Senegambian men and women who contributed to the development of the United States of America. President General Cornwall asked that SOFAFEA's National Vice President Carol Hector-Harris to be or Ambassador to this historic endeavor.  For more information.

News Makers

Faith has long stood as a cornerstone in the lives of America’s African American families—sustaining generations through struggle, triumph, perseverance, and hope while serving as a guiding force from the colonial era to the present day. During the 2026 Annual Conference of the Society of the First African Families of English America, attendees experienced some of the most inspiring and memorable moments of the gathering through the heartfelt invocation and benediction that framed the conference proceedings.

The Honorable Reverend Carolyn C. Cavaness (provided the invocation) of the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Honorable Reverend Gayle Fisher-Stewart (provided the benediction) of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, each delivered with wisdom, reverence, and profound spiritual reflection, these remarks reminded participants that faith has remained central to the endurance, resilience, and aspirations of African-descended families in America since 1619. Their moving words offered encouragement, unity, and gratitude while grounding the conference in a shared sense of purpose—honoring ancestors, celebrating perseverance, and reaffirming a collective commitment to preserving the stories and legacy of the first African families of English America for generations to come.

The Society of the First African Families of English America continues to experience extraordinary national growth as increasing numbers of historians, genealogists, educators, lineage society members, and descendants unite around the Society’s mission to preserve, educate, and honor the legacy of America’s earliest African families.

As SOFAFEA expands its programs, conferences, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts, the organization is actively seeking dedicated volunteers and leaders to help advance its growing impact. Opportunities are available in a wide range of areas including Regional Vice Presidents, webmaster services, content management, conference managers, Quartermaster General, social media specialists, newsletter development, committee chairs, curriculum experts, community outreach and speaker engagements.

SOFAFEA welcomes individuals with passion, talent, and a commitment to service who desire to help strengthen the organization’s national presence while ensuring these important historical narratives continue to reach future generations. Together, through volunteerism and collaboration, SOFAFEA is building a stronger foundation for preserving the enduring story and contributions of the first African families of English America.

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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.