Thom Reed

Program Manager,
African Heritage Initiatives (North America) 
FamilySearch International

Description:

Discuss the importance of African American research, preservation and documentation of the early colonial period, through the Revolutionary War period to the Civil War era and identifying records that disclose family names and relationships that aid in the unification of free, freed and enslaved families. Discuss how FamilySearch Centers across the country will promote the presence and contributions of Americans of African descent during the American Revolution, and steps it will take to promote reunification of Forgotten Patriots to their descendants.

Biography:

Thom Reed is Program Manager, African Heritage Initiatives for FamilySearch International. His area of emphasis is African American records, research, and experiences. He also manages relationships with community and genealogical and historical organizations for people of African descent around the world. Prior to working for FamilySearch, Reed spent more than 10 years as a marketing, communications, and business development professional in the consumer-packaged goods, healthcare, and technology industries. Reed received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business with a minor in Japanese studies from Illinois State University and received his Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing from Brigham Young University.