Connecting Your Past to the Present: Genealogy, DNA, and Identity w/ Nicka Sewell Smith

In this episode, Amber sits down with Nicka Sewell Smith, an expert genealogist, speaker, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in family history and ancestral research. Together, they discuss the profound power and privilege in uncovering one’s heritage and the importance of documenting family stories to preserve legacies. Nicka shares moving personal stories from her own genealogical journey, revealing how connecting with living relatives and discovering hidden ancestral ties can deepen one’s sense of identity and belonging.

They also dive into the latest in genealogical technology, including DNA testing advancements that can unlock family secrets hidden for generations. Nicka provides practical tips on gathering, documenting, and safeguarding family history, offering advice on connecting with relatives, even across generations, and using creative methods to preserve precious memories.

This episode is an inspiring reminder of the gift of family history and the responsibility we each carry to pass down our heritage. Join Amber and Nicka to discover how honoring your roots can shape your future.

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KEY POINTS:

What is genealogy?
The value of preserving family history and cultural heritage
Digitalization: Ancestry from storytelling to DNA testing
The powerful story behind A Dream Delivered: The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson film
Connecting with African-American ancestors through genealogy research
The importance of privacy in DNA testing
The pivotal role of relationship-building
Preserving history: How photography connects with storytelling
A preview of what Black Progen is
What’s one thing that Nicka refuses to be guilty about?

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QUOTABLES:

“As a family historian, as a genealogist, you have to be a connector. You're like the heartbeat of your family… And I do that in my life. I do that in my family.” – Nicka Sewell Smith

“What I've learned in researching this community is that the remnants of these people who survived the transatlantic slave trade brought together these communities with people they don't know. They make a community for themselves, and their children intermarry, and then that's how we end up.” – Nicka Sewell Smith

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GUEST RESOURCES

Nicka Sewell Smith

LinkedIn | @nickasewellsmith

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Amber Cabral

IG | @bamcabral

LinkedIn | @ambercabral

Facebook | @amber.cabral

Twitter | @BamCabral

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Watch Amber’s TED TALK episode here.

Grab a copy of Amber’s books at Amazon!

Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture

Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others -

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Guilty Privilege is produced by EPYC Media Network

Reviews

Great listen/watch. People really underrate how important emotional intelligence is in business. Hopefully more people will listen and utilize some of the information shared.

WillUBeThere.com

Guilty Privilege

Wow! I couldn’t get enough of this. Wished it were longer. The conversation is real, authentic and can absolutely be life changing if you soak the info in. Just finished listening to the episode with Tieko Nejon on emotional intelligence and Amber asked the best questions. Tieko answered so thoughtfully and broke it allll the way down for us. Kudos to both of you. I am sharing this podcast with so many people.

Nataliegouche

Guilty Privilege

Just finished the first episode (whispers: via YouTube) and I was NOT ready for the conversation to end. So I came on over to the apple podcast streets to subscribe and listen again on my commute to work. While this is not the work I’m exclusively dedicated to, I want to increase awareness around equity so I can be more intentional in my practice personally and professionally. This conversation is an absolute resource that I have the PRIVILEGE (time) to tap into and I look forward to digging into new episodes every week.

Shada_

Guilty Privilege

WOW! I am always enthralled by the conversations had and topics discussed on this podcast. As someone who rarely feels motivated or inspired, I am so grateful to have found this podcast. I have shared this podcast with so many people in my life as each episode offers a brilliant mind’s insight. This past episode I had to pull over and just allow myself to feel the the feeling of motivation and then gratitude. This show doesn’t present itself as a self help podcast, nor does it attempt to—for lack of a better word— preach to it’s audience. However, every episode I find myself unapologetically happy with myself. I find myself sharing this podcast hoping others feel this feeling. Having access to this podcast is one privilege I absolutely refuse to feel guilty for—and boy what a privilege it is!

Experiment six two six

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