We, The Undersigned, Call For Greater Historical Recognition, Equal Access To Information, Expanded Academic Research, Respectful Public Dialogue, And Legal Examination Regarding The Indigenous, Ancestral, And Foundational Heritage Of African Americans Within The United States.

 

For Generations, Many African American Families Have Sought Greater Clarity, Understanding, And Recognition Concerning Their Ancestry, Cultural Origins, Historical Presence, And Connection To The Lands Now Known As The United States. Across Communities, Oral Histories, Tribal Connections, Spiritual Traditions, Family Narratives, Migration Accounts, And Genealogical Research Have Continued To Preserve Stories Suggesting That The

History Of African Americans In America May Be More Complex And Layered Than Commonly Presented.

 

This Petition Calls For Open National Dialogue, Historical Transparency, Expanded Research Opportunities, Equal Access To Historical Information, Full Access To Available Genealogical Records, And Respectful Examination Into Records, Oral Traditions, Genealogy, Tribal Histories, Cultural Preservation, And Indigenous Heritage Claims Connected To African American Communities.

 

We Believe Every Person Should Have The Right To:

 

• Explore Their Ancestral And Indigenous Heritage Without Ridicule, Suppression, Or Retaliation
• Preserve Family Oral Histories, Cultural Traditions, And Sacred Heritage
• Access Historical, Tribal, Archival, Census, Land, And Genealogical Records Relevant To Their Family History
• Receive Equal Respect Within Historical, Cultural, And Academic Discussions
• Encourage Honest Research, Open Dialogue, And Educational Transparency
• Protect Cultural Identity, Ancestral Legacy, And Historical Memory
• Pursue Equal Recognition And Equal Access To Information Regarding Heritage And Identity
• Advocate For Broader Historical Examination Into America’s Complex Ancestral History
• Access Public Resources Related To Genealogy, Heritage Research, And Historical Documentation
• Peacefully Research Lineage, DNA/Ethnicity Findings, Oral Histories, And Tribal Connections Without Fear Of Harassment Or Discrimination

 

Many Individuals And Families Have Expressed That They Have Experienced Ridicule, Retaliation, Social Suppression, Exclusion, Or Dismissal When Attempting To Explore, Discuss, Or Research Their Claimed Indigenous Ancestry, Oral Histories, Tribal Connections, Or Cultural Heritage.

Some Have Also Raised Concerns Regarding Difficulties Accessing Historical Resources, Genealogical Records, Cultural Programs, Educational Opportunities, Heritage Research Resources, Or Discussions Surrounding Indigenous Identity — Even In Situations Where Families Possess Oral Histories, Documented Genealogical Evidence, Historical Records, Or DNA/Ethnicity Research They Believe Supports Their Ancestral Claims.

 

This Petition Is Not Intended To Promote Hatred, Division, Or The Erasure Of Any Indigenous Nation, Tribe, Or Community.

 

This Petition Supports:

• Historical Transparency
• Equal Rights
• Equal Access To Information
• Full Access To Publicly Available Genealogical And Historical Records
• Cultural Preservation
• Indigenous Heritage Research
• Genealogical And Historical Inquiry
• Respectful Public Dialogue
• Protection Of Heritage, Identity, And Legacy
• Peaceful Historical Examination And Educational Research

 

We Call For:

 

• Expanded Academic And Historical Research Into Indigenous Connections Within African American Communities
• Greater Access To Historical, Tribal, Census, Archival, Land, And Genealogical Records
• Full Transparency And Availability Of Public Historical Information Relevant To Ancestral Research
• Respectful National Conversations Regarding Indigenous Heritage And Ancestral Identity
• Inclusion Of Broader Historical Perspectives Within Educational And Cultural Discussions
• Support For Individuals Researching Indigenous Lineage And Tribal Heritage
• Equal Historical Consideration And Open Scholarly Examination
• Protection Of The Right To Explore And Preserve Cultural And Ancestral Identity
• Respectful Review Of Oral Histories, Tribal Narratives, Genealogical Documentation, And DNA/Ethnicity Research Presented By Families Conducting Heritage Research
• Lawful And Ethical Access To Public Records Relevant To Ancestral Identification And Historical Preservation

 

We Further Support Respectful, Lawful, And Transparent Processes Surrounding Heritage Exploration, Historical Inquiry, Genealogical Research, And Public Discussion While Respecting The Sovereignty, Rights, Traditions, And Existing Legal Authority Of Federally Recognized Tribes And Indigenous Nations.

 

Our Message

 

History Matters.
Identity Matters.
Ancestry Matters.
Equality Matters.

 

Every People Deserve The Right To Explore, Preserve, Understand, And Protect Their Heritage Without Suppression, Discrimination, Or Erasure.

This Movement Encourages Research, Dialogue, Preservation, Transparency, And Understanding — Not Division.

 

If You Believe In Historical Transparency, Equal Rights, Cultural Preservation, Open Dialogue, Equal Access To Information, And The Right To Explore Ancestral Identity, Please Sign And Share This Petition.