William Gillispie was a pioneer on the Wright State University campus. He did many things to help the advancement of blacks on this campus. In fact he helped start the bolinga center in the 1970's. Mr. Gillispie's presentation on Black Genealogy was very informative. He provided information on how to get in touch with where you came from. Genealogy is the research, study and recording of a family's history. It will give them a sense of self worth, and pride of where they came from. This will also help them to understand what they need to do to better advance themselves in a world that has been so unfair to them.
             There were many things that got Mr. Gillispie interested in genealogy. Alex Haley's visit to the bolinga center was a key in the life of Mr. Gillispie. He felt that if Mr. Haley could do it then he could do it. Haley helped Malcolm X with his autobiography, and was of course the author of the book Roots. In fact he even claims he is directly related to Kunta Kinte. Family stories and a desire to make a connection with Africa also influenced William Gillispie to get involved in Black Genealogy. His desire to pass on to his children what he discovered was a big factor on his decision to get involved in genealogy.
             I think the key point to his presentation was his ideas on where to begin in your search for your family's history. Mr. Gillispie laid out several key steps to follow on the journey towards your goal. Begin by getting in touch with your personal contacts. These include writing down what you already know, and creating a genealogy chart or family tree. Talk to family members, especially elders, and elders who knew your family. These elders will certainly tell you stories you didn't know and may even tell you about people you've never heard of. Record conversations on tape, and research funeral home records. The next place to start your research is looking up publ
             ...