The 44 Percent: How the Black Archives genealogy event can help you learn Black history

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about my grandmother and the knowledge I’ve lost out on since her death. Sure, there are memories, but they, like fabrics in a dryer, fade with time.

I imagine there are other people in similar situations such as me, and that’s part of the reason why the Black Archives is holding its Family Roots Event this weekend to provide genealogical tips for others who are curious about their family history.

The event comes at a time when how Black history is taught in schools has come under scrutiny and as books by prominent Black authors are banned. It also comes as the Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, are under a review by the Trump Administration, which could see them “replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions across placards, wall didactics, digital displays, and other public-facing materials.”

While the intention of the event isn’t in response to what is happening at the federal level, in many ways, it serves as a way to education Black residents on how to trace and preserve their Black history.

Trending stories in Miami:

Heat’s Terry Rozier arrested as part of FBI gambling investigation

Will Miami-Dade’s new transit line be a hit with commuters? Five things to watch

You may have noticed a change in the newsletter recently. Don’t worry, we’re trying out a new format. Let me know what you think.

Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend. If it was forwarded to you, sign up here.

INSIDE THE 305:

‘I claim my ancestors’: Black Archives wants to teach people about genealogy

The Black Archives is holding an event in Miami that helps teach people tools to trace their family history. Local genealogists, including Patricia and Oscar Braynon, will provide tips to help residents navigate the process. ‘Untold stories’: Florida’s Black history museum to sit on old FMU site

Florida’s Black history museum will reside at St. Augustine, Florida at the site of where Florida Memorial University once sat. The museum will sit on about 15 acres of the 310-acre land.

OUTSIDE THE 305:

Being Eddie Trailer Goes Behind the Curtain of the Comedy Icon’s Life and Career

Comedian and actor Eddie Murphy finally has a documentary chronicling his extraordinary career from his rise as standup comedian and SNL player to box office draw. The nearly 90-minute (which is still too short) documentary debuts Nov. 12 on Netflix.

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners comes back to theaters for one week

“Sinners” will come back to theaters for a limited run starting Oct. 30 in time for Halloween. Director Ryan Coogler recently spoke about his vision for the movie and its impact on the film industry.

HIGH CULTURE:

Art exhibit in Little Haiti celebrates women affected by breast cancer

Last week, we wrote a story about a woman in the process of her metastatic breast cancer journey and what the Little Haiti Cultural Complex is doing to honor women affected by breast cancer. “La Couronne Des Fleurs” art exhibit by Haitian American artist Magdala Charles is open through November and includes a piece up for auction that will go toward Metavivor, a metastatic breast cancer research organization.

Where does “The 44 Percent” name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter’s title.

This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 3:06 PM.

Raisa Habersham

Miami Herald

Raisa Habersham is the race and culture reporter for the Miami Herald. She previously covered Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale for the Herald with a focus on housing and affordability. Habersham is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She joined the Herald in 2022.