I received this message from a black researcher - it made me stop and think, and I hope it does the same for you. We need to pay more attention to how we communicate with others in the area of genealogical research. <=><=><=> My family history has deep roots in Missouri, and in doing my family research, I have reason to believe that my family did not descend from slaves. Here is the problem, not a lot is being done in the area of African American research on Missouri sites. (If I am mistaken, please let me know where to get information.) I noticed that Boone County has designated an African American researcher to enhance their website, and I was wonder why each county does not do the same. I realize that the first obstacle will be formal documentation. You and I both know that there simply is not a whole lot of formal documentation out there. But may I suggest that informal documentation (black churches, organizations, etc.) is better than no documentation at all. I am sure I speak for hundreds of black researchers when I say this. The elderly blacks in these various counties are also a possible wealth of information. I was intrigued to read the slave narratives for Missouri (hosted by ancestry.com) and learn, that project was done in the 1930s as a way of documenting Missouri's history in relation to slavery. Surely, if someone had the foresight over 70 years ago to know what a contribution to Missouri history that would be, I don't see why researchers are not working on this today. I would also like for you to get the word out to your white researchers that it is highly unprofessional and inappropriate to tell a black researcher that their search is "in vain" because there is no documentation on blacks during the 1800-1900 time period. Myself and several others on the Franklin County discussion list are researching our possible white relations and I was emailed that statement by someone I sent a query to. Another researcher advised that "white's did not document their indiscretions". I find that highly offensive as well. We are all aware that slavery resulted in such relationships and I don't particularly consider my family to be an embarrassment to anyone. I am proud to be from Missouri, and have greatly enjoyed the journey of learning the state's rich history. However, I would hope that someday this history of BOTH sides of that history can be enjoyed by all. I thank you for your time.