Dear Mr. Glover,
My name is J.B. Smith, and I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I’m a former U.S. Army Infantry instructor, and I’ve been researching my family’s history and genealogy, particularly the possibility of Indigenous ancestry in my family lines.
I wanted to reach out personally to thank you for your show and the conversations you’ve been having about Indigenous history, identity, and the importance of knowing who we are and where we come from.
Your discussions have been both educational and encouraging to me. I’ve learned a great deal from listening to you and people such as Michael Lane Jr. and Hannibal James. I appreciate your willingness to provide a platform where these subjects can be examined openly, even when people have different perspectives.
For some time now, I’ve been researching my Starling–Walker and Whitfield family lines, tracing ancestors through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and other locations. I’ve been studying census records, marriage records, and other historical documents while building my family tree.
One of the most challenging aspects of my research has been understanding how our ancestors were identified in historical records, particularly when classifications such as “Indian,” “Colored,” “Negro,” and “Free Person of Color” were used. I’m trying to determine what the available evidence actually tells us about my ancestors rather than accepting assumptions about their identities.
Your program has encouraged me to keep asking questions, follow the documentation, and continue searching even when historical records are incomplete.
I’m not writing to ask you to research my family. I simply wanted to introduce myself, share a little about the work I’m doing, and express my appreciation for the work you and your guests are doing.
I believe these conversations are important, not only for people researching their own ancestry but also for future generations who deserve to know their family histories.
Thank you again for your time, dedication, and the educational value of your program. I look forward to continuing to follow your discussions.
Respectfully,
J.B. Smith
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Former U.S. Army Infantry Instructor
