Family Harambee! How to Discuss Potentially Challenging Discoveries in Your Family Tree – A Workbook helps families come to grips with facts about their shared family history. “Harambee” is a popular Swahili word from Kenya, Africa, which means “all pull together.”

DNA testing and traditional genealogical research can reveal joyful information about family lineage, as well as secrets that did not want to be told. The workbook offers useful methods for discussing the positive and the difficult revelations with relatives. Breaking bread with family and examining our inner feelings of race, gender, and age, could help all come to common ground.

For the most part, I used my experiences from a large reunion in 1983 and mid-sized get togethers in 1986 and 2003 to flesh out each committee-oriented task in the workbook. However, I did most of the tasks myself for the Georgia trip since each Harambee consisted of a few people. This workbook format includes ample opportunities for patrons to customize my process for their needs, including forms they may use to plan their own Harambee gathering.

My passion has been encouraging people to write their family stories via genealogy books and presentations to various groups. That’s why I include the steps I use to research, write, and self-publish in all my heritage books. This workbook will give people the confidence to broach potentially uncomfortable topics with their families. Harambee!