We’re so glad you’re interested in Finding Our Roots: A Bring your own Brunch Event with JDC Entwine! For all the details, please visit the Facebook event, available here.

Young adults can register to join us through the form below.

Questions? Contact marisa@meetyouatthewell.org.

During this event, we’ll have some time to share the stories of our own families and how they came to be in Detroit. We’ll also learn about doing our own genealogical research, and our resident expert will share resources for creating your own family tree. In preparation, there are a few things you can do ahead of time, explained by guest genealogist Corey Rosen (below). We recognize that we do not all have equal access to our family's origin stories. Specifically for Black Jews and other Jews of Color, forced immigration through slavery, fleeing persecution, other refugee experiences, or having to hide one's Jewish identity may have made it impossible to keep records or have caused these records to be lost or destroyed over time. In addition to learning about what we do know of our family histories, we must also take stock of what we don't know, as these questions are equally important.

From genealogist Corey Rosen:

Seek out the oldest relative you can think of and ask them about your immigrant relatives. Try to find out if anybody living knows the name of the town where your family came from and who your first relative was who wound up in Detroit.  You can use guiding questions like “Did your mother or father have many cousins or aunts and uncles?” to help older relatives recall information that may be difficult to remember. You can also ask questions about jobs or professions, and don’t forget to ask WHY! The information itself is an awesome start, but the “why” really helps paint a complete picture.

If there’s a historian in your family already, ask them to share their information with you, and don’t forget about their sources! Family legends and stories are important, but historical documents are even better! This document can help you organize your thoughts as you learn about your family.

We’ll send more detailed information prior to the event, but it’s never too early to start asking questions and having these conversations!