National Genealogical Society Apologizes for Past History of Racial Discrimination

Renowned organization addresses past history of eugenics and discrimination, vows to strengthen diversity and inclusion efforts

RICHMOND, VA, USA, June 1, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- The National Genealogical Society (NGS), founded in 1904, has issued a public apology for previously failing to confront the Society’s historical and organizational bigotry, racism, and discrimination. The apology was announced this week at the organization's Family History Conference in Richmond by NGS President Kathryn Doyle, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Chair, Andre Kearns. The announcement coincides with the release of an NGS-authored article, “Our Journey from Exclusion to Inclusion", which details the Society’s commitment to make its history transparent, actively atone for its past practices of exclusion, and share its vision and commitment to inclusion.

The article details examples of history that include an NGS founding member’s ties to eugenics, the Society’s history as an exclusively white organization for the first half of its existence, and the organizational conflict that ensued when James Worris Moore, a well-respected African-American archivist, sought membership into the organization in the 1960’s.

The work of delving into the organization’s history and making a commitment towards greater inclusion is anchored in the establishment of a DEI committee, which was formed in 2021. Since that time, the Committee has focused on introducing a DEI strategy to the Society; collecting enhanced member data to assess membership diversity; updating organizational, editorial and marketing policies for inclusion; and driving DEI partnership and member engagement initiatives.

“NGS is fully committed to atoning for our history and achieving diversity, equity and inclusion”, says Kathryn Doyle, the first woman of Asian descent to serve as president of NGS. “I am thrilled with the progress we are making towards our DEI goals including formally apologizing for our past through this article, growing the diversity of our annual Family History Conference, and achieving one-third DEI representation within NGS’ leadership roles.”

“Expanding NGS to a broader, more diverse member base will benefit our organization and empower large sections of our society to discover their family stories, be inspired by them, and give voice to their ancestors,” says Kearns, “We are off to a great start, but we have much more work to do.”
This year, NGS has set a goal to create a process to develop a pipeline of diverse leadership for the Society. or more information, or to participate in volunteer opportunities, please visit the website at ngsgenealogy.org or email volunteer@ngsgenealogy.org.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kathryn Doyle, President, NGS – kdoyle@ngsgenealogy.org
Matthew Menashes, Executive Director, NGS – mattm@ngsgenealogy.org
Andre Kearns, Chair, NGS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee - akearns@ngsgenealogy.org

Matt Menashes
National Genealogical Society
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