The International Society of Sons and Daughters of Slave Ancestry was formed to perpetuate the memory of slave ancestors in America and around the world. The Society provides a platform for education and remembrance — connecting descendants across continents through shared ancestry and cultural pride.

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Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Society is to:

1. To honor and celebrate enslaved ancestors
2. To promote an interest in slave genealogy and family history
3. To encourage the documentation, publication, and preservation of slave genealogy and historical information
4. To recognize people who research, document, publish and preserve their slave ancestry

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Membership

Membership is open to any individual who can prove slave ancestry, without regard to sex, race, color, creed, or national origin. The categories of membership are:

• Associate Member (Phase 1) – these members submit a pedigree chart showing lineage back to a slave ancestor.
• Certified Member (Phase 2) – these members provide documentation for each generation of the direct line back to a slave ancestor.
• Institutional Member – these members include libraries, societies, and educational institutions.

Conclusion

The International Society of Sons and Daughters of Slave Ancestry stands as both a memorial and a movement — a global effort to give dignity to those whose lives shaped the modern world under unimaginable hardship.

By tracing and honoring their ancestors, members of ISDSA transform pain into purpose, loss into legacy, and history into hope. Their work reminds us that the story of slavery is not only one of oppression, but also of survival, endurance, and humanity’s enduring capacity to remember and heal.

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Sources

1. International Society of Sons and Daughters of Slave Ancestry – Official Website
2. DPLAfest Comes to Chicago – Documenting cultural heritage, community engagement, and social justice

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