Day #1,  Genealogy,  MAAGI,  Midwestern African American Genealogy Institute,  Missouri,  Root Digger,  Saint Louis,  Yvette Porter Moore

The Midwestern African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) Day #1 Part 1

July 11, 2013 /

I took the red-eye Monday, July 8, 2013, from San Diego to St. Louis so that I could attend the Midwestern African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI).  My purpose for attending the First Inaugural MAAGI  was to learn from some of the top genealogists that I have gotten to know through Geneabloggers & various social media networks. I want to take my genealogy career and business to the next level. The icing on the cake was that I would have a chance to explore some of the city where my father was raised.

I arrived at 5:30am at the Harris-Stowe State University Campus where MAAGI was being held.  Some of the attendees were staying at a local hotel, while others decided to stay on campus in the dorms.  I am one who decided to stay on campus. 

My arrival into St. Louis was an adventure in itself.  The shuttle dropped me off on the side of William Gillespie Hall.  I wasn’t sure if the building was the dorm I was staying in and was unsure if the building was open.  I contemplated what to do next. 

I looked to my right at the end of the campus and saw a huge building that I was drawn to.  It had the name of the University on it.  I felt moved to take pictures of the building before I went to Gillespie Hall to see if I could check in.  As I took the pictures, I said to myself, “I hope that I will have the opportunity to visit my fathers Alma Mater, Vashon H.S.” 

I put my camera away, and walked back to the Gillespie building to check in.

I was able to get my key to the dorm, and put my things in my private room.  I freshened up as my 1st day of workshops were going to begin within a few hours.  The ladies that share the living space with me were very cordial, and then we went to breakfast.

When I arrived to the Institute, I was greeted by Charles Brown, who resides in St. Louis, and is the coordinator of MAAGI.  We talked a few times prior to my arrival into St. Louis.  I had shared with him that my father was a Vashon Alumni and I was interested in seeing the old campus.  After Charles gave me my registration badge, he asked me to follow him so he could show me something.  Off I went to the window and he pointed to the building I had felt the urge to photograph.  He said, “That building is the Old Vashon H.S.”

My mouth dropped!  I was shocked at what I heard and asked him to repeat what he said.

“That is the Old Vashon H.S.”

I had known at that moment I had had a spiritual encounter with my ancestor.  I knew that my father wanted me to be here at Harris-Stowe State University so I could see where he attended H.S. 

These are a few of the initial photos I took of the “Old” Vashon H.S. [I have taken more photos on the 2nd day and will show at a later post.]

 

What a  great beginning of the MAAGI.  More to come.

20 Comments

  • Unknown

    July 11, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    Awesome…you are exactly where you are suppose to be! We have been so honored to have all of the attendees here, we have learned and shared-that is what it is all about! Networking!

  • Anonymous

    July 12, 2013 at 12:48 am

    what a wonderful and family moment you had to start your day with
    this conference! Congrats, a impressive looking previous H.S.

  • Anonymous

    July 17, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    In reading your timeline, I realized you had a year book that would iclude pictures of my mother Louise Adams as a student 1944-1945. Yes my mother attended Vashon, probably walked past your father. My father Sammie White also attended during that time period. U have some very rare books. I viewed 2 donated books at the Public School Archives in my home town and this is where I saw for the first tilme my parents as teenagers. Someone had donated their yearbooks to the Archives and I am eternally greatful because my family could not afford the expense. It is very possible my aunts and uncles may be in the other books u have. Look fOr ADAMS? Hope to meet u next year and please friend me. My mother is still living and may remember people your father knew from VASHON. By the way they have class reunions…stilll.

  • Yvette Porter Moore

    July 17, 2013 at 7:40 pm

    Please give me your name, it did not show. I looked in the two yearbooks that I found at home. I know there is one more. I currently have the 1945 & 1947 books. I remember seeing a 1946 book, but will have to search for it. What a great idea to donate these books to the Public School Archives. I will do so, once I get what I need out of the ones I have. I looked for the names you gave, and did not find them in those books…however I will look thoroughly and if I find will email to you. Thank you for reading my post. I so appreciate it.

  • Anonymous

    July 17, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Kinikia White. Also look for Ted Foster..he is still alive, has owned funeral homes. Julia Davis…a library is named after her. There is a man who led boycotts of Jefferson Bank..I can never remember is name, but I am sure Charles Brown will know. The bank refused for many years to hire black people for any jobs other than janitors. A lot of people r in these yearbooks that r well known in our city. Before u decide to donate…contact the Archives. I dont know what grade school your father attended but I have copies of 3 I attended and would be happy to email copies. Again as the daughter request copies of your fathers school records. There is a form u will need to use from the Archives. It gives a lot of unique info abt addresses and parents jobs. Bernice Bennett knows me.