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Our Ancestors
At Our Mammy’s, everything I do is rooted in the lives of my ancestors—the extraordinary regular people whose contributions are often left out of history books. They were laundresses, laborers, cooks, builders, midwives, and caregivers. Through their hands and hard work, they nurtured the communities, traditions, and culture of Louisiana.
My ancestors' resilience, strength, and perseverance are not just part of our story—they are our story. When you engage with Our Mammy’s, you’re not just learning about history. You’re connecting to the lived experiences of those who survived, thrived, and passed down wisdom through generations.
My mission is to honor my ancestors' legacy by sharing stories about their experiences with the world. Every presentation, and program we offer is a reflection of their strength and a step toward ensuring their voices continue to be heard.
DNA Origins & History
My ancestors lived and worked across Louisiana—in Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Orleans, Lafourche, and St. Charles parishes. Their stories are the foundation of my work and my purpose.
Some of the family names that shape my history include Charles, DeCuir, Fabre, Landry, London, Jefferson, Francois, Banks, Clifford, Coates, Nixon, Riley, Buchanan, Theodore, Etienne, and Green.
Through years of research, I’ve also traced my family roots beyond Louisiana to Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and North Carolina. You can see this reflected on the ancestral journey chart (see photo).
According to my most recent Ancestry DNA results, my lineage is a combination of several African nations with a small percentage of European ancestry. Every piece of my heritage inspires the work I do—to preserve, share, and honor the lives of those who came before me.
My ancestors are the center of Our Mammy’s. I work to ensure that the voices of everyday people—our ancestors—are not forgotten but uplifted, celebrated, and woven back into the story of our collective history.
When I started my genealogy journey in 2007, I didn't know half of this information. I was familiar with some of the last names and locations; yet, I didn't know the stories behind the people mentioned on my parents' front porch. It took me years to fill in the gaps, but it was worth every minute.
Subscribe to our newsletter or read our blog to learn more about the people who were my foundation.
Family Photos: Places & People
