For the descendants of people who were taken from the African continent through the criminal Trans-Atlantic slave trade, 2019 was deemed “The Year of Return”. To facilitate the repair of the Balanta people who were victimized by this crime, The Balanta B’urassa History and Genealogy Society in America was established as a 501c3 organization.

Our Mission

1. To encourage descendants of the Balanta B’urassa in America involvement in the study and preservation of family history and genealogy.

2. To emphasize the value and importance of family genealogy and history research to future generations.

3. To educate the community through outreach seminars and workshops to acknowledge the rich cultural heritage of Balanta B’urassa people.

4. To develop, recognize, transcribe, create, produce and publish educational materials on Balanta B’urassa history.

5. To establish a Balanta B’urassa Cultural Heritage Corridor as a National Heritage Area .

“Strong people do not need strong leaders.”

— Ella Baker, Balanta descendant and Civil Rights Leader.

They Had No King: Ella Baker and the Politics of Decentralized Organization Among African Descended Populations