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Patricia Smith Jenkins will facilitate a discussion group and share her knowledge about some of the historical challenges to researching African Americans in the United States and some strategies to help break through brick walls. All questions and comments are welcome.

Pat grew up in a multigenerational household in New Jersey, immersed in family history. Travel during the summers reinforced family connections and sparked her interest in genealogy. Retired from her Management position at UC Berkeley, Pat spends her free time researching family histories and encouraging others to do the same. She is a member of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society and also the California Genealogical Society. Pat is an author, consultant and speaker. She currently facilitates the Kimble Price African American Research Workshop at the Oakland FamilySearch Center.

This program is part of the Genealogy and Family History Symposium 2026, a two-day conference presented by the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) and the California Genealogical Society (CGS), featuring speakers from SFPL, CGS, the Oakland FamilySearch Center, SFgenealogy and other organizations presenting on a wide range of topics.

See the full two-day schedule.