In April 2011, Emory University launched a revolutionary website that would enable African Americans to trace their roots leading to the Trans-Atlantic slave trade hundreds of years ago.
The website uses information from the Courts of Mixed Commission African Origins, which contains the names, gender, and ports of departure of nearly 10,000 liberated Africans. 
The expectation is that with this information, African Americans will be able to trace their ancestry back to their original country. Because African social groups and languages have remained relatively the same over centuries, scholars believe this will make it easier to trace ancestral roots.
Emory University is calling for the help of all Africans who can contribute or share their knowledge. People who know African languages, or those who can name protocols are encouraged to add their input. You can visit the site: african-origins.org or email african-origins@emory.edu to find out how you can help.
