Conversations with Kenyatta
"Genealogy Roadshow" host and author of "The Family Tree Toolkit," Kenyatta D. Berry looks into genealogy, ancestry, and family history as well as what it means to have enslaved ancestors, and interviews experts in the field. The music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, and 76+ is by Rheme via Pixabay.
Conversations with Kenyatta
Tracing Truth: Kenyatta D. Berry’s Journey into Genealogy
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In the very first episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, genealogist, attorney, and author Kenyatta D. Berry introduces the podcast and shares the path that led her into family history research.
Born in Detroit, Kenyatta traces her family roots back to Culpeper County, Virginia, and reflects on the experiences that shaped her curiosity about the past. Her professional journey began far from genealogy — she studied business at Michigan State University, attended law school, and built a career in early internet law and technology during the early days of the digital age.
Everything changed when she began researching the Dwelley surname for a partner. What started as a small project quickly became a passion. Kenyatta soon realized that genealogy could uncover not only family connections but also suppressed and difficult histories, particularly those involving enslaved ancestors.
She ultimately chose to focus much of her work on enslaved genealogy, a field that requires confronting painful historical records while restoring stories that were intentionally erased.
In this episode, Kenyatta also shares:
• How she transitioned from law and tech into genealogy
• The moment she realized family history could be her full-time career
• The surprising story behind “Grandma Dell,” who turned out to be Aunt Delilah Dale
• An 1880s migration story discovered in her own family line
• The emotional challenges of researching slavery and racial violence
• A powerful case from PBS’s Genealogy Roadshow that shaped her work
After filming Genealogy Roadshow and writing The Family Tree Toolkit, Kenyatta made the leap to becoming a full-time genealogist in 2017.
This conversation sets the stage for the podcast’s mission: exploring family history, confronting difficult truths, and using genealogy as a tool for understanding, healing, and historical accountability.
Episode Timeline
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:44 Detroit Roots and Early Life
01:20 Studying Business at Michigan State
02:01 Law School and Internet Law Career
03:19 The Research Project That Sparked Genealogy
04:43 Choosing to Focus on Enslaved Ancestors
06:04 Becoming a Professional Genealogist (2017)
06:43 Discovering an 1880s Family Migration
08:15 The “Grandma Dell” Family Revelation
10:02 The Emotional Weight of Genealogy
10:48 A Memorable Genealogy Roadshow Case
12:42 History, Truth, and Healing
14:22 Closing
Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay.
Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com.
You can also connect with her on social media:
Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry
Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB
Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.
We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world.
Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry.
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