(OKLAHOMA – August 17, 2025) – When I first started researching my family’s genealogy, I thought I was just going to fill in a few blanks.
Instead, I uncovered a lie so deep, so systematic, it reshaped everything I thought I knew about who we are as a people.

I want to show you something personal.

Below, you’ll see two official U.S. government records—both documenting one of my direct ancestors. Thomas Jefferson Adams Harjo.

Creek Nation certificate

📜 The first is from the Dawes Roll, the federal list created in the early 1900s to register members of the Five Civilized Tribes.

As you’ll see, my ancestor is listed as a Full-Blood Indian—a clear acknowledgment of their tribal heritage and cultural identity.

1900 US Census

But then, take a look at the second image:

📄 That’s the federal census record from just a few years later.
Same ancestor.
Same location.
But this time, the government marked them as Negro.

No tribe. No Indian classification.
Just folded into the general Black population—without consent, without explanation.

That wasn’t a mistake.
That was paper genocide.

This is what happened to millions of Indigenous Black Americans across the South.
Their identities were stripped away on paper—one document at a time—by a system designed to erase, absorb, and exploit.

This wasn’t just about racism. It was about land, power, and control.

By reclassifying tribal people as Negro or Colored, the government could:

• Deny them land rights

• Remove them from tribal rolls

• Steal their inheritance

• And make sure future generations never knew who they really were

This is why so many of our elders say, “My grandma said we had Indian in us.”
They weren’t lying.
They just didn’t have the tools to prove it.

Now we do.

And I’m not showing you this to just share my story—I’m showing you because this might be your story, too.

If you’re ready to go deeper, tomorrow I’m going to pull back the curtain on how far this went—how the reclassification of Black Indians was not an exception, but the rule across the Southeast.

You’re not crazy.
You’re not reaching.
You’re remembering.

—Mike
Founder, Native Black Ancestry

From a single Maryland facility to three locations and now two more opening in 2025, Dominique Dawes is scaling her gymnastics academy with a goal of 50 nationwide.

Her blend of elite training and a positive, family-focused culture is making waves in the $30 billion youth sports industry.
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“Constructive Leadership Since 1926”
The Oldest Black Chamber in America. Period.

(DALLAS, TX – August 8, 2025) – When we talk about legacy, we start in Dallas.

Founded in 1926, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC) stands as the first Black chamber of commerce in the United States. Nearly a century later, it remains a pillar of power, progress, and purpose—leading the charge for economic equity across North Texas.

With nearly 100 years of constructive leadership, the DBCC has been more than just an organization—it has been a movement. A movement rooted in advocacy, access, and accountability. Whether pushing policy, elevating Black entrepreneurs, or creating pipelines to capital and contracts, DBCC has consistently shown the nation what real Black business leadership looks like.

Mission in Motion

The Chamber’s mission is clear: To advocate for the creation, growth, and general welfare of Black-owned businesses and organizations across North Texas. Through strategic referrals, public-private partnerships, educational seminars, technical assistance, and marketing, the DBCC is building a thriving ecosystem for Black excellence.

Its core areas of impact include:

• Economic Development

• Education

• Convention/Tourism

• Special Projects & Initiatives

A Legacy of Leadership

At the helm is President & CEO Harrison Blair, a third-generation community advocate whose leadership is deeply rooted in Dallas soil. The grandson of the legendary Bill Blair and son of Jordan Blair, Harrison continues the family’s commitment to uplifting the city through economic development, civic engagement, and business empowerment.

Under his leadership—and with Chairwoman Shenna Thomas and the Chamber’s dedicated board—DBCC continues to evolve as a force in local and statewide business circles. Blair also represents the Chamber on the North Texas Commission and the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce, ensuring Black business has a seat at every major table.

Why DBCC Still Leads

What started in 1926 has now expanded into a robust engine for Black business across Dallas and beyond. Whether you’re an emerging entrepreneur or an established executive, DBCC offers the access, advocacy, and allyship needed to grow and thrive.

Because when Dallas moves, Black business moves.
And when Black business wins, Dallas wins.

🖥️ Learn more or become a member at dallasblackchamber.org
📍 North Texas and nationwide influence
📞 Contact: (214) 421-5200