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My ancestors were full-blooded Indians … until the census said otherwise

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(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

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.

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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

 

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A journalist since 1994, he also founded DMGlobal Marketing & Public Relations. Glover has an extensive list of clients including corporations, non-profits, government agencies, politics, business owners, PR firms, and attorneys.

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SHOPPE: Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes Is Building a Business Empire

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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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Black Chamber Profile: Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC)

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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.

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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

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Black Chamber Profile: Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce (TCRBCC)

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“Connecting Your Business to the Money”

(HOUSTON – August 8, 2025) – Since its founding, the Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce (TCRBCC) has stood as a vital economic engine in Southeast Texas, connecting Black-owned businesses to capital, contracts, and community. With a presence across four regions—including Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Jefferson, and beyond—TCRBCC is dedicated to building Black wealth through business development, advocacy, and global opportunity.

Mission & Vision

TCRBCC’s core mission is to provide Black entrepreneurs and businesses with access to tools, resources, and opportunities that foster entrepreneurial parity, economic independence, and transgenerational wealth. The chamber’s reach spans local, regional, and international markets—bridging members to strategic partners from the Gulf Coast to the Caribbean and Central America.

Three Pillars of Power

TCRBCC’s Plan of Work is built around three strategic objectives:

  • Business Development
    From fast-track business assessments and orientation to specialized training and technical assistance, the Chamber equips its members with the fundamentals needed to grow and scale.

  • Business Advocacy
    With a strong legislative presence, TCRBCC ensures its members have a seat at the table—monitoring public and private sector procurement, pushing for diversity in contracting, and representing members at the local, state, and international levels.

  • Economic Development
    Through global trade initiatives, capital access forums, and regional roundtables, the Chamber opens doors to growth markets and funding—helping its members become competitive at home and abroad.

Sectors Represented

TCRBCC supports a broad spectrum of industries, including:

  • Construction

  • Logistics

  • Marketing & Media

  • Administrative Services

  • Product & Retail Services

Why Join?

Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned entrepreneur, TCRBCC is your gateway to:

  • Procurement Opportunities

  • Strategic Partnerships

  • Capital Resources

  • Business Certification Guidance

  • International Trade

With 20 years of impact and counting, the Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce invites every Black-owned and Black-led firm to become part of a movement—because when we build together, we create wealth together.

📞 Call (832) 875-3977 or join online today at TCRBCC.org
🔒 Members-only procurement portal available after sign-in.

BUSINESS CHOICE AWARDS & GALADECEMBER 13, 2025

Venue	Wyndham Hotel Houston Near NRG Park
Address	8686 Kirby DriveHoustonTX77054,US
Starts	Tue Jul 22 2025, 12:00pm CDT
Ends	Sat Dec 13 2025, 11:00pm CST

BUSINESS CHOICE AWARDS & GALA DECEMBER 13, 2025 Venue Wyndham Hotel Houston Near NRG Park Address 8686 Kirby DriveHoustonTX77054,US Starts Tue Jul 22 2025, 12:00pm CDT Ends Sat Dec 13 2025, 11:00pm CST

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