Black History Blueprints | Adapting with Integrity and Navigating Change

Adaptability isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset. Change is more than a challenge; it’s an opportunity for growth—if you know how to respond.

The history of the African diaspora offers powerful examples of people who thrived in uncertainty by drawing on ingenuity, resilience, and unwavering values.

In this engaging talk, Paul Crooks reimagines Black history as a masterclass in navigating change. Through stories of freedom fighters and leaders of liberation struggles from the transatlantic enslavement era, you’ll uncover how they transformed obstacles into triumphs by:

• Staying focused on their goals while navigating shifting challenges.
• Turning limitations into opportunities through creativity and resilience.
• Remaining true to their values, even in the face of adversity.

Relevance today: While this talk is rooted in history, it also points forward. The same blueprints that guided past generations can help us face the uncertainties of our time — from workplace transformation to emerging challenges like artificial intelligence.

Whether you're tackling workplace challenges, personal transitions, or community needs, this session provides timeless strategies for turning change into opportunity. Join us to discover how lessons from the past can empower you to thrive in today’s ever-changing world.

Plus Ticket

1. Full access to the event
2. The First Maroon War (interactive PowerPoint)

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/G-4LQSGP4-o

Premium Ticket

1. Full access to the event
2. The First Maroon War (interactive PowerPoint)
3. Descendants (digital copy)

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/BmI8rTjUEmE

Deluxe Ticket

1. Full access to the event
2. The First Maroon War (interactive PowerPoint)
3. Descendants (digital copy)
4. DNA Testing Demystified (eBook)

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/mQanCy3o1XM

About the speaker

Trailblazing family historian Paul Crooks pioneered research into Black genealogy during the 1990s, tracing his family history from London back six generations to ancestors enslaved on a sugar plantation in North America.

Paul was told that it would be impossible to trace records of slave-ownership, let alone his ancestors enslaved on plantations in North America. “No one had tried because such records did not exist.” Undeterred, he embarked on a journey of discovery that led from suburban North London to North America and ultimately back to the Gold Coast.

His groundbreaking books, Ancestors and A Tree Without Roots: The Guide To Tracing British, African, and Asian Caribbean Ancestry, brought him international recognition for his breakthrough research into Black genealogy. Paul is credited with inspiring an upsurge in interest in Black and British ancestry and is recognized for having spawned an industry in African Caribbean genealogy.

In addition to his pioneering genealogy work, Paul has over 20 years of experience in health service management and holds an MSc in Healthcare Commissioning. He has also worked in the private sector, leveraging his expertise to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. His diverse professional background enhances his ability to connect with audiences on themes of resilience, legacy, and personal growth.

Be sure to follow Black History Speaker Paul Crooks on Eventbrite!