As Texans honor Juneteenth, one North Texas woman is continuing a deeply personal journey, uncovering a family history nearly erased by slavery.
Last year, Jacqueline Fort discovered she is a direct descendant of Mary Humphries, a woman born into slavery in 1805 in Memphis, Tennessee. Humphries was sold and brought to Tatum, Texas, where she lived until June 19, 1865-the day she learned she was free.
Family history rediscovered
Since that discovery, Fort has embraced the role of family historian, tracing her lineage and connecting with distant relatives across the country.
“I would be like her great-great-great-granddaughter,” Fort said. “It’s important to love on your descendants, love on your family.”…