This work addresses the challenge of locating primary source documentation for African American genealogical research by providing a curated bibliography of available records. Sanora M. Lawson compiles a structured list of archival materials, census records, and historical documents to assist researchers in navigating the complexities of ancestral tracing. The text serves as a methodological framework for identifying specific repositories and collections that hold vital information for those studying African American lineage.

Researchers and librarians identify this text as a specialized reference tool for those beginning the process of documenting African American family history. It is noted for its focus on traditional archival sources rather than contemporary digital research methods.