Gwendolyn J Hatcher Talks About Power of Family in New Book

Every day, thousands of people contribute to the World Archives Projects on the genealogy site, Ancestry.com. The site uploads documents such as census, land and vital records, and users can contribute information to the names listed on the documents, thereby providing more information for those searching for a family member in the listed document.

When author Gwendolyn Hatcher began her own ancestry research, Ancestry.com was a useful tool, but most of her research came from her own records and the oral history that had been passed down. Her new book, "Souls: A Genealogical Collection" (published by Trafford Publishing), serves as both an account of Hatcher's fascinating family history, as well as a useful guide for those looking to trace their own family histories.

"The book is special in that it combines history with genealogy, and it shares spiritual truths," says Hatcher of her book. "Readers can use this book as a blueprint, and they can fill in the names and situations regarding their ancestry to compile their own stories. At the same time, as a genealogical collection, many readers may find that they are distant cousins or otherwise related."

Hatcher can trace her family all the way back through the 17th century and what unfolds is a story of hope and triumph. Though some were brought to the United States as slaves, Hatcher's ancestors were well educated and founded some of the first African American schools, churches and communities. They fought back against adversity with knowledge and spirituality, paving the way for their descendants to enjoy success and freedom.

Of her book, Hatcher stresses, "'Souls' is a learning tool. It is a reminder. African Americans, particularly our younger generation, need to know what our forefathers experienced and how one family stuck together and overcame the odds. These ancestors understood the meaning behind 'united we stand, divided we fall.' They understood the need to develop strategies and to work hard to achieve a common goal."

"Souls"
By Gwendolyn J Hatcher
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 228 pages | ISBN 9781490708980
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 228 pages | ISBN 9781490708997
E-Book | 228 pages | ISBN 9781490708973
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Gwendolyn J Hatcher is a graduate of Howard University and Trinity College. She is a former human resources director for Pima County government in Tucson, Ariz., the first African American to serve in this position. Hatcher served as a public servant for more than 34 years in Washington, D.C. and Tucson, Ariz. Now retired, she serves as a copastor at the Living Miracles Church of God. Hatcher has previously coauthored, "The Promises."

Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC, author services imprint, was the first publisher in the world to offer an "on-demand publishing service," and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford was also one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Trafford's experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 1-888-232-4444 or visit trafford.com.