Personal connections between the descendants of the Washington family and Ann Nixon Cooper have been renewed thanks to President Barack Obama’s speech on the night of his historic election. You may read the complete story:
Archive for the ‘Current Events’ Category
Sirius XM Radio Interview with John F. Baker Jr.
Friday, March 13th, 2009I invite you to listen to an indepth interview: On with Leon Presents John F. Baker Jr. with host Dr. Leon Wilmer.
Wessyngton Descendants at Borders Book Signing
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009On March 7th I had a book signing at Borders in Nashville. The event was well attended by many family members and friends. I met several new cousins there. The event also brought together descendants of Wessyngton’s founder Joseph Washington, and African American descendants, whose ancestors came from the plantation. A group photograph was taken of both families.
Wessyngton Descendants at Borders Book Signing
Atlanta Book Tour
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009The book tour in Atlanta went very well. On the first day of my trip I visited the home of Mrs. Ann Nixon Cooper and presented her with an autographed copy of The Washingtons of Wessyngton Plantation. I was very honored to have Mrs. Cooper sign a copy of the book for me.
Baker presents Mrs. Cooper with The Washingtons of Wessyngton
The second day of my tour I was interviewed about the book by Dr. Collette Hopkins, director of the National Black Arts Festival, who graciously accompained me to the book signing at Waldenbooks.
Collette Hopkins Director of the NBAF with John Baker
Baker at Waldenbooks
On the third day of the tour Dr. Opal Moore interviewed me at the Auburn Research Library. I later gave a presentation followed by a book signing.
Baker interview with Opal Moore at National Black Arts Festival
Baker presentation at NBAF
Baker at NBAF book signing
The event was well attended and I met two new Washington cousins Jonathan and Jordan Terry who live in Atlanta. They were excited to find their names on the Washington family tree among more than 600 names.
Baker meet new cousins at NBAF
Jordan and Jonathan Terry display Washington Family Tree
My good friends Beverly Shelley and her daughter Kimberly attended the event. Their ancestors also came from Wessyngton.
Baker meets with Wessyngton descendants Beverly and Kim at NBAF
A Letter from Former President Bill Clinton
Monday, March 2nd, 2009My editor just told me that she received a letter from former President Bill Clinton. After thanking her for sending him the book, he wrote, “it was wonderful!” I will certainly place that letter in a place of honor in my home.
Letter from former President Bill Clinton
WKRN-TV Black Heritage Special-Video
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009Please take a look at the Black Heritage video with Anne Holt at Wessyngton. It aired on February 22nd and 24th.
Wessyngton Research-Video
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009I invite you to watch a short video in which I describe my research:
Wessyngton DNA Project-Video
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009I invite you to watch a short video about the DNA research I conducted: