Meshia Rudd-Ridge embarked on a journey through the Tenth Street Historical District in Dallas, on a quest to locate the childhood home of renowned jazz trumpeter Clora Bryant. As she navigated the area, she realized that Bryant’s former residence had been overtaken by Interstate 35. However, what made this search particularly meaningful for Ridge was the discovery that Bryant was not just a distant figure in history – she was actually Ridge’s second cousin.
Unveiling a Hidden Connection
The revelation of this familial tie came as a surprise to Ridge in 2020, a year after Bryant’s passing. She had encountered challenges in tracing her family lineage, as traditional genealogy platforms often overlooked the unique heritage of Black families. Determined to facilitate a better experience for others seeking to reconnect with their roots, Ridge set out to explore alternative methods for Black descendants to unearth their ancestral connections.
Fostering a Community of Discovery
During the pandemic, Ridge delved into discussions about Black ancestry on the social media platform Clubhouse, where she crossed paths with Jourdan Brunson. Brunson, a seasoned family historian residing in Chicago with Texas roots, was eager to delve deeper into his own familial history and origins. The duo bonded over their shared passion for uncovering stories and heritage, eventually leading them to collaborate on a groundbreaking initiative.
The Birth of Kinkofa
Drawing inspiration from their shared mission, Ridge and Brunson embarked on a journey to collect narratives from Dallas locals and launch Kinkofa – a digital platform dedicated to assisting Black families in rediscovering, documenting, and preserving their stories. Recognizing the absence of tools tailored to the unique storytelling traditions of the Black community, the duo sought to create a space that honored the pride and dignity inherent in Black culture.
Empowering Ancestral Reconnection
Kinkofa provides users with a platform to contribute their photographs, legal documents, and narratives for archival purposes, fostering a collective repository of shared histories. By encouraging users to share additional information and engage with the content uploaded by others, Kinkofa aims to facilitate a holistic and enriching storytelling experience. The platform’s relative matching tool has already facilitated approximately 35,000 connections between individuals and their Tenth Street ancestors, underscoring its impact in fostering familial reconnections.
Preserving the Legacy of Tenth Street
As one of Dallas’ oldest Freedmen’s towns, the Tenth Street neighborhood stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of its inhabitants. While many families have dispersed over the years, the city of Dallas has designated this area as the sole African American historical district worthy of preservation. Ridge and Brunson saw this as an opportunity for current residents and descendants to shape the narrative surrounding the neighborhood’s heritage as the city undertakes efforts to conserve the Freedmen’s town.
Revitalizing a Cultural Hub
At a collaborative event hosted by Kinkofa and Remembering Black Dallas, Ridge and Brunson unveiled their vision for revitalizing the Tenth Street neighborhood and preserving its historical essence. Through the sharing of old memories and stories, attendees were transported back in time to relive the experiences of those who had either lived through significant moments or heard tales passed down through generations. Donald Payton, a respected Dallas historian, emphasized the significance of preserving Tenth Street as a community-driven hub that catered to the needs of its residents.
Building a Sustainable Future
Driven by a shared commitment to preserving Tenth Street’s legacy, Ridge and Brunson secured a grant from the Library of Congress to collaborate with like-minded organizations such as Remembering Black Dallas and the Five Mile Neighborhood Association. Their collective efforts aim to raise public awareness of the area’s historical significance and pave the way for the establishment of libraries, digital museums, and a cultural center that will serve as an educational hub for future generations. By centering oral history and community engagement at the core of their initiatives, Ridge and Brunson seek to lay the foundation for a sustainable and vibrant future for Tenth Street.
Embracing a Shared Heritage
As Kinkofa continues to expand its reach beyond Dallas, Ridge and Brunson envision a future where Black relatives across the country can connect, share, and preserve their heritage. The platform’s success in fostering familial reconnections underscores the transformative impact of reclaiming and celebrating one’s ancestral legacy. Through their shared journey of discovery and kinship, Ridge and Brunson have not only forged a deep bond as co-founders but have also unearthed a profound sense of shared identity and belonging.
A Lasting Impact
The revitalization of Tenth Street represents a unique opportunity for Dallas to honor its African American history and empower current residents and descendants to shape the narrative of their community. By embracing the stories, memories, and traditions that define Tenth Street, Ridge, Brunson, and their collaborators are paving the way for a revitalized cultural hub that celebrates the resilience and creativity of its inhabitants. As Tenth Street stands at the cusp of transformation, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for communities seeking to preserve their heritage and forge a brighter future.
In Conclusion
The journey of Meshia Rudd-Ridge and Jourdan Brunson stands as a testament to the power of ancestral reconnection and community-driven preservation. Through their efforts with Kinkofa, they have not only facilitated thousands of familial connections but have also ignited a movement dedicated to honoring and preserving the rich heritage of Tenth Street. As they continue to expand their reach and impact, Ridge and Brunson exemplify the transformative potential of storytelling, kinship, and resilience in reclaiming and celebrating the legacy of Black communities across the country.
