Publications, Blog Posts and News

We work hard to share our work and to get our efforts noticed by the media. We believe that a well informed community is an empowered one as well, so take a look at our blog posts, journal articles and news coverage. Help spread the word about the importance of preserving and protecting African descendant burial grounds!

Our Publications

Learn about the archaeology and maternal ancestry of the Ancestors

Fleskes RE, Ofunniyin AA, Gilmore JK, et al. Ancestry, health, and lived experiences of enslaved Africans in 18th century Charleston: An osteobiographical analysis. Am J Phys Anthropol. 2021; 175: 3–24.

Screen Shot 2023-01-20 at 9.28.11 PM.png

Learn about the Ancestry of the Ancestors

Fleskes, R.E., Cabana, G.S., Gilmore, J.K. et al. Community-engaged ancient DNA project reveals diverse origins of 18th-century African descendants in Charleston, South Carolina, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2023. 120 (3) e2201620120.

Screenshot 2024-05-09 at 10.33.14 AM.png

Learn about the community engagement process

Gilmore JK, Ofunniyin AA, Oubré LO, Fleskes RE, Schurr TG. “The Dead Have Been Awakened in the Service of the Living”: Activist Community-Engaged Archaeology in Charleston, South Carolina. American Antiquity. 2024;89(2):165-184.

Learn about the Ancestors oral microbiome

Fleskes, R.E., Johnson, S.J., Honap, T.P. et al. Oral microbial diversity in 18th century African individuals from South Carolina. Commun Biol 7, 1213 (2024).

Learn how we made the DNA science accessible for community members

Fleskes RE, Gilmore JK, Oubré LS, Ofunniyin AA, Cabana GS, Schurr TG. Immersive Videography of Ancient DNA Extraction for Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives by the Anson Street African Burial Ground Project. Am J Biol Anthropol. 2025 Jan;186(1)