About Us
Our Expert Griots
USA Griot, LLC is a genealogy company that specializes in Black American family history in all regions and all time periods, including mixture with Native American and European American. The company researches slavery to the present, slave ancestors, free persons of color before the end of slavery, the Middle Passage, and African heritage.
Also, we have researchers who focus on White American and Native American genealogy as the need arises. Our office is located near the Family History Center with access to billions of records worldwide. Also, our researchers have doctorate, genealogy certification, years of experience, and other credentials and accomplishments that prove their expertise in the field. USA Griot, LLC belongs to the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Better Business Bureau.
Our mission is to provide Black Americans with an honest portrayal of their families' histories as one of the tragedies of our past was that our humanity and (by default) our heritage were often stolen in many ways...Therefore, our team of experts is here to help you in your quest to uncover your family's proud legacy!
Head Griot
Burlay Toukam, BA (Afroamerican & African Studies) is a professional genealogist who traced over seven generations of his own African American family in 2001-2003 at 21-23 years old. This research included slavery to the present, slavery, the Middle Passage, and the specific African tribe and country of ancestry. He completed genealogy coursework at the University of Michigan under Dr. Kevin Gaines (the Director of University of Michigan's Center for Afroamerican & African Studies).
For professional development, Mr. Toukam currently is in the process of completing the Family History Certificate at Brigham Young University and getting certified through the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
He has been a member of the North Carolina Genealogical Society, Broad River Genealogical Society, and the Association of Professional Genealogists. He copyrighted a paper on African American genealogy that is on file at the Library of Congress. The Manchester Enterprise, Chelsea Standard, and Saline Reporter newspapers profiled Burlay in an article entitled "In Search of...Resident Explores African-American Origins". 103.7 The Beat radio station interviewed Mr. Toukam. And ...
This researcher is conversant in all Black American genealogical methods, regions, and historical eras. Mr. Toukam is fluent in Spanish and studied in and/or traveled to Dominican Republic, Mexico, Spain, England, India, and Canada.
To contact Burlay Toukam, e-mail: <Burlay@usagriot.com>.
Manager/Human Resources
Nana Osei brings a wealth of diverse management and entrepreneurial experience to her role as Manager/Human Resources for USA Griot, LLC.
Ms. Osei is the founder of WomenPR, a boutique marketing, press release, and consulting firm specializing in product promotion to women's media. Prior to that, Ms. Osei founded several entrepreneurial ventures that honed her management, branding, and product development skills.
Ms. Osei worked in marketing and promotions for over six years and helped promote and improve the profitability of some of America's most well-known consumer brands.
Ms. Osei was born in Ghana, West Africa and holds a degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Michigan.
To contact Nana Osei, e-mail: <human_resources@usagriot.com>.
