The Board for Certification of Genealogists Announces

Ms. Eunice Buffington as the 2026 Recipient of the

Paul E. Sluby Sr. African American Scholarship

Southaven, Mississippi — The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) is pleased to announce that Ms. Eunice Buffington, genealogist, family historian, speaker, and owner of The Family Tree Buff LLC, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Paul E. Sluby Sr. African American Scholarship. This prestigious award will enable Ms. Buffington to attend several leading national genealogical institutes throughout 2027, supporting her continued professional development and contributions to the field.

Ms. Buffington, a US Veteran, has worked professionally in genealogy and family history research for more than twelve years. She is the past president of the African American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), Memphis and Mid-South Chapter, where she led initiatives to expand genealogical education and community engagement.

Her expertise has been featured across numerous platforms as a guest speaker, and she has authored articles for genealogical publications in both Tennessee and Mississippi. She has presented widely on African American genealogy through lectures, workshops, and webinars, helping individuals and communities reconnect with their ancestral stories.

Ms. Buffington describes her mission as “to model rigorous, ethical scholarship in African American genealogy and to equip others with the tools to do the same.” Her research focuses on Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Virginia, and the Carolinas, reflecting her dedication to documenting and preserving African American family histories across the South.

The Paul E. Sluby Sr. African American Scholarship honors the legacy of a pioneering genealogist whose work opened pathways for African American researchers nationwide. Ms. Buffington’s selection recognizes her outstanding leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing the field.

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