Radiolab Family People
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May 19, 2023 
In this intriguing discussion, genealogist Nicka Sewell-Smith assists editor Alex Neason in unearthing her family history after discovering her grandfather's name was not what she thought. They explore the compelling significance of names and what they reveal about personal identity. Alex navigates through cemeteries and archives, digging into the mysteries of her lineage, including the challenges faced by African-American families in documenting their heritage. Emotions run high as they uncover powerful stories connecting past to present.
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Unexpected Name
- Alex Neeson discovered her grandfather's father was Wilson Howard, not a Neeson, on his funeral program.
- This sparked a search for her name's origins, as no one in her family knew where the name Neeson came from.
Name's Origin Unimportant to Family
- Alex's family wasn't concerned about the name's origin, accepting "Neeson" as a variation of an Irish name.
- She acknowledges that tracing Black family history through names often leads to imposed names, making some hesitant to explore.
Clarence Neeson Sr., Sr.
- Genealogist Nika Sewell-Smith found a "J.R." next to Alex's grandfather's name, suggesting a possible earlier Clarence Neeson.
- They located a Clarence Neeson in Texas records from 1942, matching the time and place, who was convicted of robbery.