SIFTer Stephanie Renée has found an unexpected film project through discoveries she’s uncovered via participation in AncestryDNA, the American genealogy company. She’s fundraising to complete a series of videos on the subject of finding out who you really are… For the black race, genealogy can be a form of social justice!
POST UPDATE 5/11/2025
Stephanie Renée @vibemistress went on the road with her DNA JOURNEY @thednajourney a project funded by the LeeWay Foundation . She posted videos leading up to leaving Philly, while in rural VA, and now on her way back – Check them out! https://www.instagram.com/thednajourney/
POST UPDATE 3/11/2025
I am now 4 episodes in with my series, The DNA Journey: Piecing It Together. I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel and check out the work. Each episode is added to a playlist as it is released.
On Mother’s Day weekend (Saturday May 10, 2025), I will be traveling to my maternal side homestead—Nelson County, Virginia—to share some excerpts from my series and other highlights from my research, as a guest of the Nelson County Historical Society. It will also be the first time that I will see some of my cousins in person.
Original Post 9/24/24
Stephanie Renée: Some of you might remember my previous campaign to raise funds for a work sample and pre-production for this video series, sharing my personal journey in uncovering a huge family secret and learning my truth. The first campaign was moderately successful in soliciting some resources, but the larger grantmakers can’t seem to envision this project on a larger scale with words on paper.
I’m back to provide a bit more “proof of concept,” while seeking funding to assist in some of the more challenging aspects for me to execute on my own. I’d love to offer a small stipend to additional production staff who can help me give this project the professional look it deserves.
- A few folks to help shoot footage and collect sound, especially on location
- Someone to design an official logo and graphic style
I’ve been blessed to work on other contracts that have given me funds to acquire most of the tech that this project requires. New camera, wireless mics, a tripod, and an editing computer. Big ticket items that I’ve paid for out of pocket because I’m not afraid to invest in myself. I am hoping that more of you will see the value in this project as well, and give to help it come to fruition.
Consider me “Finding Your Roots” for regular people.
An example of DIY blood, sweat, and tears genealogy.
I want to share my story while showing you how it gets done without major endorsements, underwriting, and paid professionals. Independent, authentic, complex, and beautiful. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
