From the Birmingham Public Library:

“Birmingham Bound: Writers and Writing from the Birmingham Public Library Archives Presents Rachel Swarns

New York Times correspondent Rachel Swarns will discuss her book American Tapestry. This family saga is a remarkable, quintessentially American story—a journey from slavery to the White House in five generations. Yet, until now, little has been reported on the First Lady’s roots. Using the collections of the Birmingham Public Library Archives and many other sources, American Tapestry traces the complex and fascinating tale of Michelle Obama’s ancestors, a history that the First Lady did not even know herself.  Books will be available for purchase and signing. ”

American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama was released June 19 by Amistad. 

Interested in researching your roots? Swarns’ website has links to helpful resources such as the National Archives, Family Search and DNA testing.