INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC

Interactive: Mozingo's family line

All Mozingos in America are thought to descend from a free black man, Edward Mozingo, living in Virginia in the 1600s.

Los Angeles Times Staff

Source: Times reporting.
Graphics reporting by Joe Mozingo
Graphics by Lorena I. Elebee
Interactivity by Itzu Chen, Los Angeles Times

Comments (5)

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California Girl at 6:29 AM May 18, 2010

Interesting on many levels, not just for those climbing the family tree. Well written and I hope it becomes a book.

condondeb at 3:56 PM May 17, 2010

Excellent series, we have such a short history in this country, even looking back to 1640 there is a span of 360 years. Your series made me realize in life, we come and we go, only our families remain to carry on our name, if that. The slide show you composed reflected the constant change of landscape, what was once a field is a fully mature forest, the creek you crossed provided a source of water to nurture not only the land but the people living near it. The gravestones forever silent in the forest once stood on bare land and visited often by love ones until generations passed away and they lie forgotten. Who you are and where you come from is a component that is the glue that ties us to those we call family. Truly your search was fruitful, you are a witness to how famalies expand and resettle, while some stay in the same location for generations, the impact of Edward Mozingo on our culture, and your family is truly significant. 360 years from now I would like to read on how your life spread, influenced other family members, we are not alone on this planet, we occupy it for a short while and must make the very best of it.

anonymous.626.1966 at 11:19 AM May 17, 2010

I wonder why, in the final analysis, everyone at the end of these lineages is not considered mixed-race. Clearly, everyone agrees that Edward Mozingo, a brave black man, is their ancestor. Is his DNA, blood, etc so diluted that they are willing to acknowledge him as someone that existed in their distant past but not worthy enough to be acknowledged in their race identification. If I were fortunate enough to have a drop of this man's DNA floating in my veins I would claim him every chance that I had. During a time where every experience in society told him that he was "less than" he was able to muster the courage and fight for the rights that were afforded him - not know the cost were he to loose. Certainly that speaks to the content of this man's character. I can only wonder what "white" influence came into play in the following generation...that there is not a clear link says something about the relationship that existed (between Margaret and her white partner) and the shame that surely ensued. Still – for the current generation, to knowingly ignore this man’s contribution to their existence is tragic.

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