The National Genealogical Society (NGS) has announced the inaugural cohort of participants in the newly established James Worris Moore Leadership Academy.

The Academy honors the legacy of James Worris Moore (1934–2007), a pioneering African American archivist whose career spanned forty-two years at the United States National Archives. In 1960, Moore's membership application to NGS sparked controversy when he and other African Americans were denied admission to what was then an all-white organization. NGS has since acknowledged and apologized for this wrong.

Despite barriers, Moore rose to senior leadership at the National Archives, where he tirelessly championed the preservation of, and public access to, genealogical records—particularly underutilized collections. In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions, he was inducted into the National Genealogy Hall of Fame in 2025.

The Academy was founded to carry forward Moore's vision and values. Its mission is to:

• Develop future leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience to guide the genealogical community forward.
• Enhance diversity and inclusion by opening doors for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Encourage practical engagement through capstone projects, committee service, and professional presentations.
• Build strong professional networks linking emerging leaders with established genealogists and NGS committees.

NGS congratulates and welcomes the following eight people who recently started their cohort journey.

Dr. kYmberly Keeton (Texas) Director and chief library curator of the Art Library Gallery, Keeton holds a doctorate in information science and interdisciplinary studies. She has served as faculty librarian and African American community archivist and organized Growing Your Roots, Austin’s first African American genealogy conference. Founder of ART | Library Deco and the Black COVID-19 Index, she blends genealogy, storytelling, and digital innovation as a form of scholarship and activism.

Denise Miller (Michigan) A Black, queer leader with a strong background in nonprofit leadership and genealogy education, Miller serves as director of education at the Institute of Public Scholarship. She has created programs and curricula focused on genealogy, co-founded two nonprofits, and designed intergenerational forums for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Her work fosters collaboration and historical reclamation through inclusive genealogical education.

Oyuga George Nyaure (Nyanza, Kenya)
Nyaure is a genealogist and community leader who digitized and preserved key historical records in Kenya, making them publicly accessible. As a facility administrator for a Kenyan orphanage, he improved workflow and morale while training volunteers in archival methods and community engagement. His work has empowered families and researchers alike and left a lasting impact on local genealogical access and education.

Kassidy Price (Utah) An active member of NGS, Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), Utah Genealogical Association (UGA), and International Society of Genetic Genealogy, Price serves on the UGA Board of Directors where she has driven growth in social media engagement. With a background in leadership and management, she has led genealogical initiatives in her church congregation and focuses on accessible, community-based genealogy. Her thoughtful approach to organizational change continues to strengthen genealogical outreach and education.

Luís Rívera (New York) Rívera is a member of the Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía, NGS, and APG. His genealogical journey began with tracing his Puerto Rican roots and expanded into pro bono research tracing Jewish ancestry across Eastern Europe. A Posse Scholar, he spent nine years as a foreign language educator, serving as Spanish department curriculum leader and DEIJB committee co-chair. He is committed to using genealogy as a tool for cultural identity and justice.

Dayna Terrell (Ohio) A passionate genealogist and experienced leader, Terrell has served in key roles with NGS, Mahoning County Genealogical Society, and the Ohio Genealogical Society. She has organized four large family reunions incorporating deep genealogical research. Her work exploring schools, neighborhoods, and cemeteries fosters stronger family connections. Skilled in overcoming research challenges with DNA testing, she is eager to expand her own history and support others.

Alexander Trapps-Chabala (Louisiana) Founder and director of KinConnector, Trapps-Chabala is advancing African American and Afro-Indigenous genealogies through public research and education. He is the lead genealogist for the Sold Down River project at Norfolk State University and has served as an archivist at the African American Museum and Library at Oakland. He has presented nationally via PBS and KQED and is committed to descendant-centered research and equitable access to genealogical resources in the Gulf South.

Terri Ward (Florida) An accomplished genealogist and cultural historian, Ward specializes in African American genealogy and Coastal Georgia history. She has presented for the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Georgia Genealogical Society (GGS), and Coastal Georgia Historical Society. As director of publicity for GGS, she has significantly increased membership and engagement. Through her business, The Front Porch Genealogist, she launched creative initiatives like 'Harmonizing the Heritage' and 'Journaling the JAMZ,' blending music and genealogy. She is a recipient of Midwest African American Genealogy Institute and Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research Frazine K. Taylor scholarships.