Trace Thy Roots Terms of Service Policy

Effective Date: 1/22/2026

Welcome to Trace Thy Roots. By accessing or using this website, submitting an application, purchasing publications, or participating in any Trace Thy Roots program, you agree to the following Terms of Service.

If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use this site or participate in Trace Thy Roots programs.

1. Purpose of the Platform

Trace Thy Roots is an archival research, publishing, and educational platform dedicated to preserving documented Indigenous Black American history through historical newspapers, public records, genealogical documentation, and published works.

This platform is not a social network, academic institution, or open-content repository. All participation is curated and guided by established standards.

2. Eligibility & Participation

Participation in Trace Thy Roots programs, including but not limited to the Community Historian Society and Root Keeper initiatives, is subject to review and approval.

Trace Thy Roots reserves the right to:

• Accept or decline applicants at its discretion
• Remove participants who do not adhere to program standards
• Modify eligibility requirements as the program evolves

3. Contributor Responsibilities

Participants agree to:

• Follow publisher direction after training
• Attend required meetings and collaborative sessions, including mandatory meetings held twice per month
• Complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
• Handle historical materials responsibly and accurately
• Use verified sources and maintain proper documentation

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Plagiarism
• Fabrication or alteration of historical records
• Misrepresentation of sources or lineage
• Misuse of platform materials or branding

Violation of these standards is grounds for immediate removal from the program.

4. Publishing & Intellectual Property

All works published through Trace Thy Roots are released under the Trace Thy Roots imprint.

Trace Thy Roots retains copyright ownership of all published works.

Contributors are credited as authors or compilers where applicable.

Contributors may purchase author copies at printing cost and resell independently through their own channels.

Contributors may not independently distribute, license, or reprint Trace Thy Roots publications without written permission.

Library of Congress registration and publication decisions are handled by Trace Thy Roots.

5. No Academic or Legal Claims

Trace Thy Roots does not present itself as a university, legal service, or certification authority. Content is provided for historical documentation, research, and educational purposes only.

Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice, genealogical certification, or guarantees of lineage outcomes.

6. Website Use & Content

You agree not to:

• Attempt to copy, scrape, or redistribute site content without permission
• Misrepresent Trace Thy Roots or its affiliates
• Use the site for unlawful, defamatory, or disruptive purposes

All website content, including text, graphics, publications, and branding, is the property of Trace Thy Roots unless otherwise stated.

7. Communications

By submitting a form or application, you consent to receive communications related to your inquiry, application status, or participation. Trace Thy Roots does not sell or trade personal information.

8. Modifications

Trace Thy Roots reserves the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of any changes.

9. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact:
legal@tracethyroots.com

Trace Thy Roots is committed to preserving documented Indigenous Black American history with accuracy, integrity, and respect.