TOPEKA — The Kansas African American Affairs commission is promoting “A New Black Friday,” a project first launched last year to encourage African-American families to share their family histories the day or weekend after Thanksgiving.

“African-Americans have made important contributions to Kansas history,” said Dr. Mildred Edwards. “Gathering these family histories will help us appreciate and better understand that rich heritage.”

Families are encouraged to speak with grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, or any other elders about their memories by selecting questions from the KAAAC brochure. After conducting the interview, participants are asked to write a short essay of 500 to 700 words and submit it to the Kansas African American Affairs Commission on or before Jan. 1.

For more information on this program, visit www.kaaac.ks.gov.