Meet Genealogist, T'Malkia Zuri
T’Malkia Zuri, legally born Tonya Reed, is the visionary founder of the Randolph County Historical Black Society, a for-profit organization established in 2023. The society was created to address the significant gap in historical records and information regarding the Negro, so-called Black, and Copper Colored individuals who once resided in Randolph County, Missouri, and the surrounding areas. Through her website, Randolph County Historical Black Society, Ms. Zuri offers a wealth of historical resources, including a meticulously curated database of thousands of names and records, all verified by her and her dedicated team.
In addition to this project, T’Malkia is also the developer of an online historical newspaper archive, Randolph County Black Newspapers, which is specifically focused on newspaper clippings about Copper Colored people from the 19th and 20th centuries. This unique resource is a testament to her dedication to preserving and sharing the rich history of these communities.
As the Executive Director of the Randolph County Historical Black Society, Ms. Zuri offers ongoing technical assistance, training, and support to her Team Members, particularly in the areas of research, data collection, resource development, and project management.
Personal Journey and Genealogy Work
T’Malkia began her family’s genealogical journey approximately 15 years ago alongside her mother, Beverly. Together, they sought to uncover the histories of their ancestors—the Washingtons, Tomlins, and Alexanders—who lived in Randolph County. Their research journey was not without its challenges, as they encountered numerous barriers, including the devastating loss of records due to a courthouse fire. Determined to overcome these obstacles, T’Malkia utilized her skills as a web developer and online business coach to uncover as much information as possible, an endeavor she continues even after her mother’s passing in 2022. Inspired by her mother’s legacy, she pursued formal education in genealogy, earning a Certificate with Honors from IAP Career College in 2024.
Business and Community Leadership
T’Malkia Zuri is also a successful entrepreneur, serving as the Founder and CEO of Griot Publishing House and Griot International LLC. These ventures include “The Write Cipher,” an organization dedicated to helping aspiring writers share their work with the world. Additionally, she founded GriotSites.com, a web hosting and design company specializing in custom website designs and domain maintenance.
Author and Educator
Ms. Zuri is also an accomplished author, having written four books: Sister2Sister: A Treasured Gift/Repairing the GAP in Sisterhood, It’s Mourning Time: Fasting the Spirit Man, He, She & Them: Restoring the Original Family, and Divorcing Jesus: A Love Story. She continues to inspire with her upcoming release, There’s Static in Your Connection, set to launch soon.
Family and Legacy
T’Malkia Zuri is the proud mother of three children, ages 27, 31, and 35, and the grandmother of two granddaughters, ages 6 and 12. Her dedication to family, history, and empowerment extends across every facet of her life, and she remains committed to uplifting others through her work, both online and in her community.
