Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Dr. Antoinette Harrell is an American genealogist, historian, and civil rights activist renowned for her research on African-American family history and the persistence of peonage—a form of debt servitude—in the Southern United States during the 20th century. She has been referred to as the “Slavery Detective of the South” by VICE, and her documentary garnered an audience of 3.4 million viewers.

Her work involves uncovering suppressed and painful narratives of modern-era involuntary servitude through rigorous archival research, oral histories, and public education initiatives. Recognized for her contributions, she was named Honorary Attorney General in Louisiana (2003) for her genealogical documentation and was awarded the Living Legacy Award by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History for her documentary production.

Her research is preserved in repositories such as the Amistad Research Center and Southeastern Louisiana University, safeguarding oral histories, documents, and photographs for scholarly use. Additionally, she established six African American collections at Southeastern University

The 2022 film Alice, which features Keke Palmer in the lead role, draws partial inspiration from the true story of Mae Louise Walls Miller, a narrative that was brought to national attention by the work of historian and genealogist Dr. Harrell, who highlighted this significant story within the context of America’s history.

Harrell’s work has been prominently showcased in widely recognized platforms such as People Magazine and ABC Nightline News, in addition to receiving coverage across a diverse range of local, national, and international media outlets. This extensive exposure has solidified Harrell’s reputation as a notable figure in her field, enhancing credibility and reach.