Black Family Genealogy and History Society (BFGHS), a non-profit, 501 (c)3 entity, was established to encourage and promote interest in family history and genealogical research, particularly within the African American community. BFGHS is an educational society, which supports the use of ethical standards and scientific methods of conducting genealogical research.

According to oral history, in 1992 Annie Sue Briggs advertised for African Americans, who were interested in genealogy, to contact her. Ruth Franklin responded to Annie Sue’s advertisement. Around the same time, Ruthann met Mary Gant at the LDS Family History Center in Mesa. Larry Lee, who resided in Chandler, met Mary and Annie Sue there.

In 1994, seeing a need for an entity with bylaws and elected officers, Annie Sue Briggs, Mary Gant, and Ruthann Franklin formed the Black Family History Society. The inaugural meeting of the society took place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) Family History Center in Mesa, Arizona. It was not until February 17, 2001, that the society began operating as Black Family Genealogy and History Society. Ruthann Franklin then suggested that the society begin meeting at the former George Washington Carver High School in Phoenix, Arizona.

Over the twenty-eight-year history of BFGHS, the society has held its business meetings at George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 415 East Grant Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004; Keys Community Center, 2454 East Broadway, Phoenix, AZ 85040; Friendly House, 113 West Sherman Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003; South Mountain Community Library, 7050 South 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85042; Ocotillo Library, 102 West Southern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85041; and Harmon Public Library, 1325 South 5th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003. During, and following the Covid pandemic (2020 – 2022), BFGHS held business meetings, committee meetings, and special interest group events virtually, via the Zoom platform.