An African American Narrative:
George Edward Freeney Jr. was born George Jones, in Amarillo, Texas in 1968. He studied Computer Science Engineering at the University of Arkansas and Criminal Justice and Corrections at the Community College of the Air Force.
After his military service, George pursued a successful career as a Creative Technologist, working at companies like Comcast Technology Solutions, Amazon, and RealNetworks, Inc. He was a pioneering African American Creative Technologist that spent over 20 years specializing in program management and solution architecture working in content streaming, software development, and e-commerce hi-tech industries.
George retired in 2013 to pursue his childhood passion, and studied Digital Image Management at The Art Institute, San Antonio, Texas. He established notions Gallery, where he combines photography with AI and augmented reality technologies to tell stories of African American communities in the southern United States. George’s innovative approaches are intended to inspire the next generation of storytellers, and he actively teaches African American children the art of photography. He is also developing the STEAM :insights program to educate African American youth about creative technologies.
In 2021, George started the Black Book :projects, various efforts to repair African American genealogies due to the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. The project uses crowdsourced DNA test results from direct-to-consumer kits to repair and reconstruct African American family histories. These results serve as resources for genetic genealogy research that not only changes how Black people see themselves, but how they are seen by others.
Biological Name: George Edward FREENEY Jr.
Birth Name: George Edward _____
Given Name: George Edward Jones
Gender: Male
Life Event Timeline:
1968: Birth Amarillo, Potter County, Texas, USA
George Edward Freeney Jr. was born on May 3, 1968. His mother, Dorothy Ann Miner, was a 19-year-old single mother at the time. Dorothy was the daughter of Willie Miner Sr. and Lore Samuel, who were sharecroppers from Shreveport, Louisiana. Upon discovering her pregnancy with George, Dorothy made the decision to leave Shreveport and move to Amarillo, Texas, where their half-sisters resided. She convinced her mother and younger siblings to join her in this relocation.
When George was born, his name appeared on his Texas Birth Certificate as George Edward _____ Hollis Jones Jr. This was because Hollis Jones, later married to George’s mother, filled in his last name in the “Father” entry on George Edward Freeney Jr.’s Birth Certificate. However, Hollis never formally adopted George, and as a result, George grew up believing that he was George Edward Jones, completely unaware of his biological father.
1986: NCAA Track and Field Athlete
George Edward Freeney Jr. began his track career in 1979, and in 1986, he earned a full Track and Field scholarship to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA. He specialized in the 110m High Hurdles and 400m Hurdles events for the NCAA Championship Arkansas Razorback Track and Field team. During his time at the University, George studied Computer Science Engineering.
To this day, in 2023, George still holds the 110 High Hurdle record at Tascosa High School in Amarillo, Texas. He achieved this remarkable record by running an impressive time of 13.67 seconds in 1986. Additionally, George held the 300 Intermediate Hurdle record at his high school until it was narrowly broken by a margin of 0.001 of a second in 2016. Despite his exceptional athletic achievements, George is still awaiting an invitation to be inducted into his High School’s Hall of Fame, a recognition he rightfully deserves.
1990: Military Service Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, USA
George Edward FREENEY served 6 years in the Air Force.
In 1990, George enlisted in the United States Air Force and embarked on a distinguished military career. Serving as a K9 military handler, he spent six years fulfilling critical roles during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. George and his partner canine worked together, taking on specialized law enforcement and mission deployment duties. Following comprehensive training in areas such as Law Enforcement, Patrol Dog, and Explosive Dog handling, George was stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for over a year. There, he patrolled the famous “Bone Yard” alongside his trusty canine partner, collaborating closely with the Border Patrol and other civilian agencies to ensure border security.
George’s exceptional skills and dedication led to his deployment to Okinawa, Japan, where he served on various missions. Notably, he provided Bomb Dog support for General Colin Powell and other visiting dignitaries, showcasing his commitment to service and excellence. Throughout his military service, George’s exceptional performance earned him multiple military decorations and early promotions as a testament to his outstanding contributions.
In addition to his military accomplishments, George pursued further education and received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force. His exceptional performance as a Law Enforcement K-9 Handler garnered consistent recognition for his unwavering dedication and expertise in the field.
1996: Honorable discharged as disabled Veteran from Air Force.
Today, George is a Disabled Veteran.
Despite facing back and neck injuries sustained during duty, George’s commitment to serving with honor and distinction remained unwavering. Eventually, he received an honorable discharge as a disabled veteran. The invaluable experiences and principles instilled during his time in the Air Force, such as discipline, teamwork, and dedication to excellence, continue to shape George’s work and personal life to this day.
In addition to his military accomplishments, George pursued further education and received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force. His exceptional performance as a Law Enforcement K-9 Handler garnered consistent recognition for his unwavering dedication and expertise in the field.
2004: Mother passes at young age, Austin, Travis County, Texas, USA
George Edward FREENEY Jr’s mother passes away suddenly.
2006: Biological Father 2006 Amarillo, Potter County, Texas, USA
In a significant revelation that came late in George Edward Freeney Jr.’s life, he learned about his biological father. His mother, Dorothy Ann Miner, had kept the identity of his biological father a secret. Unfortunately, Dorothy passed away before she could reveal the truth to George. It wasn’t until his grandmother fell ill that George, at the age of 38, discovered the truth from his Aunt Leola Wright Bennett. She informed him that Hollis Jones Jr. was not his biological father.
Following this revelation, Aunt Bessie Miner, George’s relative, confirmed that his biological father was George Edward Freeney Sr. This revelation brought George a newfound understanding of his family history and his true paternal lineage.
2007: Dr. Phil Show – San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, USA
Motivated by the information he discovered, George Edward Freeney Jr. decided to reach out to the producers of the Dr. Phil Show. In 2008, he appeared on the show in hopes of finding his father.
2009: Phone call with biological father
The search for his father led to a significant development. His half-brother, George Edward Freeney II, called him to introduce him to their father. Interestingly, it is worth noting that within their family, the practice of naming sons across generations has resulted in three individuals named George Edward Freeney.
2010: Seattle, Washington, USA,
George Edward FREENEY Jr’s self-help Mental Health
2015: French Work Visa
France photography work
2019: DNA Tested
Susan Pirtle encouraged to take a DNA test. Through this genetic testing, George made a significant discovery about his paternal haplogroup. He found out that his paternal haplogroup is E-Z6018, which is relatively uncommon. In fact, among 23andMe customers, only 1 in 5,600 individuals shares this specific haplogroup.
The assignment of E-Z6018 connects George with other men who are paternal-line descendants of a common ancestor of E-Z6018. This includes individuals who have also undergone genetic testing through 23andMe. This genetic connection provides George with an opportunity to connect and potentially trace his paternal lineage through shared ancestry with others who share the same haplogroup.
2021: Started the Black Book :projects
The primary goal of the Black Book: project is to raise awareness about the historical systemic obstacles encountered by African Americans in the United States by uncovering their genealogical roots shaped by slavery. The project invites individuals to contribute their DNA test results, which are used to build a comprehensive database of genetic information. This database facilitates connections with potential relatives and provides valuable ancestral knowledge.
In addition, the project places significant emphasis on the preservation and sharing of personal stories, photographs, and historical documents related to African American families. By gathering and curating these materials, the Black Book: projects aims to create a diverse and extensive archive that celebrates the resilience, strength, and contributions of African American communities throughout history.
The Black Book: projects advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in genealogy research. It strives to challenge and correct the underrepresentation of African American stories and experiences in mainstream genealogical narratives. Through initiatives such as photography exhibitions, books, and educational programs, the project raises public awareness and promotes a deeper understanding of African American history and heritage.
The Black Book: projects represent a collaborative endeavor to empower African Americans in reclaiming their genealogical identities, fostering connections within the community, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of African American families. Its purpose is not only to change the way Black people perceive themselves but also to transform how they are perceived by others.
George’s Paternal Genetic Genealogy:
Scott DEVEREAUX and Tabby Devereaux _____, were enslaved and owned by John William DEVEREUX and his son Julien Sidney DEVEREUX. FREENEYs are genetic descendants of slaves Scott and Tabby DEVEREAUX because of their son, Daniel DEVEREAUX who was born into slavery on September 10, 1825, in Montezuma, Covington County, Alabama, USA.
Daniel DEVEREAUX had seven sons and four daughters with a slave named Katy BRADLEY before he passed away at the Monte Verdi Plantation in Rusk County, Texas on November 19, 1856, just before the birth of his son Daniel DEVEREAUX Jr. After Daniel’s death, his widow Katy Devereaux BRADLEY was allowed to join in Civil Union with Martin FREENY, who inferred and raised Daniel’s children.
It is important to note that Daniel is the biological father of “Little” Tabby DEVEREAUX, Tom FREENEY, Jane FREENEY, Elmina Henry FREENEY, Arthur “Art” FREENEY, Aaron FREENEY, Lucy Ann Williams FREENEY, Rolly2 FREENEY, Robert “Bob” DEVEREAUX Sr, George Elbert FREENY Sr, Daniel DEVEREAUX Jr. they were given the surname FREENEY spelled with an “E” and (3) took the name of their father, DEVEREAUX.
Martin FREENY is their biological Uncle because Daniel’s bother Henry was in a civil union with Martin’s sister Maria Henry FREENY. FREENEY and HENRY descendants are biological DEVEREAUX.
Daniel DEVEREAUX is George Edward FREENEY Jr’s 3rd Great-grandfather, they share the same Paternal Haplogroup E-Z6018.
Great-Grandfather: Robert FREENEY Sr, born 12 DEC 1894 and died 27 MAY 1968
Grandfather: Jim FREENEY, born 06 OCT 1913 and died 20 JAN 1993
Father: George Edward FREENEY Sr, born 14 Dec 1945 and died 17 Aug 2021.
Mother: MINER, Dorothy Ann Jones 4 Sep 1947 24 Mar 2004
Inferred Father: JONES, Hollis Jr. 1 Sep 1940 2 Nov 2021
Stepmother: PIPER, Dorothy Jean about 1949
Half-sister: FREENEY, Cherelyn Denell 14 Nov 1965
Half-sister: FREENEY, Kay Henderson 1967
Half-sister: FREENEY, Terelyn Danyal 7 Nov 1969
Half-brother: FREENEY, George Edward II 2 Nov 1973
Half-sister: FREENEY, Gayrelyn 18 Jun 1975
Half-brother: JONES, Brian Todd 29 Sep 1971
Half-sister: JONES, Traci Lynn 29 Jun 1975
