The Founding of Sema Hadithi

In August 2020, Robert S. Burch, Jr. founded the Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation, a destination of cultural preservation and historical storytelling in Utah. The foundation's mission, deeply rooted in its name—Sema Hadithi, Swahili for "tell the story"—is to meticulously research, preserve, and share the rich history, heritage, and culture of African-ancestored people in the state. The journey to Sema Hadithi's creation is a story of discovery, perseverance, and a commitment to unearthing the truth.

Robert's initial entry into this field began in 2014 as a church assignment, where he helped both Black and White families trace their family roots. What started as a simple task soon evolved into a passion, as he encountered numerous untold stories of Black families with roots in Utah dating back as far as 1847. This newfound knowledge contradicted the prevailing belief that Utah had no significant Black history. Initially focused on family histories, Robert's work naturally expanded into the broader tapestry of Utah's state and territorial history.

Robert and his wife, Alice Faulkner Burch, consistently found themselves amidst a sea of community ignorance regarding the substantial contributions of Black individuals and families to Utah's history. Alice often urged Robert to shine a brighter light on these overlooked narratives. They realized these stories were not just peripheral anecdotes but integral chapters of Utah's historical narrative that deserved acknowledgment and celebration.

The couple's dedication led to numerous speaking engagements, lectures, and conferences. However, as they delved deeper, they recognized the need for a more structured approach to their work. The interdisciplinary nature of their research, which bridged genealogy and broader historical contexts, called for an organization dedicated solely to this purpose. Thus, in August 2020, the Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation was formed.

The back and forth on creating a new organization was primarily a challenge for Robert. At the time, he was the Utah chapter president and a national board member of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, a nationwide organization with over 3000 members. The idea of diluting his effort within an established organization that had operated for over 45 years took much reflection. However, it had become nearly impossible to ignore the dire need to develop an organization that could commit itself to discovering, preserving, and sharing the history of the Black community in Utah.

Establishing the foundation required planning and collaboration. With the invaluable assistance of Barnard Silver, the organization's articles of incorporation, bylaws, and executive board were formalized. The initial executive board included the first to agree to join, Alana Blumenthal, director of Brigham City Museums, followed by Kirk Huffaker, principal of Kirk Huffaker Preservation Strategies and former director of Preservation Utah, and Alice Faulkner Burch along with Barnard. The advisory board, composed of Doug Misner, Elizabeth Hora, and several other committed individuals, brought together a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Sema Hadithi's formal establishment as a 501(c)(3) organization on February 19, 2021, marked a significant milestone. This recognition validated their efforts and opened new fundraising and community engagement avenues. With a charitable solicitation permit, the foundation positioned itself to foster deeper connections with the community and expand its reach.

The foundation's impact was immediate and profound. Media outlets such as KUTV highlighted its role in helping African American families discover their heritage in Utah. At the same time, the Salt Lake Tribune reported on efforts to preserve Black historical artifacts. Noteworthy projects included educational initiatives on the history of lynching in Utah and the Black Veterans of Utah Exhibit Opening Reception, which provided a platform for sharing the stories of Black veterans.

Through partnerships with institutions like the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs and the Hinckley Institute of Politics, Sema Hadithi continues to educate and engage the community. Projects like the Buffalo Soldier Heritage Trail and events exploring the legacy of Black soldiers underscore the foundation's commitment to bringing overlooked histories to light.

The creation of Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture Foundation is a story of one couple's mission and a collective journey of a community reclaiming its narrative. It stands as a testament to the power of historical truth and the importance of preserving and sharing the rich, diverse heritage of African-ancestored people in Utah. Through its work, Sema Hadithi invites everyone to join in this journey of discovery, understanding, and unity.