By: Charlie Dalton
In recent years, drone technology has found its way into almost every industry, from agriculture to entertainment. However, one of its powerful and under-discussed applications is its role in preserving African American history. One standout example is the Our Genetic Legacy initiative, a San Diego-based nonprofit that uses drones to uncover and document neglected African American cemeteries across the United States. This project not only preserves forgotten history but also equips a new generation of BIPOC women with skills in drone technology, providing them with both educational opportunities and pathways into high-tech careers.
The Power of Drone Technology in Historic Preservation
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Cemeteries, especially those in African American communities, are often poorly documented and at risk of being forgotten. Many of these cemeteries are in disrepair or lost to time, their gravestones worn away by weather or overtaken by nature. Without proper documentation, the names and stories of those buried in these locations may disappear forever.
This is where Our Genetic Legacy comes in. The nonprofit has been working to reverse this trend by leveraging drone technology to map, record, and preserve these sacred spaces. The organization’s project, called the DRONe Project (Descendants Recovering our Names), aims to recover the identities of those buried in these sites. Drones equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology scan the area from above, creating detailed 3D maps of the terrain. This technology can detect anomalies below the surface, helping archaeologists and historians locate unmarked graves or gravestones that are no longer visible.
Drones have typically been used in recreational, military and commercial applications. Word of Our Genetic Legacy’s pioneering use of drones to uncover and preserve African American history has spread amongst the drone industry. Its advocacy on behalf of BIPOC women has been an inspiration to many in the drone community, including Richard Botts, founder of Premergy.
Botts, a prolific inventor of Native American heritage, holds more than 20 patents in battery recharging technology, which has been third-party tested to charge multi chemistry batteries up to 3 times faster than conventional methods, while preventing overheating during charging. Premergy’s rapid battery charging technology was successfully demonstrated through extensive track testing of a custom-built replica Ford GT race car. Earlier this year, seeing an opportunity to become a big player in a smaller niche market, Premergy shifted its focus from automotive (EV) applications to drones using advanced technology, including LiDAR.
The use of drones is especially crucial in areas where graves have been overtaken by vegetation or where the ground is too unstable for ground surveys. By flying drones over these cemeteries, Our Genetic Legacy can record precise locations and generate data that will help preserve the memory of these African American ancestors before further erosion or neglect erases their history.
Empowering a New Generation
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What makes Our Genetic Legacy particularly unique is that it goes beyond historic preservation—it also focuses on empowering young people, particularly BIPOC women, to become skilled in drone technology. The organization offers paid workforce development programs, training young women in digital historic preservation and drone operation. Through these programs, participants not only gain practical skills in a fast-growing industry but also a deep understanding of the importance of cultural preservation.
In a sector where representation matters, Our Genetic Legacy is playing a vital role in diversifying the drone industry. By training the next generation of drone pilots and historians, they are ensuring that the narratives and histories of marginalized communities are documented by those who are premier positioned to understand their significance.
The Future of Drones in Historic Preservation
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As drone technology continues to evolve, its potential for historic preservation will only grow. With advancements in LiDAR, aerial mapping, and photogrammetry, drones offer an unparalleled ability to document sites that are difficult to reach or in danger of being lost to time. Adding Premergy’s patented multi cell rapid battery charging technology will allow these sophisticated drones to remain airborne, and collect data, for longer periods. Our Genetic Legacy’s work serves as a model for how drones can be used to bridge the gap between technology and cultural heritage, providing a much-needed service to communities across the country.
In the future, we can expect to see even more projects like this one as awareness grows around the importance of preserving African American history. With each flight, drones are helping to piece together the lost narratives of Black Americans, ensuring that their stories are remembered and honored for generations to come.
Published by: Holy Minoza
