RECLAIMING OUR ROOTS — A NEW DAY FOR THE TATUM FAMILY. A story of hope, healing, heritage, and Holy Ghost courage.

RECLAIMING OUR ROOTS — A NEW DAY FOR THE TATUM FAMILY. A story of hope, healing, heritage, and Holy Ghost courage. Link: https://youtu.be/T7PeAaZkkwI

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - For almost sixty years, Pastor Kyev Tatum carried a quiet truth in his heart: he did not know who his biological father was. The absence was real, the questions were heavy, and the journey was long. Yet instead of allowing that missing piece to break him, he chose to let God build him. He refused to let fatherlessness define his future or limit his destiny.

Born in Fort Worth and conceived in Tyler, Texas, Pastor Tatum grew up with resilience, faith, and an unstoppable drive to become the man his grandchildren could be proud of. And now, after six decades, God has opened a door for him to discover the chapter of his story he never thought he’d see — his ancestral roots.

This breakthrough came through an unexpected blessing: Ms. Debra Christian of Tyler, Texas. She introduced Pastor Tatum to Patti Huff Williams, a national leader in Genealogy Research and DNA Analysis, a celebrated educator, and a respected member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Patti’s passion, expertise, and deep commitment to uncovering family histories inspired Pastor Tatum to take a bold step he had waited a lifetime to take.

So, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in the historic room of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Kyev and his wife Tonya sat together — not in fear, not in shame — but in faith. They took their DNA tests, believing that God was not just revealing their past but preparing their future.

MORE THAN A TEST — A LEGACY RECLAIMED

For Pastor Tatum, taking this test is not simply about discovering his father. It is about restoring history, reclaiming dignity, and uncovering the heritage that existed long before slavery.

“Our history does not start with slavery, and it does not end with slavery. Our story stretches across the waters of the Atlantic and reaches back to kingdoms, cultures, and communities rich with strength and brilliance,” Pastor Tatum shared. “We are excited to reclaim our ancestral heritage — not just for us, but for our children’s children.”

THE POWER OF A DETERMINED LIFE

Growing up without a father could have derailed him. But Pastor Tatum’s mother refused to raise children who pitied themselves. She raised fighters, believers, and leaders. And Kyev became all three.

A standout student athlete in high school.

A respected student leader in college.

A professional who served at institutions such as Tarleton State University, University of North Texas, Texas Woman’s University, and Texas State University.

He has advised mayors, governors, and even presidents.

He has served on countless boards and commissions.

Yet it is his ministry that has set him apart.

During the 2020 pandemic, he led one of the nation’s most effective emergency response operations in Fort Worth’s historic 76104 community — the zip code with the lowest life expectancy in Texas. In the midst of crisis, God was preparing him for discovery. This season of serving others became the pathway to healing his own story.

Now, as he approaches his 60th birthday on December 19th, he stands on the threshold of answers he never imagined he would receive.

THE GIFT OF MEETING PATTI HUFF WILLIAMS

Patti’s credentials read like a genealogy hall of fame — from her service with the Dallas Genealogical Society to her advanced DNA training, national speaking engagements, and years of helping families uncover their truths. She manages 63 DNA kits, solves mysteries, connects biological families, and brings clarity to generations of untold stories.

Her calling met Pastor Tatum’s longing — and together, a new chapter began.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR EVERY GENERATION

Pastor Tatum now hopes his journey inspires others — especially those who grew up without the fathers they longed for. His message is simple:

“You deserve to know who you are.

You deserve to know where you come from.

Your children and grandchildren deserve the truth.

And it’s never too late to reclaim your roots.”

For the Tatum family, this moment is more than historical.

It is spiritual.

It is generational.

It is prophetic.

The future Tatums — those born today and those yet to be born — will walk with confidence knowing they come from strength, honor, and history deeper than they ever imagined.

This is the start of a new legacy.

A legacy of truth.

A legacy of healing.

A legacy of heritage.

A legacy born from the loins of Pastor Kyev Tatum.

And the best chapters are still being written.