The More Than A Fraction Foundation is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognized 501(c)(3)
Mission Statement At the More Than A Fraction Foundation (MTAFF), our mission is to shed light on and enrich the intertwined history, life, cultures, and experiences of Africans in America, African Americans, and Indigenous Peoples during the 18th and 19th centuries—a period spanning from before the Civil War to a decade thereafter. We are committed to broadening research, education, and programs through a lens that elevates the narratives of Africans in America, African Americans, and Indigenous Peoples. By embracing this encompassing perspective, we ignite innovative research methodologies, revealing previously unexplored facets of history and culture. Acknowledging the breadth of the African Diaspora, our primary focus remains on individuals within and connected to the Appalachian region, honoring their unique contributions and stories. MTAFF operates on the principles of holistic, strength-based models, promoting reconciliation through literature, philosophy, and ideas that authentically mirror the realities of historical experiences. Our goal is to foster deeper understanding, celebrate diversity, and advocate for unity by embracing the richness of our shared heritage.
Purpose At the More Than A Fraction Foundation, our purpose is to conduct in-depth qualitative and experiential research, produce scholarly literature, and spearhead educational initiatives centered on the lives, cultures, and experiences of 18th and 19th century Africans in America, African Americans, and Indigenous peoples across Maryland, the Southeastern regions, and wherever our mission takes us. We aim to elevate public awareness and understanding of these communities, fostering a united culture of inspiration and appreciation. Our efforts are directed toward bolstering curriculum development and pioneering innovative academic programs, striving to fortify these communities' strengths and historical legacies.
Vision At the More Than A Fraction Foundation, we are rooted in the legacies of those enslaved at what was known as Smithfield, and are guided by descendants who lead our mission. We recognize the profound depth of experiences among Africans in America, African Americans, and Indigenous peoples, acknowledging the intricate layers yet to be explored. Our commitment is steadfast in contributing significantly to the expansion of knowledge, fostering positive progress, and addressing historical issues ingrained in the African American experience during the 18th and 19th centuries.
We aim to serve as a vanguard in illuminating these histories through lectures, mobile exhibits, and historical projects. Collaborations with esteemed institutions such as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Historic Smithfield, and coalitions with colleges and universities stand as pillars of our dedication to building upon and amplifying past and ongoing endeavors. Our vision extends beyond exploration, seeking to weave a comprehensive narrative that honors the richness of these histories. Through our work, we aspire to pave a path toward enlightenment, unity, and a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage.
Our Dedication to Reconciliation
At the More Than A Fraction Foundation, we believe that descendants are not only keepers of memory but experts across the fields of history, culture, education, and social research. Our work advances the goals of comprehensive reconciliation by combining humanities-based inquiry with data-driven evaluation to transform history into a living practice of repair. Through archival research, oral histories, digital humanities, and community-based studies, we document and interpret the legacies of slavery and its ongoing impact on institutions and communities. Each of our programs from public exhibits and educational workshops to collaborative case studies that translates descendant knowledge into actionable frameworks for reconciliation, and accountability. We approach reconciliation as both a structural and cultural process that restores knowledge, agency, and belonging while fostering new forms of truth-telling and repair. By centering descendants as co-researchers and thought leaders, the More Than A Fraction Foundation helps build a future where history serves not as a burden, but as a bridge toward justice.
Our Team
Kerri Moseley-Hobbs Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs, Founder, and Executive Director of the More Than A Fraction Foundation, brings nearly two decades of comprehensive experience in education, straddling roles encompassing administration and research/program development. Her journey includes pivotal contributions to postsecondary (higher education) policy, regulation, and administration, coupled with a deep involvement in experiential learning, educational presentations, exposure initiatives, and historical research. Beyond her extensive involvement in prestigious projects, Dr. Moseley-Hobbs is an author, penning the creative non-fiction book "More Than a Fraction: Based on a True Story." She stands as one of the prominent voices chronicling the history of Africans in America, and African Americans, of Maryland, the Southeast region, and beyond.
Before assuming leadership roles in higher education, Dr. Moseley-Hobbs served as a promotion's assistant and junior writer at The Baltimore Times Newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland. Her remarkable journey in publishing commenced at the age of 12 and continued until she embarked on her higher education career at 18.
Holder of a doctorate degree in Education and three degrees from the University of Maryland—a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a master’s degree in interdisciplinary management, and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA)—Dr. Moseley-Hobbs traces her lineage as a 4th-generation descendant of Thomas Fraction, the central figure in her debut creative non-fiction book, "More Than A Fraction”.
Shawn Turner Educational Consultant
Shawn Turner is a highly experienced educator and instructional coach with over six years of teaching mathematics and leading instructional improvements. He holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Educational Technology from Loyola University Maryland and serves as an Educational Consultant for the More Than A Fraction Foundation, as well as an Affiliate Instructor at Loyola. With extensive experience in curriculum design, including work for Virginia Tech and Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Shawn brings a wealth of expertise to supporting both students and educators.
Juan Pacheco Research Assistant
Juan Pacheco graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While there, he worked as a student archivist at Special Collections and University Archive and was appointed as an honorary member of the Virginia Tech Council on History during the summer of 2020 after serving on the Solitude Working Group during his senior year. In. 2022, Juan completed his Masters in Experimental Psychology from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia where he currently lives and assists the organization with focus group study design, historical investigation, intersecting both of his passions.
Nia Salway Research Assistant
Nia is from Norfolk, Va and as a bachelors in Criminology with a minor in Africana Studies from Virginia Tech University. She is interested in serving the incarcerated community with a focus on Correctional Counseling but is also interested in Family Counseling for impoverished Black communities as well as Community Outreach. As a research assistant she has worked with an initiative adjacent to the More Than A Fraction Foundation called the Descendants Reconciliation Project at VT where she assisted with oral history interviews with descendants of people who were previously enslaved at Smithfield plantation as well as the descendants of the enslavers to explore how the legacy of enslavement has and does impact generations today. Aside from work Nia enjoys art, cooking, being in nature, and trying new things!
Our Board
Linnea Holt, Treasurer Fraction Descendant
Linnea is the current treasurer for the More than a Fraction Foundation. She holds an AA and MBA in Business administration and a BS in International Business. As a Baltimore native, she enjoys various art programs around the city, community gatherings, skating, and Cuban dance.
Robin Wagstaff McNorton Descendant
Robin is a retired Engineering Director with 25+ years of experience in Mechanical Design and Process/Manufacturing Engineering. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Religious Education degree from Covington Theological Seminary.
He is currently a business owner/operator of Red Square Designs, LLC specializing in graphic & web design and e-commerce. He also operates and produces content for Wander Open Roads as a social media/travel influencer in Panama. He has been married for over 30 years to Miko, a retired educator, with one son, Ronald who is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer in Richmond, VA. Robin has a lifelong interest in history and genealogy and is the 3rd great-grandson of William McNorton.
Eva Jane Bunkley McNorton Descendent
Eva Jane Bunkley is an Atlanta-based two-time Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist, award winning Filmmaker and inventor. Eva Jane is a McNorton & Smith descendent. She was raised in Columbus, Ohio and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia after earning her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and wife to Terence. Together they are raising two young men to follow their own God-given missions.