Sister, I can relate. I have done genealogical research on my side of the family that is not close. I chose the adventure for my self knowledge and especially for my babies. Here we go this is how you can start.....

Make a folder to store all your data you discover.

Dig up as many names, birth dates, death dates and stories as possible.

Most major cities have a Genealogy Library, check with the local libraries and see if you have one in your city. If not, the Genealogy Library has some records on line. All the libraries in the U.S. have records from all the states and even some foreign countries. You can google the Library...

Universities near you may have genealogy groups established, that would be a good start. So hit up your local colleges, universities and especially Historically Black ones. You can inquire in the History departments and the campus Libraries.

You can also google the surnames(last names) and counties your ancestors lived. You may be surprised, sometimes other individuals have started archiving your ancestors and are seeking more information. You may be the missing link to someone Else's family tree.

P.S. Take really good notes and keep all leads even if they seem slightly unrelated. Our ancestors did not trust census takers and sometimes with held or omitted family vital information from the census takers. Also, many of our ancestors where not educated and could not articulate or spell, so information may be off. I hope this helps... Happy Hunting!!!!