African American Heritage allows you to search historical records for

African Americans, join in a social-networking site for research collaboration

and provides general search ideas that work. 

Just getting started or just want to browse. Check this out online:

Black Genesis

This 'Special Online Edition' of Black Genesis makes locating resources pertaining to slaves and free blacks in the United States easier than ever. And the entire book is available online here to help you research your family history.

Available in the library only.  Ancestry Library Edition