Great-grandfather, 95, born on plantation after Emancipation Proclamation was signed, obtains his birth certificate

U.S. & World At 95, a Houston great-grandfather gets missing part of identity: his birth certificate Thursday, November 12, 2026 3:14PM ABC13 introduced you to James Dorsey in June, when he spoke with reporter Brandon Hamilton about what it would mean for him to receive the document. HOUSTON -- After decades of waiting, 95-year-old James Dorsey finally has what he's always wanted: a birth certificate. "Mr. Dorsey, we have something for you," attorney Raynique Keelen said as she walked through the doors of his home. Those words were something Dorsey had longed to hear. His story is a reminder of the Deep South's history: living on a plantation and, as a child, working in the cotton fields. Dorsey was born in August of 1931 to a midwife. At the time, he says, his birth was never recorded. "I was born on Ellerbe Plantation. Sure was...about 25 miles out of Shreveport, Louisiana," Dorsey said. ABC affiliate KTRK first shared Dorsey's wish for his birth certificate during the summer for Juneteenth. A spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Health directed KTRK to the state's vital records department to submit an application and follow the process. Dorsey's daughter, Barbara Dorsey-Curry, helped fill out the application, but weeks went by without an update. Dorsey also celebrated his 95th birthday. That's where Attorney Raynique Keelen comes in. She says someone reached out to her to help the Dorsey family after seeing the story. Keelen, based in Houston and New Orleans, says she agreed to help and get the birth certificate for free. "Louisiana, it's the process we had to go through, one to locate the birth certificate and vital records, which we were able to do. It was under a different name and different date of birth. Had a week off in the name, of course, was totally different. And then from there I had to go to our courthouse in New Orleans," she said. Dorsey says that without his birth certificate, he had to stop working as a truck driver. CPD sergeant appears to die by suicide while on the job at 17th District station 2 elementary school students killed after Amtrak train strikes vehicle in Western Springs: officials Baby buried alive for 24 hours released from the hospital; father charged He would later move to Houston from Louisiana in the 1950's. "I didn't know...I thought my mother had it. I didn't know I didn't have none until I was about to get married," he said. Now, his family is a witness to an answered prayer. "It's a blessing, Brandon. Yes, it is. And I appreciate your help because he'd been wanting it forever. He didn't know how to go by doing it," said Dorsey, daughter Barbara. Keelen says she's grateful to have helped. "He's come full circle, a chapter in his life. He has proof that he's here. He was born. He's the American citizen. So happy to do it for him," she added. "How does it feel to have that piece of paper? " ABC13's Brandon Hamilton asked. "Lord, have mercy. I don't know how to feel. I feel so good. I didn't know what was going to happen to me if I didn't have it," Dorsey responded. Good thing, he won't have to worry any longer. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics SOCIETY TEXAS U.S. & WORLD BIRTH FAMILY & PARENTING JUNETEENTH SLAVERY RECORD HISTORY BLACK HISTORY 1 dead, 4 injured in Washington, D.C. shooting; suspect contained: Police 4 minutes ago Nvidia stock tumbles after CEO Jensen Huang resigns 12 minutes ago Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns amid alleged affair with suspected spy 12 minutes ago 'She is still alive': Pregnant woman rescued from NYC building collapse rubble, husband says 1 hour ago Watch Live ON NOW CPD sergeant appears to die by suicide while on the job at 17th District station 2 elementary school students killed after Amtrak train strikes vehicle in Western Springs: officials Baby buried alive for 24 hours released from the hospital; father charged Man fatally shoots self during warrant operation on South Side: Chicago police Ex-boyfriend fatally shoots woman's current boyfriend; woman returns fire killing ex, deputies say