Genetical genealogy has enabled millions of people worldwide to learn more about their ethnical roots and their family history. Some people feel these results – revealing sometimes relatively small percentages of an unexpected ethnic estimate – are flukes, ‘noise’ or inconclusive. Others, meanwhile, are curious and interested in exploring their African roots. In fact, similarly it is common for people from the African Diaspora (African Americans in particular) to receive DNA results showing varying percentages of European DNA. So, it should not be surprising that Europeans, especially those from the UK, France, Spain, and Portugal, are discovering that they have an African ancestor going back several generations. It is important to note that the unexpected discovery of African DNA could prompt difficult and uncomfortable questioning about race – bringing identity and belonging to the forefront.
Are you ready to search for your unknown African ancestor?
You have done a DNA test and you have discovered that you have 6% African DNA. What does all this mean? Many thoughts come to mind: was your ancestor enslaved, an enslaver, a merchant, an apprentice, a missionary, an explorer or in the military? How will our African ancestor present on the family tree? Eventually, you begin to come to terms with your surprising discovery and you are interested in exploring further and piecing the puzzle together. You are ready to begin to search for your unknown African ancestor. Where do you start?
• Do you have a family tree? If yes, you are already off to a goodare good places to begin and are free to use.
