Ancestry!

Lately I'm seeing the word Ancestry. It has been heavy on my mind, so I decided to do an ancestry DNA test. The results surprised me!

I found out that I am 77.5% Sub-Saharan, majority West African. It’s amazing how we make assumptions on our heritage and origins because to date, we haven’t had much to use as a reference. But in doing the test, I finally feel as though I’m closer to my story! And now, I absolutely want to know more about this part of me.

I think it’s important we rediscover our origins, our stories and learn about our ancestors. For me, this is especially important in black history. It is a history that has been mistold and lost for so many generations.

In my research, I was able to trace my roots back to slavery (and beyond), which is profound. To know that I have ancestors who survived such a tragic and traumatizing time in history is life altering.

They persevered. They succeeded. For them, I am in deep gratitude. And with Juneteenth coming up, I couldn’t be happier and appreciative of the sacrifices, tears, blood and STRENGTH of my ancestry. 

I will honor those who walked before me and seek their guidance.

How will you honour your ancestors?