The Journey Begins

My DNA test kit arrived today. I'm very excited, although I know that there has been some controversy regarding the accuracy of the results -- specifically as it relates to tracing mitochondrial DNA -- which is passed from the mother's side of the family – and its reliably to pinpoint a person's tribal origins. What the test results really show, is a maximum likelihood that you come from a specific region and does not name any particular tribe.  I agree that, when you have no other options, probability is a good place to start!

Most black Americans descend from West Africa, where the vast majority of slaves were seized. After surviving the brutal transatlantic voyage to the Americas, they were forbidden from speaking the tribal languages from regions that are now known as Angola, Senegal, Ghana, Liberia, the Ivory Coast and Nigeria.

Millions of family histories were lost as hundreds of ethnic Africans blended into a single group.

"Mitochondrial DNA can point the way home. While it makes up a tiny fraction of all DNA found in a cell, its link to maternal roots is crucial for black Americans. The maternal side of a black family almost always goes back to Africa, as opposed to the Y chromosome of the father.

Thirty percent of Y-chromosome tests in black Americans lead to Europe, the origin of white men who fathered mixed-race slaves -- often from rape."

Out of Africa

By Darryl Fears

Washington Post Staff Writer

Thursday, October 19, 2006

The kit arrives with 3 swabs. You have to swab each cheek about 20 times. Place in envelope to dry for 30 mins. Then ship off in postage paid envelope. Pretty easy. Results in 6 weeks.

Hand written thank you note is a nice touch

Mailing tomorrow

and the wait begins....

I'm Just Sayin