Are the African American Ancestry DNA tests valid?
Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at
10:53 am
I was contemplating taking the african american ancestry dna test and I was wondering if it was a valid way to trace your heritage. People are so crooked now a days and well....I just don't want to end up wasting 0 on bogus results. I really feel the need to know more about my ancestors and exactly where they originated. Please help, if you can. Thanks.
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Tagged with: african american ancestry • ancestors • ancestry dna test • heritage
Filed under: DNA Ancestry
Hey Krissy,
The tests can be really expensive you are correct. You need to stick to a reputable testing company, like National Geographic or Family Tree. Sorenson does the Test for free, it is a 12 marker test, which is not real good – but really it is free. Personally, I have participated in one Surname project with Family Tree, and my Uncle (for my Mom’s side) took the Surname project for my Mothers maiden name (has to be a male participant). The Type of project you are looking for, you might do well to get your feet wet with the free Sorenson test.
In a nutshell, what any ancestry DNA test does is find genetic markers that are common in a group of people from a particular area. It can’t tell you who they were, just point to a likely place of origin. The tests are pretty accurate, as they map genomes…but, if you are unsure, ask you doctor, or contact the department in a college that deals with genetics, for their opinion on whom to trust with this test.
Read the information on the links below…its really fascinating, and will give you much better idea of exactly what the test will and will not tell you.
I have though about taking one of these tests myself, as I think it would be interesting to learn where my ancestors may have been from. When I first heard about them, though, I thought there was a reason it wouldn’t work for me – the test I heard of would test mDNA – mitochondrial DNA – which is from the mother, and as my mother is caucasian, that test wouldn’t have worked.
Just a heads-up in case you too are bi-racial, that you should check to make sure that mDNA isn’t an issue. Good luck!
I think your question is a good one. I would consult with a local or the nearest African American genealogy or historical society. Perhaps they can answer some of your questions with more authority? I would also look at Afrigeneas, a web site which deals with questions similar to your contemplation. There are several forums that deal with specific aspects of African ancestored genealogy. Look through the forums and there is one specifically for DNA genealogy. Reading some of the responses may answer some of your questions. Good luck!
As others have said, a DNA test will get you into the area, say Africa’s Ivory Coast, but it can’t tell you that your ancestors were from a specific village.
Don’t neglect the research. Talk to the oldest members of your family about the oldest people they can remember. Ask about family customs, folk art, patterns of speech, what was done at weddings and songs that were sung…all of these can give you clues to where your family lived and which cultures influenced them.