Special Features
Two Maryland Church Congregations Trace their African Ancestry through DNA
Here is some basic information about the DNA process:
- All DNA samples are confidential and destroyed after the results are known.
- Every sample in the testing lab is identified by a bar code and no personal information is shared.
- The DNA lab extracts your genetic sequence and compares the genetic sequence with African Ancestry’s lineage database to determine your present day African country of origin.
- The DNA results are returned within 6 – 8 weeks.
- Two DNA-based ancestry tests – MatriClan test of maternal DNA inherited from your mother; and PatriClan test of paternal DNA, inherited from your father if you are male. Females are only able to take the MatriClan test. Males are able to take both the MatriClan and PariClan test.
- The DNA tests trace the ancestry of a single lineage.
There are many reasons why people decided to participate in finding their African ancestry. Here are the comments from people who shared why they participated in this DNA testing:
George and Charlene Thomas (Husband/Wife)
“We actually visited South Africa about a year and half ago. After going to the continent we wanted to see what part we originated. We have some extensive family records from my mother’s side…so we’ve done a lot research from the archives. We managed to trace back six generations on my mother’s side in the U.S. We are now ready to take the next step.”
Joe Cooper “I’ve always been curious about what my lineage was of my ancestry. I’ve been interested in doing a genealogy for my family. But when I read about this test to find out about what country my ancestors came from … I just jumped at this opportunity. By knowing the results when talking with some of my colleagues… who always says I’m Irish… Polish… I can now say I can make a connection to Africa now. I want to be able to do that. I have white friends who always talk about where their families are from. I have only been able to say my family is from Virginia.”
Denise Cook
“My sister had done a similar test that actually only gave the ethnic makeup on my maternal side. So we know what kinds of ethnicities we have. This organization can trace your DNA back to a specific country and tribe. I thought this might be interesting to see if it all jelled together.”
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