My DNA Results — A Story Beyond Borders

When I first received my DNA results, I expected numbers and charts. What I found instead was a narrative — one that stretched across oceans, cultures, and centuries. My ancestry revealed deep roots in West and Central Africa, ties to Europe and the British Isles, and traces of Indigenous and Asian heritage. These results didn’t redefine who I am; they deepened my understanding of the story I already carried within.

From the Ivory Coast and Ghana to Nigeria and Cameroon, my DNA speaks of communities known for artistry, spirituality, and endurance. These ancestral echoes remind me of the faith, family bonds, and sense of purpose that still guide us today. My European ancestry — stretching from England to Germany and Ireland — likely reflects the intertwined histories of early America, where families of diverse backgrounds built new lives along the Virginia and Delmarva coasts.

My grandparents’ features once hinted at these cross-continental ties. My father, and later I, were often mistaken for being from other regions while traveling the world — a reminder that identity can be both seen and misunderstood. I now see that as a gift: I reflect many worlds at once.

My paternal haplogroup R-FT217177 traces to ancient European and Eurasian lines, while my maternal haplogroup L1b1a+16293 connects directly to early West African ancestry. Together, they tell a human story of migration, survival, and adaptation.

One Blood, Many Branches

In my previous blog, I explored identity — the bridge between where we come from and how we live today. This time, I’d like to reflect briefly on the idea of race.

🧬 A Biological Perspective

Science tells us that all humans share 99.9% of the same DNA. The small differences we see — in skin tone, hair texture, or facial features — are simply adaptations to geography and environment. In that sense, there is one human race expressed through many ethnic and cultural lineages.

🌍 A Social Perspective

Throughout history, people have used visible traits to describe and define one another. Over time, those descriptions became part of how societies organized themselves — shaping communities, opportunities, and identity. Today, terms like “race” and “ethnicity” continue to evolve, reminding us that identity is both personal and social.

🙏 A Faith Perspective

Faith reminds me that we are all connected. As Acts 17:26 says, “He made from one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth.” Our differences are surface-level, but our purpose and origin are shared. Each lineage, each blending of cultures, is part of a greater design.

Final Thoughts

As a researcher, I’ve learned that identity labels in historical records — “Black,” “White,” “Mulatto,” or even “Italian” — often reflected how others saw our ancestors, not necessarily how they saw themselves. Understanding who made those classifications, and why, helps us interpret the past with care.

Whether my DNA points to Africa, Europe, or beyond, I see one story — a story of connection through generations. I hope that each discovery reminds us not to assume, but to appreciate the remarkable tapestry that makes every family unique.