Yesterday, I was watching a tv program about the Fulani culture of Africa, and something interesting happened... I saw several young men that had a striking resemblance to me!
It was almost like seeing a brother or a cousin. The similarity was enough for me to start wondering... maybe there is some connection here?
Like most of us, I don't know too much about my family's history prior to slavery. Although there have been efforts to trace our history, after a certain point the trail goes cold.
I do know that my ancestors on both sides of my family were originally from Virginia, and my great grandparents moved north to New Jersey in the 1930s. Thankfully, through stories passed down through the family, we can trace our heritage back to the early 1800s, even stories about my great great grandfather who fought in the Civil War.
Beyond that, however, is a mystery and one that I've often wondered about. I did a Google search and found several other examples of this resemblance.
I'd eventually like to have a DNA test to determine my true origins. There is a Black-owned laboratory, African Ancestry, that can perform this test for $600. They will trace the lineage of both of your parents to your original ethnic group in Africa. Another agency can determine the percentages of your racial makeup (most of us are not completely African heritage).
I have a feeling that my paternal ancestor will be turn out to be European, as are about 1/3 of the people who have this test. On my maternal side... who knows? Hmm... food for thought.
Posted By: Jon C.
Thursday, August 23rd 2007 at 4:27PM
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