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Introduction: More Than Just a Test—A Journey of Legacy and Empowerment
For a long time, I simply did not know.
Growing up in a single-parent household as the fifth of six children, there was always a sense of urgency to just survive—not necessarily to dwell on the past or resurface memories buried with loved ones who had already transitioned. Life was about the here and now, not the intricate details of a history that stretched across generations.
But as I grew older, the past found its way to me. Stories surfaced, and long-lost relatives began to emerge from the abyss, bringing with them fragments of history that had once been tucked away. Most of these storytellers were women.
For centuries, women have been the keepers of history, passing down knowledge through oral traditions, storytelling, and family records.
According to scholar Valentine U. Iheanacho (2021), “Oral tradition is a necessary social antecedent and cultural heritage of Africans. African oral tradition is visible primarily through proverbs, folktales, songs, dances, customs, traditional medicines, religious practices and ancestral utterances.” These traditions shape our identities, guiding us to walk in the footsteps of those before us and understand the resilience embedded in our lineage.
Looking through old pictures, handwritten documents, and faded newspaper clippings, I felt a deep sense of connection—like I had uncovered a missing piece of myself. I had always known that I came from a rich tapestry of culture and resilience, from ancestors who survived the unimaginable: being forcibly taken from their homeland, enduring the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade, and persevering through generations of systemic oppression. The fact that I am here today is nothing short of a miracle, a testament to their strength and survival.
I also discovered that I come from a legacy of educators and trailblazers—people who paved the way, broke barriers, and stood firm in their pursuit of knowledge and excellence. My lineage is deeply rooted in education, from teachers to homesteaders to pioneers who were the first to do something in their fields. One of my relatives, Marion K. Cobb, was a lecturer at UCLA, but I always knew him affectionately referred to by our family as “Uncle Billy”. According to University of California Archives (1980), Cobb helped support the developments at the UCLA Center for Afro-American Studies and was passionate about his work as a librarian.
Yet, while these oral histories gave me a foundation, taking a DNA test added another layer to my understanding. It reinforced the idea that I am carrying my ancestors’ dreams forward—not just in my personal journey but in the way I uplift others through education and advocacy.
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the power of heritage, health, and legacy—not just where we come from, but how we move forward. This journey of DNA and ancestry is not only about honoring the past but about empowering future generations through knowledge, health awareness, and connection to African Ancestry Link.
The Strength of Oral History: Knowing Before the Test
Before I ever submitted my DNA for analysis, I already had a deep understanding of my roots, woven together by the stories passed down through generations. Family elders spoke of sacrifices made, battles fought, and triumphs earned. Old photographs, yellowed with time, revealed the faces of those who paved the way, their expressions carrying the weight of resilience and pride.
I grew up knowing that I was part of a lineage of educators, pioneers, and community leaders—people who, despite the odds, dedicated their lives to uplifting others. This legacy is what shaped my decision to pursue a Doctor of Education—not just as a personal milestone, but as a continuation of my ancestors’ work in empowering others.
For many in the African diaspora, written records of lineage are scarce, fragmented, or nonexistent due to the brutal disruptions of colonialism, slavery, and forced migration. Our ancestors were systematically stripped of their names, languages, and histories, leaving gaps in our collective memory. Because of this, oral storytelling has been one of the most powerful ways to preserve our past.
Through folktales, proverbs, and lived experiences, generations of Black families have kept their heritage alive, even when the written word was denied to them. Oral history is not just storytelling—it is an act of resistance, a declaration that our identities will not be erased.
Yet, as powerful as oral history is, DNA testing provides another layer of confirmation. It bridges the past with the present, offering scientific validation of the histories we’ve always known in our hearts to be true.
Unveiling My Genetic Story: The Science Behind My Heritage
When I took my DNA test with Ancestry.com, I wasn’t searching for my identity—I already had a strong foundation from my family’s oral traditions. Instead, I wanted to see how science aligned with the narratives I grew up hearing.
The results were profound. While I had long understood my African heritage, the test revealed deeper details—showing how my ancestors’ migration patterns extended across continents, leaving a trail of resilience. One of the most eye-opening revelations was my Honduran lineage.
Learning that my grandfather was born in Honduras and had ancestral ties to the region expanded my understanding of my family’s global connections. It made me reflect on the shared struggles and triumphs of African-descended people across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. It was a reminder that our history isn’t confined to one place—it is woven into the fabric of multiple nations, cultures, and experiences.
This experience reinforced a truth I have always known: DNA is more than science—it is storytelling through bloodlines, a map of who we are and where we’ve been.
Through this journey, I realized that DNA connects us to a larger global story—one that spans from Africa to the Americas and beyond. It reminds us that, no matter where we find ourselves in the world, we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.
Why DNA Matters Beyond Heritage: Health, Wellness, and Awareness
For many, taking a DNA test is an emotional journey—one that reconnects them to lost histories, validates family stories, and strengthens cultural identity. But beyond ancestry, DNA holds another powerful key: our health.
While oral history provided a strong foundation, DNA testing offered another layer of confirmation—bridging past and present, reinforcing cultural identity, and unlocking crucial insights into health. According to the Mayo Clinic's Genetic Testing page (April 14, 2020), genetic testing helps diagnose conditions, assess disease risks, and guide treatment plans, making it a vital component of proactive healthcare.
Our genetic makeup influences everything from how our bodies metabolize food to our susceptibility to certain illnesses and even our response to medications. Many of the health challenges disproportionately affecting people of African descent—such as sickle cell disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes—have genetic components that can be better understood through DNA analysis.
This connection between genetics and health is something I have personally reflected on within my own family. Diabetes and hypertension are two illnesses that have impacted several individuals within my family tree.
Through my own evaluation, I have observed common patterns in lifestyle choices, levels of physical activity, dietary habits, and even how stress is managed. From taking inventory of these behaviors, it has become clear that inactivity, food choices, and prolonged stress have contributed significantly to these conditions.
Recognizing these trends, I took a personal interest in prevention and health awareness, determined to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to my well-being. I wanted to understand what steps I could take to safeguard my health and break cycles of preventable illness in my family. This is why exploring DNA’s role in health became more than just a curiosity—it became a necessity.
Also, I recognize that many in the African diaspora face barriers to generational health knowledge, often due to gaps in medical records, lack of access to healthcare, and systemic inequities. This is why I wanted to speak with a medical
professional—not just to explore DNA as a tool for identity affirmation, but as a pathway to personal health empowerment.
How much of our health is determined by genetics versus lifestyle choices? What role do ancestry and genetic research play in shaping personalized healthcare? And how can DNA awareness help Black and Latinx communities take charge of their well-being?
Furthermore, Mayo Clinic acknowledges the importance of genetic counseling in helping individuals understand test results and make informed healthcare choices. It is more than a consultation—it is a gateway to clarity, a lifeline that transforms uncertainty into knowledge. Genetic counseling can illuminate a path of understanding, offering answers to the unknown and empowering individuals with the foresight to make critical health decisions. This knowledge equips women to take command of their well-being, push for early screenings, and advocate for their families, ensuring they have the information needed to lead healthier, more informed lives.
Take Control of Your Health and Legacy!
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate not only our history but also our future. DNA testing is a means of honoring our legacy while safeguarding our well-being.
By embracing genetic knowledge, individuals can:
Explore family history and preserve narratives for future generations.
Take a DNA test to uncover deeper connections and truths about ancestry.
Consider genetic health screenings to make informed decisions about personal well-being.
Connect with African Ancestry Link to celebrate and continue our shared journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
We carry the resilience, strength, and wisdom of those who came before us.
Through knowledge—whether passed down through tradition or uncovered through science—we can pass on an even greater legacy to the next generation.
For more information on genetic testing and its benefits, visit the Mayo Clinic website (mayoclinic.org).
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