.png)
By Courtney Nicole Johnson
Women's Health
March is Women’s History Month, and International Women's Day is March 8th—a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and wisdom of women across the globe.
As an African American woman, I have come to understand that one of the most powerful ways to honor ourselves is by reconnecting with our roots.
For much of my life, I longed for a deeper connection to my heritage. Growing up in the Southwestern United States, culture wasn’t something emphasized in the classroom.
African American history, beyond the surface-level narratives of enslavement and civil rights, was rarely taught in depth. It was fractured bits and pieces that I had to seek out on my own.
When I attended a predominantly white institution (PWI) for my undergraduate degree, I encountered the weight of microaggressions and the exhausting reality of navigating spaces that weren’t built with me in mind.
Out of all the professors I encountered during my undergraduate program, I had just one of African descent (from Nigeria). The experience was isolating, yet it also planted a seed in me—an unshakable desire to know more about where I came from and the rich tapestry. of culture that rooted me to Africa.
Discovering My Ancestry, Reclaiming My Identity
My journey toward understanding my heritage took a transformative turn when I decided to take an ancestry test. When I received my DNA results, I was elated to learn that over 80% of my DNA was linked back to African countries (largest percent to Nigeria).
This wasn’t just a number—it was a bridge to my ancestors, a confirmation that my identity is deeply connected to the Motherland. It felt like a homecoming, a missing piece of myself finally restored. It was magical!
I remember sitting with my siblings, comparing our results and marveling at the breakdown of our ancestry. I happily exclaimed that I had higher percentages of African DNA, while others had traces of regions we hadn’t expected making the experience more dynamic with the findings.
But one thing was clear—I was undeniably rooted in Africa, and I proudly declared that my African DNA was strong and burned within me. As a descendant of enslaved people, chattel slavery stripped me of the ability to fully know myself (where my people specifically come from), severing my ancestral ties to Africa and erasing my history. This moment was more than just numbers—it was a reclamation of what was stolen, making my heritage feel tangible and undeniable.
As a doctoral student at Clark Atlanta University, an HBCU whose motto is “I’ll Find a Way or Make One,” my education has reinforced that sense of pride and belonging.
This motto has guided me throughout my challenges in learning more about my African American culture and its global connection to Africa.
My first semester in Fall 2023 was particularly affirming—it reinforced that I was in the right place to learn about the strength of Africa, the intellect of my ancestors, and the brilliance that I derive from. The stories of African leaders, innovators, and revolutionaries weren’t just historical accounts—they were reflections of my own potential.
This connection is what led me to African Ancestry Link, where I now serve as Director of Communication and Marketing. I believe in our mission and the pillars we uphold heritage, health, and home.
Our work is dedicated to helping African Americans rediscover their roots, understand their ancestral ties, and use that knowledge to foster well-being.
The Link Between Heritage and Health
Reconnecting with our ancestry is not just about cultural pride—it has profound implications for our health and wellness. Research has long examined the intersection of race, genetics, and health disparities, particularly in African American women.
A study published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology found that leveraging genetic ancestry is a key factor in understanding health disparities among African Americans (Batai, Hooker & Kittles, 2021).
Research has also examined the relationship between skin color and socioeconomic status, suggesting that psychosocial stress associated with darker pigmentation may contribute to the higher prevalence of hypertension in African Americans compared to European Americans (Harburg et al., 1978; Klag et al., 1991).
More recent studies have found an interaction between skin color and socioeconomic factors in determining health outcomes (Sweet et al., 2007).
Additionally, research published in Genetics in Medicine showed a significant association between West African ancestry and hypertension in both African American and Hispanic American women, even after accounting for traditional risk factors and neighborhood socioeconomic status (Kosoy et al., 2012).
These findings highlight the importance of understanding our ancestry—not just for cultural reasons but as a guide to our health. By reclaiming our roots, we empower ourselves with knowledge that can influence how we care for our bodies, navigate stress, and approach wellness from a holistic perspective.
A Call to Action: Reclaim, Reconnect, and Rise
As we celebrate Women's History Month and International Women’s Day, I encourage every African American woman to take that first step toward reconnecting with her ancestry. Whether through DNA testing, oral family histories, or community engagement, knowing where we come from strengthens our sense of self and allows us to live with greater intention.
At African Ancestry Link, we are dedicated to providing resources and support to help individuals rediscover their roots. I invite you to visit our website at www.africanancestrylink.org and explore the many ways you can reconnect to your heritage.
Do not wait to know what makes you "you" from a DNA perspective—it will change your outlook and influence how you reconnect to heritage, health, and home. This knowledge is not just personal; it is transformational. I take it seriously, and I am committed to helping others reclaim their happiness through African Ancestry Link.
Our ancestors laid the foundation for us to walk in power, health, and happiness. It’s time to honor their legacy and embrace the future with a renewed sense of belonging and purpose.
Sources:
Batai, K., Hooker, S., & Kittles, R. A. (2021). Leveraging genetic ancestry to study health disparities. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 175(2), 363–375. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.24144
Harburg, E., Gleibermann, L., Roeper, P., Schork, A., & Schull, W. (1978). Socioeconomic stress and hypertension among blacks and whites. American Journal of Epidemiology.
Klag, M. J., Whelton, P. K., Coresh, J., Grim, C. E., & Kuller, L. H. (1991). The association of skin color with blood pressure in US blacks with low socioeconomic status. JAMA.
Sweet, E., McDade, T., Kiefe, C., & Liu, K. (2007). Relationships between skin color, income, and blood pressure among African Americans in the CARDIA study. American Journal of Public Health.
Kosoy, R., et al. (2012). Genetic ancestry and risk factors for hypertension among African American and Hispanic American women. Genetics in Medicine.
Comentarios