[jjlutefisk]

Has anyone had the DNA testing done where they can tell you what part of Africa your child came from? I have just started thinking about this. My older kids were talking about how in 3rd grade the kids do reports on which country their ancesters came from. I wonder if it would be worth it to have this test done so we can give her more information. Her birth history is something we don't know much about.

I'd love any information or advice.

[traceyk]

Not yet, but we plan on doing it to give her something positive about her ancestory on her birth side since her story isn't a happy one.

[Sleeplvr]

I'm currently doing DNA testing on myself and will do my kids later. I have an idea of what's in my family tree and just want to see if it comes out as expected.
If the child's ancestors have been in this country a long time it sometimes makes it more difficult to get a clear read on the African Ancestry test. This is particularly true of people who have the typical "mix" of ancestry that black people in the US have. The genetics company's have been recommending that you test an elder in the family because they may have a more undiluted read than the younger generations. When a child is adopted that not an option most of the time.

I've seen a number of adopted people doing Ancestry by DNA to get their racial percentages and even more doing DNATribes. Most of them seem to be pleased with what they found and some of them even found biological relatives with it.

All the DNA tests give different answers to different questions. Do you want to know racial percentage, country of origin or specifc tribe? It gets pretty pricey when you get really into the testing.

This is who I'm using.
Family Tree DNA - we do genetic tests for your genealogy questions!
I'm waiting for results for the MtDNA test which will indicate an region of origin not a particular tribe.

The Maternal DNA test is available for both males and females, to uncover information about your mother, and her female ancestors.

A single test allows you to verify:
- if 2 females are related
- if you are of African ancestry
- your suggested geographic region of origin

[joskids]

Wow! I had no idea this was possible. I've always felt sad that I what part of Italy my ancesters are from but that my AA husband has no idea what part of Africa his ancestors likely came from. I need to check this out!!!

[Sleeplvr]

I'll PM you a link so you can see what other AA's have been doing with DNA testing. That way you can figure out what testing to use or even ask the experts.

[Sleeplvr]

Jos

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