 Revealing the Hidden African Ancestry in Mexican Heritage through DNA and Records In today’s age of digitized records and advanced DNA testing, many of us are uncovering parts of our family histories that challenge long-standing narratives passed down through generations. As a professional genealogist, I've been on a decades-long journey to trace my own ancestry, but it wasn't until recent years that my research took a surprising turn that made me question the stories I had heard about my Mexican heritage. A recent NBC News article titled "They're uncovering their ancestry — and questioning their families' racial narratives" caught my attention. The piece highlights a growing trend among Latinos who, through genetic testing and historical records, are learning that their family stories, which often focused on white Spanish ancestry, are more complex than they thought. Many are discovering African roots and a legacy of slavery, which were often left out of oral histories. For me, this hit home in a very personal way, as my own genealogical research has led to a similar realization. The Family Stories We Grew Up With Growing up, I always heard that my great-grandmother, who came from Canatlán, Mexico, was of pure Spanish descent. This was the story that was told to my family, passed down as fact through generations. As I began tracing her lineage, however, I was eager to verify and expand upon this history with the help of historical documents, church records, and eventually DNA testing. I was able to trace her Mexican roots back to my 5th and 6th great-grandparents—some of whom were in Mexico for generations. But when I dug deeper into the records, what I found was unexpected. While I had anticipated discovering ties to Spain, I uncovered something quite different. Church records for one set of my 5th great-grandparents listed one ancestor as Mulatto and the other as Mestizo. This discovery shed light on a much more intricate and diverse ancestry than the one my family believed. These terms indicated a blending of African, Indigenous, and European heritage, unraveling a piece of family history that had long been hidden or forgotten. The Role of DNA Testing The puzzle became even more fascinating when I turned to DNA testing. While my own DNA results showed Mexican and Hispanic ancestry, there was no African ancestry detected. However, when I examined my paternal uncle's DNA (who shares my Mexican great-grandmother), 2% African ancestry appeared. This is particularly significant because it supports the findings from the church records—matching up with the records of a Mulatto ancestor from generations ago. The absence of African DNA in my results, yet its presence in my uncle's, makes sense given that I am one generation further removed, showing how DNA inheritance can vary within family lines. This surprising fact sparked more questions. Could this African ancestry have been part of the transatlantic slave trade? Mexico, like much of Latin America, had a history of African enslavement, yet this part of its history is often overlooked or minimized in both public discourse and family narratives. The 2% of African ancestry in my uncle’s DNA may be a remnant of this history, and while I can’t say definitively that these ancestors were enslaved, the possibility certainly raises interesting questions about the lives they lived. Rewriting Family Narratives Like many families with Mexican heritage, my ancestors' stories seemed to be shaped by a desire to emphasize their European or Spanish roots. In a society where social status could be influenced by one’s perceived racial makeup, it's understandable why families may have focused on their Spanish lineage while downplaying African or Indigenous ancestry. But as genealogists, our task is to uncover the truth—even when it complicates long-held family narratives. This process of discovery has been both surprising and enlightening. It has deepened my appreciation for the rich and diverse history of my Mexican ancestors, who were not solely defined by Spanish colonialism, but by a blending of cultures—African, Indigenous, and European—that shaped Mexico’s unique heritage. It's a reminder that our family histories are far more complex than we often realize. The Legacy of African Roots in Mexico The NBC News article highlights an important point: Latino families across the Americas are coming to terms with the African and Indigenous roots that have been long buried in their family stories. For those of us with Mexican ancestry, the story is no different. From the early days of colonial Mexico, people of African descent played a vital role in the country's development, from laborers to soldiers and artisans. Many of their descendants became part of the mestizo and mulatto populations that have long been a key aspect of Mexico’s racial landscape. My Personal Journey of Discovery As I reflect on my genealogical research, it’s clear that DNA testing and digitized records have opened up new avenues for understanding our past. For years, my family believed in a specific narrative about our Spanish ancestry, but research and records have illuminated the deeper, more complex roots of our heritage. My journey into my Mexican great-grandmother’s lineage has revealed ancestors who not only lived in Mexico for generations but also carried with them African heritage that was not part of our family’s oral history. It’s an interesting contrast—the stories passed down through the family about Spanish origins, and the concrete evidence of African roots that church records and DNA testing have revealed. Like many others, my family’s story is not just about a direct descent from European colonists. It's about the mixing of people and cultures in ways that weren’t always acknowledged but are now, in the light of modern genealogy, coming to the front line. Conclusion In my journey as a genealogist, I’ve always found gratification in piecing together the fragments of our ancestors' lives. My Mexican heritage has proven to be way more complex than the family stories I was told growing up, and I am grateful for the tools that have allowed me to uncover these hidden stories. Whether through digitized church records or DNA testing, we have the power to rewrite our family histories—embracing the full scope of who our ancestors were and the rich, diverse cultures they represented. As Latinos, as genealogists, and as individuals, we must remain open to these discoveries, allowing ourselves to be surprised by the truth. It is through these surprising facts that we can more fully understand our place in history and honor our complete family legacies. © 2024 Diane Henriks @ Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family Note to readers: Have you discovered unexpected ethnic roots through your family history research? Has DNA testing or historical records revealed surprising details about your ancestors? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below! More Hispanic Genealogy Tips and ResourcesLearn about more Hispanic genealogy tips and resources under the Mexican Genealogy category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More African Genealogy Tips and ResourcesLearn about more Hispanic genealogy tips and resources under the African American Genealogy category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
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 5 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth 5 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As a genealogist, understanding and honoring this significant event can deepen your appreciation for African American heritage and history. Here are five meaningful ways to celebrate Juneteenth. 1. Educate Yourself and Others Understanding the history and significance of Juneteenth is the first step in honoring this day. Read books, watch documentaries, and explore online resources that detail the stories of enslaved people, the Civil War, and the fight for freedom. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community to spread awareness. Consider hosting a virtual or in-person reading group to discuss influential works like "Juneteenth" (one of the most powerful classics since WWII) by Ralph Ellison or "The Warmth of Other Suns" (one of New York Time's best sellers and named TIME's 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the Decade, as well as The New York Times Magazine's Best Nonfiction of All Time) by Isabel Wilkerson. 2. Trace African American Genealogy For genealogists, like us, Juneteenth is an opportunity to delve into African American ancestry. Utilize resources like the Freedmen’s Bureau records, African American newspapers, and oral histories to uncover the stories of African American ancestors. This not only honors their legacy but also brings their histories to light for future generations. Encourage others to start their genealogical journey by offering workshops or online tutorials. 3. Support Black-Owned Businesses Economic empowerment is a significant aspect of celebrating Juneteenth. By supporting Black-owned businesses, you contribute to the economic strength and sustainability of African American communities. Research and share lists of local and online Black-owned businesses, and make a concerted effort to patronize them, whether it’s for everyday needs or special purchases. We have a fantastic black-owned shop, "The Gourmet Cobbler Factory" that makes amazing sweet potato pies, among others, in our community. I'm definitely stopping by tomorrow! 4. Participate in Local Juneteenth Events Many communities host events to commemorate Juneteenth, including parades, festivals, and educational programs. Attend these events to connect with others and participate in collective celebrations. Check out some of the top 10 Juneteenth events here. If your community doesn’t have Juneteenth events, consider organizing one. This could be a virtual gathering, a neighborhood barbecue, or an educational workshop that highlights the history and significance of Juneteenth. 5. Reflect and Engage in Acts of Service Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and justice. Take this time to reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done. Engage in acts of service that support racial justice and equality. Volunteer with organizations that focus on civil rights, social justice, and community development. Consider making donations to causes that promote equality and support African American communities. By taking part in these activities, you not only celebrate Juneteenth but also honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. As genealogists, we have a unique role in preserving and sharing these vital stories, making sure they are remembered and respected for generations to come. Happy Celebrating! More African Amercian GenealogyMore Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Top Genealogy#AfricanAmericanGenealogy,#AfricanAmericanAncestry,#Genealogy,#BlackHistory,#Juneteenth
2/18/2024 Celebrating My African American Genealogy Connections with the BYU Relative FinderRead Now Celebrating My African American Genealogy Connections with the BYU Relative Finder In honor of Black History Month, I thought I’d check out my African American genealogy connections in the BYU Relative Finder. I have a list of 47 connections, which you can see below. Take in mind that BYU uses your FamilySearch World/Collaborative Tree to generate the connections, in which most of us know that the results would then be only as accurate as what others have connected to the World Tree. 😉
I quickly reviewed a lot of the connections, in which the majority connect us by distant ancestors that I have yet to confirm. There were many, where dates just didn’t add up, like women having children in their 50s back in the 16th and 17th centuries. 😉 I have included a closer look at 2 of my connections, Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. My Genealogical Connection to Martin Luther King Jr.According to the BYU Relative Finder and the FamilySearch World Tree, I am connected to Martin Luther King Jr. I have not confirmed anything past James West, born 1745.  My Genealogical Connection to Martin Luther King Jr. My Genealogical Connection to Rosa ParksAccording to the BYU Relative Finder and the FamilySearch World Tree, I am connected to Rosa Parks. I have not confirmed anything past John Robinson, born 1790 on the chart, in which I have 1788.  My Genealogical Connection to Rosa Parks These are still quite fun to look at, and when I have time, one day, in the far future, I may work on these connections to see how valid they really are, but with the collaborative tree, I won't hold my breath. If I find that I am connected to them in my family tree, then I am quite honored, indeed! 😊 You can check out your own African American connections, along with others, at the BYU Relative Finder on the BYU Family History Technology Lab Website. More African American Genealogy and Genealogy Resources Learn about more African American genealogy tips and resources, along with other family history and genealogy resources under the African American Genealogy and Genealogy Resources categories and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 African American Genealogy Research Tips African American Genealogy: Research TipsSearching for your African American ancestors can be quite challenging, to say the least. Here are some basic tips to get you started on your African American genealogy research journey, so you can start climbing your family tree! Steps to researching your African American Ancestors:
African American Genealogy Research Tips:
More Genealogy Resources: Learn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.  Top 5 African American Genealogy WebsitesDo you have African American ancestry and looking for records, tools, and resources that can help in your African American genealogy research? African Amercian research is not that easy once you need to go further back than the 1870 U.S. Census, but here are my top 5 websites for African American genealogy to help you climb your family tree! 1. FamilySearch/FamilySearch Research Wiki African American Genealogy (FREE)  FamilySearch.org for African American Genealogy Research  FamilySearch Research Wiki- African American Genealogy  FamilySearch Research Wiki- African American Online Genealogy Records  FamilySearch Research Wiki- Quick Guide to African American Records
2. Ancestry ($ & Free)  Ancestry.com for African American Genealogy research
3. National Archives- African American Research (Free)  National Archives- African American Heritage for African American Genealogy Research  The Freedmen's Bureau Online for African American Genealogy Research
5. AfriGeneas (Free)  AfriGeneas for African Amercian Genealogy Research
More African Amercian Genealogy: Find more of the Irish genealogy under the African Amercian Genealogy category. More Genealogy Resources: Learn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Top Genealogy: Find more of the best of family history and genealogy under the The Best of Genealogy category. #AfricanAmericanGenealogy,#AfricanAmericanAncestry,#Genealogy  African American Genealogy Research Tips, Records and Resources in Honor of Juneteenth, Freedom Day African American Genealogy Research Tips in Honor of Juneteenth, Freedom Day!Juneteenth, Freedom Day Juneteenth was finally established as a federal holiday, last year on June 17, 2021, to be recognized and observed every year on June 19th, unless it falls on a weekend, but it has been around much longer than that! Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Emancipation Day. Even though Emancipation was proclaimed in 1863, it wasn’t actually implemented in confederate states, and the implementation took affect little by little. The last place that word had reached, and emancipation was finally implemented, was in the state of Texas, on June 19, 1865, when Union troops landed in Galveston, Texas and announced their freedom by executive decree. Juneteenth has been celebrated ever since; although, many Americans have not been aware of it. With it being a federal holiday, all Americans will finally know of this holiday and what an important day in history it was and is! 😉 In the early days it had been celebrated with prayer and family gatherings, and some taking pilgrimages to Galveston; today it is celebrated with the same, as well as parades, festivals and more.  Emancipation Proclamation; Library of Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Alfred Whital Stern Collection of Lincolniana African American Genealogy Research
Are you researching African American Ancestors for either yourself, another family member, friend, or a client? Are you looking for research tips, records to use, resources, or Presentations? I do not specialize in African American research in any way, but I have researched for African American clients and thought some of the information I use, that I have listed below, may be of interest and help. 😊 Steps to researching your African American Ancestors:
African American Genealogy Research Records:
African American Genealogy Research Tips:
African American Genealogy Resources:
African American Genealogy and Ancestry Webinars and Presentations Coming Up:
Free Anytime FamilySearch Lessons in African American Genealogy:
FREE Anytime BYU Library African American Research Videos
Interactive Questions: How will you celebrate Juneteenth? Are you stuck in your African American genealogy research? What records above have you found the most useful in your African American genealogy research? Do you have other tips or resources that may be helpful? Did you know that MyHeritage and FamilySearch offered these free genealogy classes and conferences? Are you signed up for any of the webinars and presentations listed above? I’d love to hear your comments below, in the comment section! More African American resources: Find more African American genealogy resources, tips, and other info under the African American Genealogy category. More Genealogy Events: Find some more genealogy presentations and events to attend, under the Genealogy Presentations category and the Genealogy Events category. More Genealogy Resources: Learn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page. More Genealogy Records: Learn about more records you can use in your research under the Genealogy Records category. This post is a participant in the Genealogy Blog Party! ←Back to Genealogy Resources Page |
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