 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 As I began tracing her lineage, however, I was eager to verify and expand upon this history with the help of historical documents, church records, and eventually DNA testing.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. 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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8/25/2024 Unlock the Secrets of Genetic Genealogy with the Southern California Genealogical Society's DNA Interest GroupRead Now Southern California Genealogical Society's DNA Interest Group for expert insights into genetic genealogy Exploring the DNA Interest Group Host, the Southern California Genealogical SocietyFounded in 1964, the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) has been a strong and reliable resource for genealogical research, education, and community. As the largest genealogical society in Southern California, SCGS serves a diverse and dynamic membership, providing invaluable resources and support for those delving into their family histories. The Society’s mission is to help individuals understand and appreciate the unique histories, cultures, and traditions of our diverse communities, fostering an appreciation for the collective contributions to society. With an extensive library of over 40,000 volumes, including 6,000 family histories, SCGS offers a wide variety of research resources that go beyond regional boundaries to include materials from every state and several countries. The DNA Interest Group: Pioneering Genetic Genealogy EducationIn 2005, SCGS formed the DNA Interest Group, one of the first of its kind in the United States, dedicated to educating and assisting members in understanding the complexities of DNA testing and interpreting their results. This group, a cornerstone of SCGS’s educational offerings, has become an essential resource for anyone interested in genetic genealogy—a field that has revolutionized the way we explore our ancestry and connect with biological relatives. DNA analysis and genetic genealogy are powerful tools that have not only helped countless individuals discover previously unknown relatives but have also been important in solving historical mysteries and even aiding criminal investigations. The SCGS DNA Interest Group provides a community where members can learn about the latest developments in DNA testing, discuss their results, and receive personalized assistance in interpreting their data. Hybrid Meetings: A Blend of Learning and Personalized HelpThe DNA Interest Group holds quarterly hybrid meetings on the 5th Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These meetings offer a unique blend of education and personalized support. Typically, each meeting features a speaker or lecture on a relevant topic, followed by dedicated time for individualized help, where attendees can work with experts to better understand their DNA results and genealogical research. The next meeting, scheduled for Saturday, August 31, 2024, promises to be particularly enlightening. The event will be held at the SCGS Library in Burbank, with both in-person and online participation available, reflecting the Society’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement. Upcoming Presentation: "Who Is That Mystery DNA Match?" by Diane HenriksThis quarter’s featured speaker is me, Diane Henriks, a professional genealogist specializing in solving for unknown parentage and brick walls, which heavily incorporates genetic genealogy. I will present "Who Is That Mystery DNA Match? Solving a Genetic Genealogy Brick Wall" from 10:10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. My presentation will tackle one of the more perplexing challenges in genetic genealogy—identifying unexpected DNA matches. Many individuals are surprised when they encounter a DNA match they can’t immediately place within their known family tree. My presentation will equip attendees with a comprehensive methodology for investigating these mystery matches. I will demonstrate how to incorporate various resources—such as matches across different DNA testing platforms, photographs, public records, Google searches, social media, and geographical locations—into a cohesive strategy for uncovering the identity of these unknown relatives. Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with me and gain further insights into their own genealogical puzzles. The Value of Attending DNA Interest Group Meetings Attending a DNA Interest Group meeting at SCGS offers numerous benefits for anyone interested in genetic genealogy, whether you are a beginner or an experienced researcher. Participants gain access to:
Join Us on August 31, 2024 Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from me, Diane Henriks, at the next DNA Interest Group meeting on Saturday, August 31. Whether you attend in person at the SCGS Library in Burbank or join online, this event is sure to provide you with the tools and insights needed to tackle your most challenging DNA matches. For more information about the Southern California Genealogical Society, the DNA Interest Group, or to register for the upcoming meeting, visit the SCGS website. Join us and unlock the mysteries hidden within your DNA! More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA Collaboration: Transfer Your Family Tree Exciting News: MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA Announce New Collaboration!I am excited to share some fantastic news for all you genealogy enthusiasts and DNA researchers! MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA, two biggies in the genealogy world, have launched a new collaboration that will bring even more value to your family history research. What’s New? Seamless Family Tree Transfer: FamilyTreeDNA users can now transfer their family trees to MyHeritage for free! This integration allows you to continue building and expanding your family tree on MyHeritage, taking advantage of its super powerful genealogy tools and features. Access to MyHeritage’s Robust Tools: By transferring your family tree to MyHeritage, you gain access to a wide range of advanced genealogy tools and technologies that are not available on FamilyTreeDNA. This includes tools for record matching, automatic matches to other family trees, photo enhancements, and much more. Voluntary Transfer: While transferring your tree data to MyHeritage is voluntary, it is HIGHLY encouraged. FamilyTreeDNA will officially phase out their family tree builder on September 9, 2024. After this date, family trees on FamilyTreeDNA will become read-only, although you can still transfer them to MyHeritage. Focus on DNA Testing: This collaboration allows FamilyTreeDNA to focus on what they do best – DNA testing services and reporting – while providing their users with access to MyHeritage’s top-notch family tree tools. How to Transfer Your Family Tree
Why Transfer Now? Transferring your family tree data as soon as possible ensures you won’t lose any functionality when FamilyTreeDNA phases out their tree builder. Plus, early transfer gives you immediate access to all the fantastic tools MyHeritage offers. For more details about this exciting integration, check out the official blog post on MyHeritage. Let’s spread the word and make the most of this new collaboration to enhance our genealogy research! Happy researching! More MyHeritage Update, Tools, and FeaturesLearn about more of the latest MyHeritage updates, tools, and features under the MyHeritage category. More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Ancestry's New Community Groups Feature Exciting news for genealogists and family historians! Ancestry.com has introduced a new BETA feature, Community Groups, set to transform how we connect, share, and collaborate in our genealogical journeys. While still in its testing phase and available to select users, this feature promises to be a valuable addition to Ancestry's toolkit. What Are Community Groups? Currently, the Community Groups feature showcases three public groups:
First Impressions and Potential Though still in BETA and not fully accessible, the feature appears to be aimed at fostering community engagement and collaboration. Users can join groups, but full functionality—including viewing and participating in discussions—is not yet available. The placeholder message reads: "Coming soon: Community groups. We’re building a space for you to connect with others, celebrate your milestones, ask for help, and uncover more about your family history. Check back soon for updates." Why This Matters As a professional genealogist, the prospect of these community groups is incredibly promising. Here’s why:
Final Thoughts While we await the full rollout, the anticipation surrounding Ancestry’s Community Groups is Real. This feature has the potential to enhance our research by providing a supportive community where we can share knowledge, seek assistance, and celebrate our genealogical achievements together. Stay tuned for further updates as Ancestry.com continues to develop and refine this exciting new feature. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting your journey, Community Groups could soon become an invaluable part of your research toolkit. More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Top 5 DNA Genealogy Testing Sites Top 5 DNA Genealogy Testing SitesAre you ready to take the plunge and take a DNA test whether it be to enhance your genealogy, find biological family, break down a genealogy brick wall, or just to know who you are and where you came from? In the rapidly advancing field of genetic genealogy, choosing the right DNA testing service is crucial for uncovering your ancestral roots and connecting with relatives. Let's explore the top five DNA genealogy testing sites: AncestryDNA, FamilyTreeDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and Living DNA. Each of these services offers unique features and strengths that cater to different aspects of genealogical research. Let's take a quick look into what each has to offer. 1. Ancestry.com/AncestryDNA AncestryDNA DNA Genealogy Testing Site AncestryDNA is one of the most popular DNA testing services, especially among those looking to build and expand their family trees.
2. FamilyTreeDNA FamilyTreeDNA DNA Genealogy Testing Site FamilyTreeDNA is a pioneer in the field of genetic genealogy and offers a comprehensive range of DNA tests.
3. 23andMe 23andMe DNA Genealogy Testing Site 23andMe is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface and a combination of ancestry and health insights.
4. MyHeritage/MyHeritage DNA MyHeritage DNA Genealogy Testing Site MyHeritage is a robust platform for genealogical research, offering a strong combination of DNA testing and family tree building.
5. Living DNA Living DNA DNA Genealogy Testing Site Living DNA offers a unique and detailed approach to genetic ancestry testing with a focus on regional breakdowns.
Choosing the right DNA testing service depends on your specific genealogical goals. Whether you are looking for a detailed ethnicity breakdown, connections with relatives, deep paternal or maternal lineage insights, or health-related genetic information, one of these top five DNA genealogy testing sites will meet your needs. Each offers unique features and strengths, ensuring that you can uncover the rich tapestry of your ancestry and build a more complete picture of your family history. More Genetic Genealogy/DNA Resources Find more DNA genealogy resources, tips, and other info under the Genetic Genealogy and DNA 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
 Ancestry's New Shared Matches DNA Pro Tool Enhances Genetic Genealogy Research Ancestry Updates June 2024: Introducing the New Shared Matches DNA Pro ToolAncestry has recently unveiled a highly anticipated addition to their Pro Tools suite: the Shared Matches DNA Pro Tool. This new feature enables users to explore the connections between their shared matches, offering a more detailed view of how individuals are interrelated within their genetic network. Designed to enhance genealogical research, Pro Tools is a premium set of tools available for an additional fee, as first introduced in Ancestry Updates December 2023: Ancestry's New Pro Tools. Getting Started with Ancestry’s New DNA Pro ToolTo access the Shared Matches Pro Tool, after the purchase of Pro Tools in addition to an already Ancestry membership, follow these simple steps:
 Getting to Ancestry's Shared Match DNA Pro Tool- Step 2  Getting to Ancestry's Shared Match DNA Pro Tool- Step 3  Getting to Ancestry's Shared Match DNA Pro Tool- Step 4 Current Limitations and Considerations While this new tool brings exciting possibilities, it is important to note that it is still in its early stages. As with any new technology, there are some limitations and areas for improvement. Here are some of the issues users may encounter:
Important Notes
Insights and Reflections The new Shared Matches DNA Pro Tool holds significant potential for genealogists, especially those new to DNA research. It simplifies the process of understanding how shared matches may be related, which is invaluable for the majority of Ancestry subscribers. However, for seasoned professionals, the tool might serve more as a supplementary aid rather than a primary resource. In my professional experience, while the tool did not help confirm the one case I specifically purchased it for—due to the complexities of endogamy and pedigree collapse—it did prove valuable in validating previous research. Within just a few hours, I was able to confirm findings from my own family tree and work done for clients, from the past decade. Although it offers a novel way to explore relationships, it may feel more like an experimental feature than a game-changing tool at this stage. Overall, the new Shared Matches DNA Pro Tool represents an exciting step forward for AncestryDNA and their Pro Tools, and with continued development, it has the potential to become an indispensable resource for genealogists of all levels. More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Yes, there is a way to copy and save your DNA match list, easily! I am still in the process of testing out and using various AI platforms for different tasks, as some work out for certain tasks better than others, in my genealogical world. I recently tested out copying and pasting my DNA match list into the FREE version of ChatGPT to see if it would be an easy way to retain and save my matches and notes. Check out the results below for using AI to save your match lists, giving you yet another way to use AI in genealogy! Steps to Copy and Save Your DNA Match List with ChatGPT
 Save DNA Match List with ChatGPT Results of ChatGPT Retained DNA Match List and Notes*Note: Click on images to zoom in  Results of ChatGPT Retained DNA Match List and Notes- Example 1
More Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 MyHeritage Updates March 2024: Share DNA Results with a Collaborator! You can now share your DNA results with collaborators at MyHeritage! MyHeritage has now added the much-needed option to seek advice and guidance from others, by securely sharing your DNA results with a collaborator. By inviting others to view your DNA results, and become a member of your family site on MyHeritage, collaboration has never been easier! Benefits to DNA Collaboration at MyHeritage
Who Can Collaborate with MyHeritage DNA Results
Learn more: New: Sharing DNA Results with a Collaborator More MyHeritage and Other Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more MyHeritage and other family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.
 Ancestry Updates February 2024: AncestryDNA’s New, DNA Tools & Features, Paywall Ancestry has been slowly rolling over everyone, for quite a while now, who does not have a paid subscription to Ancestry or AncestryDNA to new, basic AncestryDNA features, now included with their DNA kits. Since it was little by little at the beginning, not all had noticed. They have now, officially, moved the majority of FREE DNA tools and features behind a paywall, making many quite unhappy. Just what can you get with the purchase of an AncestryDNA kit, now? What has moved over to their new, AncestryDNA Plus paywall, for those that had purchased their kits in the past? See the breakdown of just what’s behind this new paywall, below. Now ONLY Included with AncestryDNA Test Kit
Now Included ONLY with AncestryDNA Plus Membership
Now Included ONLY with Ancestry Family History Membership
And according to Ancestry, any that are associated with family trees or traits are subject to change and may require an Ancestry membership in the future. Food for thought (concerning both sides)
More Ancestry and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page
 Ancestry's New AI Family Tree and DNA Features Ancestry's New AI Features for Your Family Tree and DNA Ancestry seems to be on a major roll right now, consistently churning out new features one on top of the other! They have just released 2 new AI features to enhance your family history and genealogy, 1 for your family tree, and one for your DNA! These new features are in BETA mode, which means not all may have it; they could tweak it, add to it, delete some of the questions or features; or they may decide to delete it all together. AI to Enhance Your Ancestor’s StoryLearn about your ancestor in a fun, engaging, and educational way with the new AI feature for your family tree! With the new feature, you can learn about birth, marriage, death, and residence events during your ancestors’ lives. Categories and Questions:
AI Ancestor Birth Questions Samples
AI Ancestor Marriage Questions Samples
AI Ancestor Death Questions Samples
AI Ancestor Residence Questions Examples
How to get to AncestryAI for Your Ancestor
 How to Get to AncestryAI Feature for Your Family Tree *Note: Be careful using this info in a story, as some of the information is general for the area and not the specific period or vice versa. 😉 AI to Enhance Your DNA Story You can also learn about your estimated ethnic regions in a fun, engaging, and educational way with the new AI feature for your AncestryDNA! With this new feature, you can learn about daily life, common foods, notable historical figures, climate and geography, population movements, population, the people, and family life in each of your estimated ethnic regions! Categories and Questions:
How to Get to AncestryAI in AncestryDNA
 How to Get to AncestryDNA's AncestryAI Feature Go in and see if you have these 2 new AI features; if you do, then have fun with it! More Ancestry, AI, and Genealogy ResourcesLearn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features; AI in genealogy, and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com, AI in Genealogy, and Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.  |
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