Africa in my Veins: Unearthing Wellman Family's Astonishing Ancestry with iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Wellman
The results of a recent iGENEA DNA test unveiled a surprising revelation about my ancestral lineage. While the family name Wellman will always point me toward my Western European roots, a significant portion of my genetic makeup also hails from Sub-Saharan Africa. The knowledge, much unexpected, opened a new dimension of my self-understanding while enhancing my appreciation of racial diversity.
Africa in my Veins: The Wellman Family’s Unexpected Origins
The results of my iGENEA DNA test presented an unexpected narrative about my ancestral lineage. Growing up, my understanding of my ancestry believed to be as straightforward as the community I lived in - American with Western European roots stretching back centuries. My family name, Wellman, reinforced this belief. However, the iGENEA DNA test told an entirely different story.
According to the DNA results, a part of my genetic makeup originates from Sub-Saharan Africa. The percentage was substantial, indicating that my ancestors were mixed-race, with African and European members. The African ancestry traced back to specific ethnic groups not just across the continent, but focusing particularly in the regions of today's Tanzania, Kenya, and Congo. It’s highly probable that one or several of my ancestors belonged to these groups.
The revelation launched me into an exciting journey of ancestral exploration. I found it thrilling to realize that my genealogical roots extend to places and cultures I had no prior idea I was connected to. The discovery helped me understand my ancestors in a new light - as adventurous individuals who moved continents, embracing new cultures, and forming bonds across racial boundaries.
This unanticipated knowledge has significantly broadened my self-understanding and identity in a profound way. I now see myself not just as a descendent of western Europeans but also as a part of the rich, diverse tapestry of African cultures. I have started exploring the said African cultures, and it has become an exciting endeavor that offers valuable cross-cultural insights.
Additionally, this DNA discovery might also influence how I approach discussions about race and ethnicity in the future, seeing the world through a broader, more inclusive lens. This surprising revelation about the Wellman family has truly infused a sense of global belonging that transcends geographical borders.
A. Wellman