I say that I’m Black and I heavily associate with my African ancestors but I know deep down that’s not the full story. I want to get a DNA test done but I already know I’m going to have to face the fact that a percentage will come back as European.

I also know I have Native American ancestors because my great grandmother was half Native and half Black and she only passed away a few weeks ago so we know her story. As much as I want to say I’m Black mixed with Black, that’s just not the full story.

I like how Octavia Butler confronts the issue of Black Americans having white ancestors in her book “Kindred.” If you haven’t read it you should! A part of me wishes that we had more dialog about the mixed ancestry of Americans. A lot of us aren’t just one ethnicity.

Deciding to take a DNA test as an American who doesn’t know my ethnic origin is difficult. Will I feel less connected to my Black identity and African roots? Will I go searching for other connections based on the test? Will I be angry? Will I start marking a different “bubble”?

Is it worth it?

I do know if I get a DNA test I will have to go back and read “In the Name of Identity” by Amin Maalouf. I highly recommend this book too. It deals with ethnocentrism and contemplates the value we should give ethnicity in society.

This is something that is hardly ever talked about although we know people do in fact value ethnic origins. We have pride in where we “come from” but at what cost and to what benefit?