A Million Milestone — I’m ecstatic to report that my blog, Roots and Recombinant DNA (www.rootsandrecombinantdna.com), has surpassed One Million views! When I started this Genetic Genealogy journey in 2012, I had no idea it would morph into one of the most prolific passions of my life. From helping people understand how DNA works, explaining complex genetic subjects, solving decades-long brick walls or family mysteries, bringing together long-lost family, and meeting my Motherland cousins; to appearing in the James Beard award-winning book, “The Cooking Gene” (by Michael Twitty), “The Lost Family: How DNA Testing is Upending Who We Are” (by Libby Copeland), being quoted in “Science Times” about U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Cherokee ancestry; to being published on International Society of Genetic Genealogists’s resource list and receiving Best Blog accolades, I’m forever humbled. It hasn’t been an easy journey. You’ll be surprised at the racism pervasive in genetic genealogy community, and perhaps the most disappointing — and hurtful — experiences have been the “family” who never cared to build a relationship with me. I realized that I had to disconnect from that sort of toxicity and refocus on all the love and support shown to me thus far. Thank you to all of the amazing people who’ve taught me, encouraged me, learned from me and believed in me. Thank you to all of the family and friends who’ve trusted me with your DNA and had faith in my expertise. I look forward to what the future shall bring, and you should expect more from me soon.
[NOTE: Due to personal reasons and a busy work schedule, I’m not taking requests for individualized DNA analysis/research until further notice. In the near future, I will provide instructions for paid and contractual work. Thank you for understanding.]