Researching Black ancestry is a touchy subject for some people, and it’s simply downright hard to find.
While various companies offer genetic ancestry tests, only two on the market right now are Black-owned.
Here’s everything you need to know about them.
Officially launched in 2020, one of AfroRoots DNA’s core missions is to help bring the community together.
The company touts itself as being the only genetic ancestry test that helps people find how their individual African ethnic groups are a part of their total heritage, by looking at your entire family tree.
“We use cutting edge technology, ultra-secure methods, and DNA inherited from your entire family tree to provide a breakdown of your total ancestry, while including ethnic groups (aka ‘tribes’) in Africa,” AfroRoots explains on its website. “Thus, if you are of African descent, we can assure you that you will receive African results from our test.”
The test costs $180
African Ancestry is the first Black-owned DNA genetic test. It was founded by Dr. Rick Kittles, one of the few Black geneticists in the field.
Dr. Kittles was inspired to create a test specifically for Black people to trace their roots to Africa.
Founded in 2003, African Ancestry Inc. utilizes its proprietary database to more accurately assess present-day countries of origin and tribes for people of African descent.
Headquartered in Washington, DC., African Ancestry said they have touched the lives of thousands of Black families across the world, including celebrities such as Chadwick Boseman, Spike Lee, Robin Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, and more.
The test runs for $359.
Related: Traveler Used ‘African Ancestry’ To Trace Her Lineage Back To The Bamileke Tribe
