Timmy84 said:

A lot of black Americans are mixed but I don't agree that all of us have blood related to people from West Africa. I'm sure it's more widespread than that. By the way, it ain't just black folks that were born in Africa, it's just as mixed as Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, South/Central America and North America. Who knows what Prince is mixed with but it was never confirmed he had Italian roots, nor was it confirmed that his father is half Asian. It was likely either rumors or stuff to be goofing about as waves said.

Timmy, from what I've researched from the experts, all Blacks have either one or more African ethnic group in their DNA from ethnic groups all over the continent of Africa, including the DNA of non-Black or non-Black African groups, outside of Africa. I am referring to Blacks not born from two parents directly from a specific, Black African ethnic group, where the large majority of them reside in America, although many live in other countries.

The oldest descendants of ancient humans have been found/studied and live in South Africa. They are referred to as the ikung people, where some still speak the 'click' language. *According to Spencer Wells' DNA research/testing on this particular African, ethnic group, he states (paraphrase) "..this group encompasses the facial features of the entire human species." This info based on Human Geneticist, Spencer Wells' research/DNA testing. (Source of info: Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey documentary/Book;documentary can be found in full on youtube in 13 episodes) I still don't know why this is such a touchy subject to discuss today.

Sidenote: Miriam Makeba incorporated that 'click' sound into that well-known song she was famous for.

" *added more info edit "

[Edited 10/5/11 20:33pm]

everyone is just a mixture of stuff!! my bloke has just found out he's from black ancestry & u would NEVER guess he's been very watered down.. it's facinating!

2elijah said:

Timmy84 said:

A lot of black Americans are mixed but I don't agree that all of us have blood related to people from West Africa. I'm sure it's more widespread than that. By the way, it ain't just black folks that were born in Africa, it's just as mixed as Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, South/Central America and North America. Who knows what Prince is mixed with but it was never confirmed he had Italian roots, nor was it confirmed that his father is half Asian. It was likely either rumors or stuff to be goofing about as waves said.

Timmy, from what I've researched from the experts, all Blacks have either one or more African ethnic group in their DNA from ethnic groups all over the continent of Africa, including the DNA of non-Black or non-Black African groups, outside of Africa. I am referring to Blacks not born from two parents directly from a specific, Black African ethnic group, where the large majority of them reside in America, although many live in other countries.

The oldest descendants of ancient humans have been found/studied and live in South Africa. They are referred to as the ikung people, where some still speak the 'click' language. This info based on Human Geneticist, Spencer Wells' research/DNA testing. (Source of info: Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey documentary/Book) I still don't know why this is such a touchy subject to discuss today.

Sidenote: Miriam Makeba incorporated that 'click' sound into that well-known song she was famous for.

[Edited 10/5/11 19:02pm]

I can believe it.

Neither of Prince's parents are directly biracial, by this I mean their parents were of two seperate races. They are both indeed the hybrids of multiple races throughout the history of African Americans, especially the creole of Lousiana. What's next the paper bag text to prove Prince is something other than an American of African descent?

Ooooh! Have you been to Ethiopia???

nursev said:

I should just pass this mess...but I won't. This subject always comes up and there is always someone who wants to make Prince some other race other than what he is which is Black. His mother and father were Black, all his siblings are Black. Any person that listens to Family Name, We March, Avalanche, etc and doesn't know that Prince Is a Black man is delusional and believe what they want to believe other than the truth.

This.

nursev said:

I should just pass this mess...but I won't. This subject always comes up and there is always someone who wants to make Prince some other race other than what he is which is Black. His mother and father were Black, all his siblings are Black. Any person that listens to Family Name, We March, Avalanche, etc and doesn't know that Prince Is a Black man is delusional and believe what they want to believe other than the truth.

Bottom line.

2elijah said:

ozone14 said:

It's not really possible to know because just about all the African cultures were mixed during slavery. But mostly all from north east Africa countries.

[Edited 10/5/11 7:42am]

Bolded part. Not true. Many Black Americans have African ancestors from all over the African continent they are not aware of, from West, East, South and North Africa. Yes many of the Africans who were enslaved and taken out of Africa, were among various Africans from different ethnic groups, when they were sold and transported to what is now America/the Caribbean, as well as when they were transported to various parts of Europe, and other places around the globe, during the transatlantic slave trade;but it is not impossible to find out which African ethnic group many Black Americans belong to. It just takes some DNA testing and research, to find out which areas those ethnic groups inhabited back then, as well as today. Not to mention you will find non-African ethnicities in many Black Americans (which it seems is a topic that goes ignored-maybe intentionally or on the basis of miseducation, ignorance or fear of discovery of what many may not be prepared to embrace or accept that many Blacks are carrying the DNA of other racial groups involved in the slave trade). So one should not be surprised in this day and age, when they see a 'multitude of light-skinned/dark-skinned complexions among Black Americans' . It is not uncommon or unusual and doesn't take away from their personal right individually or on a whole, to identify themselves as they choose, racially or ethnically. It's just that many people(including many Blacks from various cultural/ethnic groups) are either uneducated or ignorant about the many lineages common among Blacks as a whole, whether in or outside of America. It is quite surprising, that in 2011 many people are still undeducated or questioning the ethnicity of Black Americans, and not aware that the majority of them carry the DNA of more than just that of African ethnic groups, when the information is out there about this and not hidden.

[Edited 10/5/11 9:51am]

Actually I meant to say north WEST Africa. The majority of slaves DID come from that region.

2elijah said:

ozone14 said:

It's not really possible to know because just about all the African cultures were mixed during slavery. But mostly all from north east Africa countries.

[Edited 10/5/11 7:42am]

Bolded part. Not true. Many Black Americans have African ancestors from all over the African continent they are not aware of, from West, East, South and North Africa. Yes many of the Africans who were enslaved and taken out of Africa, were among various Africans from different ethnic groups, when they were sold and transported to what is now America/the Caribbean, as well as when they were transported to various parts of Europe, and other places around the globe, during the transatlantic slave trade;but it is not impossible to find out which African ethnic group many Black Americans belong to. It just takes some DNA testing and research, to find out which areas those ethnic groups inhabited back then, as well as today. Not to mention you will find non-African ethnicities in many Black Americans (which it seems is a topic that goes ignored-maybe intentionally or on the basis of miseducation, ignorance or fear of discovery of what many may not be prepared to embrace or accept that many Blacks are carrying the DNA of other racial groups involved in the slave trade). So one should not be surprised in this day and age, when they see a 'multitude of light-skinned/dark-skinned complexions among Black Americans' . It is not uncommon or unusual and doesn't take away from their personal right individually or on a whole, to identify themselves as they choose, racially or ethnically. It's just that many people(including many Blacks from various cultural/ethnic groups) are either uneducated or ignorant about the many lineages common among Blacks as a whole, whether in or outside of America. It is quite surprising, that in 2011 many people are still undeducated or questioning the ethnicity of Black Americans, and not aware that the majority of them carry the DNA of more than just that of African ethnic groups, when the information is out there about this and not hidden.

[Edited 10/5/11 9:51am]

Actually I meant to say north WEST Africa. The majority of slaves DID come from that region.

2elijah said:

ozone14 said:

It's not really possible to know because just about all the African cultures were mixed during slavery. But mostly all from north east Africa countries.

[Edited 10/5/11 7:42am]

Bolded part. Not true. Many Black Americans have African ancestors from all over the African continent they are not aware of, from West, East, South and North Africa. Yes many of the Africans who were enslaved and taken out of Africa, were among various Africans from different ethnic groups, when they were sold and transported to what is now America/the Caribbean, as well as when they were transported to various parts of Europe, and other places around the globe, during the transatlantic slave trade;but it is not impossible to find out which African ethnic group many Black Americans belong to. It just takes some DNA testing and research, to find out which areas those ethnic groups inhabited back then, as well as today. Not to mention you will find non-African ethnicities in many Black Americans (which it seems is a topic that goes ignored-maybe intentionally or on the basis of miseducation, ignorance or fear of discovery of what many may not be prepared to embrace or accept that many Blacks are carrying the DNA of other racial groups involved in the slave trade). So one should not be surprised in this day and age, when they see a 'multitude of light-skinned/dark-skinned complexions among Black Americans' . It is not uncommon or unusual and doesn't take away from their personal right individually or on a whole, to identify themselves as they choose, racially or ethnically. It's just that many people(including many Blacks from various cultural/ethnic groups) are either uneducated or ignorant about the many lineages common among Blacks as a whole, whether in or outside of America. It is quite surprising, that in 2011 many people are still undeducated or questioning the ethnicity of Black Americans, and not aware that the majority of them carry the DNA of more than just that of African ethnic groups, when the information is out there about this and not hidden.

[Edited 10/5/11 9:51am]

Actually I meant to say north WEST Africa. The majority of slaves DID come from that region.

ozone14 said:

2elijah said:

Bolded part. Not true. Many Black Americans have African ancestors from all over the African continent they are not aware of, from West, East, South and North Africa. Yes many of the Africans who were enslaved and taken out of Africa, were among various Africans from different ethnic groups, when they were sold and transported to what is now America/the Caribbean, as well as when they were transported to various parts of Europe, and other places around the globe, during the transatlantic slave trade;but it is not impossible to find out which African ethnic group many Black Americans belong to. It just takes some DNA testing and research, to find out which areas those ethnic groups inhabited back then, as well as today. Not to mention you will find non-African ethnicities in many Black Americans (which it seems is a topic that goes ignored-maybe intentionally or on the basis of miseducation, ignorance or fear of discovery of what many may not be prepared to embrace or accept that many Blacks are carrying the DNA of other racial groups involved in the slave trade). So one should not be surprised in this day and age, when they see a 'multitude of light-skinned/dark-skinned complexions among Black Americans' . It is not uncommon or unusual and doesn't take away from their personal right individually or on a whole, to identify themselves as they choose, racially or ethnically. It's just that many people(including many Blacks from various cultural/ethnic groups) are either uneducated or ignorant about the many lineages common among Blacks as a whole, whether in or outside of America. It is quite surprising, that in 2011 many people are still undeducated or questioning the ethnicity of Black Americans, and not aware that the majority of them carry the DNA of more than just that of African ethnic groups, when the information is out there about this and not hidden.

[Edited 10/5/11 9:51am]

Actually I meant to say north WEST Africa. The majority of slaves DID come from that region.

I think there was a glitch when you posted 3 times. Yes, that's what a lot of historians have stated, that the majority of Africans who were enslaved during the trans-atlantic slave trade, came out of West Africa, but they also came from parts of South and Central Africa as well. I also think many people don't realize that the transatlantic slave trade started in the Caribbean almost 200 years before Africans were bought/trade/sold and transported to North America. Many Africans were transported from the Caribbean to America as well. According to many historians, the first enslaved Africans were brought to North America around 1619 to Virginia,

In reference to your post, here's some info I found that may be of interest to you. It kind of gives an estimate of where Africans were transported from in Africa to South/Central/North Americas, including the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

(The below 'excerpt of info' is copied/pasted from the below link to show source of reference):

http://wysinger.homestead...spora.html

"..from Philip D. Curtin's book, The Atlantic Slave Trade, (1969), p. 221. .."

"PROJECTED EXPORTS OF THAT PORTION OF THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH SLAVE TRADE HAVING IDENTIFIABLE REGION OF COAST ORIGIN IN AFRICA, 1711-1810."

Senegambia (Senegal-Gambia) * 5.8%

Sierra Leone 3.4%

Windward Coast (Ivory Coast) * 12.1%

Gold Coast (Ghana) * 14.4%

Bight of Benin (Nigeria) * 14.5

Bight of Biafra (Nigeria) * 25.1%

Central and Southeast Africa (Cameroon-N. Angola) * 24.7%

*Edited to include map edit*

[Edited 10/6/11 9:34am]

nursev said:

I should just pass this mess...but I won't. This subject always comes up and there is always someone who wants to make Prince some other race other than what he is which is Black. His mother and father were Black, all his siblings are Black. Any person that listens to Family Name, We March, Avalanche, etc and doesn't know that Prince Is a Black man is delusional and believe what they want to believe other than the truth.

eros said:

Sometimes you can have an idea if you consider body types and statures With Prince....I'm thinking Pygmy maybe

awwww that's wrong lol

I doubt(but anything is possible) that slave traders would consider the Pygmys as good stock for labor. If Prince has Italian/Sicilian heritage his stature could come from that line...

2elijah said:

It’s actually not impossible to determine or recognize which African, ethnic group, many from various Black, African ethnic groups belong to based on some facial features, although there is no one 'standard' look that defines all Africans from African ethnic groups. Some features stand out more than others. I find that I can often tell if someone is from Ghana or Ethiopia, because of specific, facial features that are more present within specific ethnic groups, moreso than in others. This doesn’t mean everyone from a specific, African ethnic group will have those specific features that are recognizable, so-to-speak, but some are more present/easier to recognize than others.

However, it would be almost impossible to determine the African roots of Black Americans (including those from the Caribbean) who are descendants of Africans and Africans who were enslaved in America and the Caribbean (also not omitting those from other parts of the world), just by ‘looking at them’ regardless of their various complexions. A DNA test would have to be taken to determine which African ethnic group(s), they or their family may be connected to. Not to mention that because there were many Africans from various, ethnic groups within the Transatlantic slave trade, it would not be uncommon, that many Black Americans have ‘several’ African ethnicities within their ancestry.

Also, despite how many centuries have passed, doesn’t ‘dilute’ one’s African ancestry, that’s a fallacy, especially if you’re talking about the era during the transatlantic slave trade which is basically less than 700 years ago.

It's also a fact that Black Americans/Black Caribbeans have more than one racial/ethnic group flowing in their DNA, besides the many African ethnicities they carry within their DNA, and that DNA includes other racial/ethnic groups anywhere from European/Native American/Asian; they can carry either one or more of the DNA from one of these groups,

Have U had that done? I was thinking about having a DNA test done

nursev said:

I should just pass this mess...but I won't. This subject always comes up and there is always someone who wants to make Prince some other race other than what he is which is Black. His mother and father were Black, all his siblings are Black. Any person that listens to Family Name, We March, Avalanche, etc and doesn't know that Prince Is a Black man is delusional and believe what they want to believe other than the truth.

Nurse this isn't that ^^^

The person actually asked a respectible question. They are asking about any known specific 'African' origins, lot's of African-Americans/Biracial Americans, ask this question and do research or now take the dna tests to find specific African ethnic group ancestors.

Wasn't Alex Halley able to do that even back then?

OldFriends4Sale said:

2elijah said:

It’s actually not impossible to determine or recognize which African, ethnic group, many from various Black, African ethnic groups belong to based on some facial features, although there is no one 'standard' look that defines all Africans from African ethnic groups. Some features stand out more than others. I find that I can often tell if someone is from Ghana or Ethiopia, because of specific, facial features that are more present within specific ethnic groups, moreso than in others. This doesn’t mean everyone from a specific, African ethnic group will have those specific features that are recognizable, so-to-speak, but some are more present/easier to recognize than others.

However, it would be almost impossible to determine the African roots of Black Americans (including those from the Caribbean) who are descendants of Africans and Africans who were enslaved in America and the Caribbean (also not omitting those from other parts of the world), just by ‘looking at them’ regardless of their various complexions. A DNA test would have to be taken to determine which African ethnic group(s), they or their family may be connected to. Not to mention that because there were many Africans from various, ethnic groups within the Transatlantic slave trade, it would not be uncommon, that many Black Americans have ‘several’ African ethnicities within their ancestry.

Also, despite how many centuries have passed, doesn’t ‘dilute’ one’s African ancestry, that’s a fallacy, especially if you’re talking about the era during the transatlantic slave trade which is basically less than 700 years ago.

It's also a fact that Black Americans/Black Caribbeans have more than one racial/ethnic group flowing in their DNA, besides the many African ethnicities they carry within their DNA, and that DNA includes other racial/ethnic groups anywhere from European/Native American/Asian; they can carry either one or more of the DNA from one of these groups,

Have U had that done? I was thinking about having a DNA test done

I have been saying that every year, and haven't had a chance, but before middle of next year, I am going to get it done. I know tha orger "UptownNY" had his done and found out he has African, Native American and European DNA. I think he went through this company:

http://www.ancestrybydna.com/

You should check out their link. It's very informative. You can only find out your paternal ancestry through your father's side, not through the maternal side. For females, you have to use a male sibling, father, etc., to trace your paternal side, since women don't have the "Y" chromosone. It states the test doesn't trace a person's race, but their genetic ancestry

Here's an excerpt from that site, and the link below, is cut/pasted as exactly as indicated in that link.I indicate this only when I post info, that is taken 'directly' from a source link, with the address of that link provided to show that source.

http://www.ancestrybydna....esting.php

Lineage DNA Testing

The science of Lineage DNA Testing relies on portions of human DNA that are passed from parents to children relatively unchanged through many generations. For the paternal line, we examine the Y chromosome, which is passed from father to son. For the maternal line, we examine the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is passed from a mother to all her children.

One could say that by examining these key parts of our DNA, our paternal and maternal history could be traced as far back as the first peoples who populated the earth. Scientific data shows that modern humans evolved in Africa 400,000 to 130,000 years ago, and started migrating outward.

During this migration, slight differences in the Y chromosome and the mtDNA—genetic markers—developed as groups settled in the different areas of the world. Today, we bear those marks within our DNA, making it possible to find out our ancestor's geographic roots. A simple cheek swab is all you need!

[Edited 10/6/11 11:46am]

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

Have U had that done? I was thinking about having a DNA test done

I have been saying that every year, and haven't had a chance, but before middle of next year, I am going to get it done. I know tha orger "UptownNY" had his done and found out he has African, Native American and European DNA. I think he went through this company:

http://www.ancestrybydna.com/

You should check out their link. It's very informative. You can only find out your paternal ancestry through your father's side, not through the maternal side. For females, you have to use a male sibling, father, etc., to trace your paternal side, since women don't have the "Y" chromosone. It states the test doesn't trace a person's race, but their genetic ancestry

mmm thanks 4 sharing that, I think I'm going to get it done at the end of the year. I might have my brothers go in with me on the pay, but I wonder if % come out differently for each individual.

As far as my dad is concerned his father was half English/Cherokee + Black, his (grand)father was English/Cherokee

OldFriends4Sale said:

2elijah said:

I have been saying that every year, and haven't had a chance, but before middle of next year, I am going to get it done. I know tha orger "UptownNY" had his done and found out he has African, Native American and European DNA. I think he went through this company:

http://www.ancestrybydna.com/

You should check out their link. It's very informative. You can only find out your paternal ancestry through your father's side, not through the maternal side. For females, you have to use a male sibling, father, etc., to trace your paternal side, since women don't have the "Y" chromosone. It states the test doesn't trace a person's race, but their genetic ancestry

mmm thanks 4 sharing that, I think I'm going to get it done at the end of the year. I might have my brothers go in with me on the pay, but I wonder if % come out differently for each individual.

As far as my dad is concerned his father was half English/Cherokee + Black, his (grand)father was English/Cherokee

You know that's a good question. I think I read someowhere that the results would be the same if siblings have the same parents (i.e., not half siblings), but not sure how true that is, but you can call that company and ask them about that. The phone number is listed on that site.

Prof Henry Gates took the test and his came out 50% European and 50% Sub-saharan African. Tom Joynor took the test and had less European DNA than Prof. Gates. I make the comparisons of their results, because Tom is fair-skinned, and most in society would think by looking at the two men, that Tom's results would have come out with more European DNA than Prof Henry Gates, since he is much lighter in skin tone than Prof Gates, but it turns out. Prof Gates had more European DNA than Tom. Which is why you can't just look at a person and determine who has more of any ancestry, based on their skin color.

Surprising but true. However, I'm not trying to take away anything by posting this information, regarding Black Americans who define themselves as Black or African-American, r diminish anyone's African ancestry. My point is that there are very few in society that understand or are educated about Blacks in general when it comes to our racial background/ancestry, and why many of us are comfortable with, and choose to define ourselves as such, regardless of what other ancestries ares found within our DNA through testing. When I do my test and the results show other ancestries in my DNA, at the end of the day, I am still and always will define myself as a Black American or African-American woman, but I will embrace all that I am as well.

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

mmm thanks 4 sharing that, I think I'm going to get it done at the end of the year. I might have my brothers go in with me on the pay, but I wonder if % come out differently for each individual.

As far as my dad is concerned his father was half English/Cherokee + Black, his (grand)father was English/Cherokee

You know that's a good question. I think I read someowhere that the results would be the same if siblings have the same parents (i.e., not half siblings), but not sure how true that is, but you can call that company and ask them about that. The phone number is listed on that site.

Prof Henry Gates took the test and his came out 50% European and 50% Sub-saharan African. Tom Joynor took the test and had less European DNA than Prof. Gates. I make the comparisons of their results, because Tom is fair-skinned, and most in society would think by looking at the two men, that Tom's results would have come out with more European DNA than Prof Henry Gates, since he is much lighter in skin tone than Prof Gates, but it turns out. Prof Gates had more European DNA than Tom. Which is why you can't just look at a person and determine who has more of any ancestry, based on their skin color.

Surprising but true. However, I'm not trying to take away anything by posting this information, regarding Black Americans who define themselves as Black or African-American, r diminish anyone's African ancestry. My point is that there are very few in society that understand or are educated about Blacks in general when it comes to our racial background/ancestry, and why many of us are comfortable with, and choose to define ourselves as such, regardless of what other ancestries ares found within our DNA through testing. When I do my test and the results show other ancestries in my DNA, at the end of the day, I am still and always will define myself as a Black American or African-American woman, but I will embrace all that I am as well.

Yep because having admixture extends outside of skin tone. There are feacial features, hair texture even body structure and facial shape degree of hair

I think (and I hope I don't sound cheesy) but I think an end goal is for us to get closer to seeing each other as human 1st. 1 Species. And let the other things such as race heritage & ethnicity be an additive flavour.

OldFriends4Sale said:

2elijah said:

You know that's a good question. I think I read someowhere that the results would be the same if siblings have the same parents (i.e., not half siblings), but not sure how true that is, but you can call that company and ask them about that. The phone number is listed on that site.

Prof Henry Gates took the test and his came out 50% European and 50% Sub-saharan African. Tom Joynor took the test and had less European DNA than Prof. Gates. I make the comparisons of their results, because Tom is fair-skinned, and most in society would think by looking at the two men, that Tom's results would have come out with more European DNA than Prof Henry Gates, since he is much lighter in skin tone than Prof Gates, but it turns out. Prof Gates had more European DNA than Tom. Which is why you can't just look at a person and determine who has more of any ancestry, based on their skin color.

Surprising but true. However, I'm not trying to take away anything by posting this information, regarding Black Americans who define themselves as Black or African-American, r diminish anyone's African ancestry. My point is that there are very few in society that understand or are educated about Blacks in general when it comes to our racial background/ancestry, and why many of us are comfortable with, and choose to define ourselves as such, regardless of what other ancestries ares found within our DNA through testing. When I do my test and the results show other ancestries in my DNA, at the end of the day, I am still and always will define myself as a Black American or African-American woman, but I will embrace all that I am as well.

Yep because having admixture extends outside of skin tone. There are feacial features, hair texture even body structure and facial shape degree of hair

I think (and I hope I don't sound cheesy) but I think an end goal is for us to get closer to seeing each other as human 1st. 1 Species. And let the other things such as race heritage & ethnicity be an additive flavour.

Your end sentence sounds very easy to say, but it's another thing for people to practice and embrace what you stated with respect, because race in and of itself, is still a societal issue, that is not met with respect and often dismissed as a topic of discussion. How well and respected many humans are treated within this society, as well as, around the world, unfortunately is sometimes based on that individual's racial background, as well as one's economic/social class.

If you're stating that humans need to see each other as being part of 'one human species' and equals, well some of us know this and accept that, but the problem is, way too often, many are not willing to accept, respect or practice that attitude or behavior or make the effort to educate themselves about the origins/history of the human species, but would rather continue to stick to narrow, ignorant and stereotypical views of many, and dismiss the topic as having any value at all.

[Edited 10/6/11 17:23pm]

neowa said:

Neither of Prince's parents are directly biracial, by this I mean their parents were of two seperate races. They are both indeed the hybrids of multiple races throughout the history of African Americans, especially the creole of Lousiana. What's next the paper bag text to prove Prince is something other than an American of African descent?

You would be appalled at some of the wild, off the wall speculation and silliness folks post on this topic, but Prince looks exactly like what he is...a black Louisiana Creole.

Other than that, if the OP wants to know which African group he most resembles, maybe s/he should ask some people from the continent. It always amazes me how people from all over Africa identify me with a particular region of South Africa just by looking at me.

2Elijah, you seem to know quite a bit about African-American history. And I would like to mention that Louisiana has French-Canadian heritage as well, not only Creole, I believe its called Cajun Ancestry? There is a rural, "bayou" region of Louisiana called "Cajun Country." Has anyone heard of Cajun Ancestry? Prince could possibly have this lineage in addition to African heritage as well.

So, what we really need is a piece of Prince's hair and then we can all have a whip round and submit it to say three different DNA companies?

Interesting debate here guys - I'm asian (a brown rather than yellow...) but adopted by white parents. Managed to trace some of my family and met my uncle but no connection or Hollywood moment. He was just a bloke, so was I. Nice to see common features but that was about it. I was just wondering for those of you that have traced ur roots as it were what feelings or connections did you get to know where specifically your origins lie.

For me at least I discovered that genetics aside, and British colonialism of East Africa / Uganda / India that created me that I am a culmination of the places I have grown up (Middlesbrough, Edinburgh and Preston), and my immediate family.

2elijah - can you give me a pointer as to people who've traced / gone back etc - I remember Gates doing a TV Doc on a train and going over to Africa but would be kinda interested if you could suggest a name or two I might be able to google.

Oh...and part of the reason I identified with Prince as a bairn was that he was short like me and a similar colour. Admit it - he's from India!!

memyselfnman said:

2Elijah, you seem to know quite a bit about African-American history. And I would like to mention that Louisiana has French-Canadian heritage as well, not only Creole, I believe its called Cajun Ancestry? There is a rural, "bayou" region of Louisiana called "Cajun Country." Has anyone heard of Cajun Ancestry? Prince could possibly have this lineage in addition to African heritage as well.

Yes 2Elijah is an acadamian

Well Creole is a term of connection with French ethnicity and heritage

Yes the Cajuns of Canada and the Americas are an interesting group

mikeyaddict said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

memyselfnman said:

2Elijah, you seem to know quite a bit about African-American history. And I would like to mention that Louisiana has French-Canadian heritage as well, not only Creole, I believe its called Cajun Ancestry? There is a rural, "bayou" region of Louisiana called "Cajun Country." Has anyone heard of Cajun Ancestry? Prince could possibly have this lineage in addition to African heritage as well.

Yes 2Elijah is an acadamian

Well Creole is a term of connection with French ethnicity and heritage

Yes the Cajuns of Canada and the Americas are an interesting group

Thank OF4S.

memyselfnman said:

2Elijah, you seem to know quite a bit about African-American history. And I would like to mention that Louisiana has French-Canadian heritage as well, not only Creole, I believe its called Cajun Ancestry? There is a rural, "bayou" region of Louisiana called "Cajun Country." Has anyone heard of Cajun Ancestry? Prince could possibly have this lineage in addition to African heritage as well.

Honestly I don' know much about Cajun/Creole history, but the little I know and still question, especially about Black Louisiana Creoles, in particular, is that their Creole ancestry is tied in with Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean. Remember many Haitians immigrated from Haiti to New Orlean/Louisiana years ago and settled there, and took their culture with them. There is a history of 'Creole' culture all over the Caribbean as well, which is why I feel some of that Caribbean history of the Black Creoles in Louisiana is often overlooked as being connected to the Caribbean. If you compare the spicy foods to the Caribbean vs Cajun food, it's pretty much along the same lines.

Anyway didn't the term "Criollo" originate with the Spanish/Spaniards, when they occupied plantations in South America, and when they took possession of New Orleans, and the term was changed to "Creole" because that's how the French termed it? From what I know, the term has been used to identify various 'Creole' groups in the Caribbean, Spain, New Orleans, etc. from persons of mixed parentage (biracial;parents from different racial groups), to those with African, French and Spanish ancestry and in some places, for some with a mixture of Spanish/Portuguese/French ancestry, to defining the various lingo spoken within each group, and food? Seems everyone has a different definition/version of its use.

[Edited 10/7/11 11:32am]