How surprised I was to discover through the course of tracing my family history that I have roots and DNA from West Africa.
I wasn't at all disappointed by this revelation but my identity for about 70 years had been as a white guy. Just mildly tanned.
Through this website, I'll be providing regular bite sized and interesting updates on the unbelievable learning I've experienced and how it's changed me.
What's been most awesome to me is how my family played a key part in one of the most significant events in American history, the slave trade, and the inspiring lives of the descendants of the earliest Africans on this continent.
Please come back and join in the unfolding of this incredible story.
the 20 and odd Negroes Who were they?
About the latter end of August, a Dutch man of Warr of the burden of a 160 tunnes [tons] arrived at Point-Comfort . . . [The ship] brought not any thing but 20 and odd Negroes, wch the Governor bought for victualls [food/provisions] (whereof he was in greate need) at the best and easyest rates they could. . . (John Rolfe Reports on Virginia to Sir Edwin Sandys, 1619)
The story of these "20 and odd Negroes" is the subject of this website. Who they were, how did they get here and why, what happened to them and their descendants over the past almost 400 years?
It's an inspiring and engaging story that I hope will be a resource not only for my family but others of all backgrounds, especially children and you who are in the process of learning about who we are.