I am pretty sure, but the African American side is a bit hazy. The Johnson’s hail from Owensboro, Kentucky and were slaves. It has been difficult to trace the ‘Johnson’ name because many slaves were given the name or they simply chose it as an ambiguous surname. The Winchester’s are a great big mix of Irish and Italian.
I spend a fair amount of time researching my heritage because people are constantly asking me what I am. At least once a day I get asked, 'Tu hables espanol?' Some ask if I am Puertorican, Brazilian, Cape Verdean, Haitian, African American, it’s kind of fun that no one can pin it down- great party trick.
During the habitual vehicle chaos on 495 this morning I was listening to 94.5 because NPR is fund raising from 7-9AM this week… I digress…
The morning show team directed me to a fascinating article Boston Globe article on a human heredity study. The Genographic Project collected DNA swabs from 20 local celebs to use their genetic mutations combined with hundreds of other individuals to learn more about human migratory patterns and life originations across the globe.
The results have exposed the massive migrations of humans due to climate change dating back 30,000 years and more. Genographic kits are available thru National Geographic for a mere $99.95. The proceeds will support the collection of samples of indigenous populations.
What a fabulously educational holiday gift!