When it comes to tracing family trees, not many realize just how challenging it can be for African Americans to do what everyone else has enjoyed for the past few decades. Many have found their lineage tracing to royalty several hundred years in the past, but for a long time, African Americans had to contend with the fact that their records were more challenging to procure.
After all, unlike the history of many other races, African Americans were tied to slavery, which meant that not many were properly recorded. For the most part, those considered free men and women were the only ones permitted to add their names to the history books. Fortunately, the advancements of today have made it much easier for African Americans to trace their lineage. Here are just a few ways to build your family tree as an African American!
Making use of family tree services
The Internet is filled with services tied to genealogy and family tree building, likely clamoring for your attention. That said, it would be a better idea to look before you leap! There are plenty of testimonials and user reviews out there that will help you narrow down the list. While it might take some effort to track down the best family tree service for you, keep in mind that many services come with a subscription fee. If you are going to pay any kind of money for a service, you might as well work toward choosing the very best one!
Looking toward DNA testing for answers
Family tree services are not the only ones available when it comes to checking your records and finding the answers to help you connect to your lineage. There also exist many DNA testing sites that can provide you with the information you seek – though it requires you to make use of the DNA testing kit, first! It might take some effort, but it is well worth the rewards.
Similar to the family tree services, you will find plenty of websites willing to help. That said, it does not mean you should go for the first service you see. You can look into testimonials such as my heritage review to see how some of the best measures up.
Getting your family to help
Last but certainly not least, some of the best answers can come from the easiest sources. While it is always a good idea to look toward DNA testing kits and family trees to get the job done, never underestimate the wealth of knowledge you could get from family! Your grandparents might just have an incredible story that can help you put together the pieces.
While it might be more challenging than usual for African Americans to build their family tree, it does not mean that it has to be a miserable ordeal. The tips above will do more than enough to provide you with a foundation to build your family tree!
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/african-american-smiling-face-1180847/
