DNA, S412, “African American History Etched in my DNA,” 9:30 am, Saturday, 13 May 2017

Speaker: Andre Kearns

Andre’s lecture at this year’s National Genealogical Society Family History Conference will be from the perspective of an African American genealogy hobbyist. Advances in DNA testing offer the possibility of leapfrogging brick walls created by slavery and connect to ancestral roots by analyzing family history documented within DNA. Andre’s presentation will offer strategies he’s used to advance his research as a hobbyist and highlight surprises uncovered in his own family history. Resources and methods used to uncover these family stories will be shared, and he’ll talk about how discoveries from the past now enrich his own life. Time will be available at the end of his presentation to engage audience members and answer questions.

About Your Speaker: Andre Kearns has deep roots in the American south and a passion for discovering new ancestors and learning their stories. An African American, he knew he descended from enslaved persons and likely slave owners which DNA analysis has helped confirm. Through his research he also discovered ancestors that were free people of color, Native American, and multi-racial persons. Discovering this ancestry has unlocked previously unknown rich aspects of American history. Andre is a genealogy hobbyist. By day he works in the business and technology world, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Business Administration from Morehouse College. His website www.Cumbofamily.com is where he regularly shares his research findings through blog posts.