The Daily The Sunday Read: ‘Sigrid Johnson Was Black. A DNA Test Said She Wasn’t’
Feb 28, 2021
Sigrid E. Johnson's DNA ancestry test challenged her long-held beliefs about her racial identity, leading to a profound emotional journey. The podcast explores the implications of ancestry testing, particularly how skewed data affects non-European individuals. It raises ethical concerns about the reliability of genetic reports and the impact on personal identity. Listeners are taken through the complexities of self-discovery, acceptance, and the surprising connections that can emerge from a simple DNA test.
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Sigrid's DNA Test
- Sigrid Johnson, raised by Black parents, participated in a DNA ancestry test.
- The test challenged her identity by reporting a low African percentage.
How DNA Tests Work
- DNA tests analyze genetic sequences to reveal ancestry and familial connections.
- This is done by comparing shared genetic similarities based on geographical origin.
Embracing Black Identity
- After discovering she was adopted, Sigrid chose to attend Wilberforce University.
- There, she embraced Black culture and identity, even trying to style her hair in an afro.