The Project

The African Kinship Reunion (TAKiR) is a groundbreaking research project that combines cutting-edge genetic testing, rigorous genealogical research, and in-depth social science analysis to help people of African descent reconnect with their ancestral roots and long-lost family members separated by the Transatlantic Slave Trade (TST).

Background

The practice of separating families was a common and well-documented aspect of slavery in the United States. Approximately 12.5 million enslaved people were trafficked internationally without regard for their family ties during the TST between 1525 and 1866. This legacy of separation has resulted in a disrupted sense of identity and a loss of ancestral connections that is felt to this day.

Due to the historical disruption of family ties compounded over generations, many present-day African Americans encounter significant challenges in tracing their ancestral lineages. Despite these challenges, there is a strong interest in ancestral discovery among African Americans, mirroring the U.S. adult population, with approximately 15% engaging in genetic testing to learn about their family history.

Research has shown that identity development, particularly ethnic-racial identity development for African Americans, is associated with psychological well-being. The TAKiR project aims to contribute to identity exploration, allowing individuals to piece together their family history and understand their story within a broader cultural narrative, thereby also contributing to the emotional and psychological well-being of participants.

Participation Avenues

Our project is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with documented African ancestry, African Americans, and other members of the African diaspora. We welcome participants who have taken DNA tests with companies like AncestryDNA or 23andMe, as well as those who have not yet explored their genetic heritage.

There are three main avenues for participation in the TAKiR project:

AncestryDNA Match: If you have taken a DNA test with AncestryDNA and have been identified as a potential match to one of our Ghanaian participant profiles, you may be eligible to join our project. By uploading your raw DNA data and providing a saliva sample, you can help us uncover your genetic connections to Ghana and other African regions.

Illinois Resident: If you are a resident of Illinois at least 18 years old and identify as a person of African descent, you are invited to participate in our project. By providing a saliva sample, you can discover your genetic relatedness to reference populations and living African individuals, gaining valuable insights into your ancestral histories.

Invited Genetic Relatives: If you have been identified as a potential genetic relative of an existing TAKiR participant, you may be invited to join our project to help construct a multigenerational genetic family tree. By participating, you can uncover your shared ancestral lineages and connect with long-lost relatives.

Genetic Analysis and Family Reunification

Regardless of your avenue of participation, our team of expert geneticists, genealogists, and social scientists will work diligently to analyze your DNA sample and uncover your ancestral connections. Using advanced genetic sequencing technologies and proprietary algorithms, we can identify shared DNA segments, estimate degrees of relatedness, and construct detailed family trees spanning multiple generations.

Recent studies have shown that it is feasible for people of African descent to find living African relatives using direct-to-consumer genetic testing. With shared ancestors in the range of 20-6 generations ago, identical-by-descent (IBD) segment sharing can be detected between African individuals and descendants of Africans enslaved during the TST. By leveraging these genetic tools and strategic sampling methods, the TAKiR project aims to infer genetic family trees that include African and African diaspora cousins, helping to restore family narratives disrupted by the TST.

The TAKiR project utilizes two powerful approaches to uncover your genetic heritage and family connections:

Reference Population Analysis: By comparing your DNA sample to a comprehensive database of reference populations from various African regions, we can identify the ancestral populations to which you have the strongest genetic affinity. This analysis provides valuable insights into your ancestral origins and the geographical regions where your ancestors likely resided prior to the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Living Relative Matching: In addition to reference population analysis, we also compare your DNA sample to a growing database of living African individuals who have participated in our project or collaborated with our research partners. By identifying shared DNA segments between you and these living African relatives, we can establish direct genealogical connections and potentially locate long-lost branches of your family tree.

The combination of reference population analysis and living relative matching provides a powerful framework for uncovering your ancestral roots and connecting with your African heritage. Our research team will work tirelessly to analyze your genetic data, identify meaningful connections, and provide you with detailed reports and interactive tools to explore your results.

But TAKiR is more than just a genetic testing service. We are committed to facilitating meaningful, healthy reunifications between newfound relatives. Our team provides personalized guidance, emotional support, and cultural resources to help participants navigate the complex journey of family reconnection. We understand that discovering long-lost relatives can be a profound and sometimes overwhelming experience, which is why we prioritize participant well-being throughout the process.

Social Science Research and Broader Impact

In addition to genetic analysis and family reunification support, TAKiR is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the enduring impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on African ancestry, family structure, and identity. Our social science research team conducts surveys, interviews, and focus groups with project participants to explore the social, emotional, and cultural dimensions of family reunification. By sharing our findings through academic publications, educational resources, and public outreach, we aim to promote greater awareness and appreciation for the rich tapestry of African heritage that binds us all.

Furthermore, the TAKiR project has the potential to contribute to the psychological well-being of participants by facilitating identity exploration and providing a more cohesive family narrative. Reconnecting with ancestral roots and long-lost relatives can be a source of emotional healing and empowerment for individuals and communities impacted by the historical trauma of the TST.

Ethical Considerations and Participant Privacy

At TAKiR, we are committed to the highest standards of privacy, data security, and ethical research practices. We understand the sensitive nature of genetic and personal information, which is why we have implemented robust safeguards to protect participant data at every stage of the research process. Our state-of-the-art data encryption, secure storage protocols, and strict access controls ensure that your information remains confidential and secure.

We also recognize the potential emotional weight and complex implications of exploring ancestral genetic genealogy, particularly for those of African descent. Our research team is prepared to provide appropriate guidance, support, and resources to help participants navigate the potentially painful revelations and historical scars that may be uncovered during this journey.

Throughout the project, we are committed to maintaining transparency, respecting participant autonomy, and centering the welfare and dignity of all individuals and groups involved. We will work closely with participants and communities to ensure that our research practices align with their self-determined interests and priorities.

Join Us

By participating in the TAKiR research project, you are not only embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery and family reconnection but also contributing to a larger mission of healing, reconciliation, and cultural reclamation. Together, we can bridge the gaps of history, forge new bonds of kinship, and build a future where the richness and resilience of African heritage are celebrated and cherished.

Join us on this transformative journey, and let us work together to reunite families, reclaim our roots, and honor the enduring legacy of our African ancestors. If you have any questions about the research project or how to get involved, please don't hesitate to contact our research team at contact@takir.org.