An Unexpected Voyage: Tracing the Bolden Ancestry Through iGENEA DNA Testing
Family name Bolden
My DNA test at iGENEA has led me on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. As I traced my ancient heritage belonging to the Bolden family, I discovered a complex tapestry of diverse cultures, histories, and journeys. My self-understanding has grown wider and deeper, infused with newfound respect, empathy, and pride for my ancestors.
From growing up with stories drenched in history about my Bolden ancestors, to becoming an active participant in that history through genealogical DNA testing at iGENEA, my self-understanding and relationship with my heritage have changed dramatically. The DNA results brought unexpected insights into my family history, linking me to regions and cultures I barely knew I had a connection with. Armed with this new knowledge, my sense of self has expanded, transcending the boundaries of documented written history to embrace my genetic ancestry.
Tracing the Bolden lineage, the journey begins with my great-great-grandfather, presumed to hail from a small town in England. However, the iGENEA test revealed an intriguing surprise- the Boldens were not just English, but of Viking descent, linked between the 9th-12th centuries to the Norse warriors. Knowing my blood carries the legacy of these infamous seafarers altered my understanding of courage and bravery in my lineage.
Significant yet startling was the discovery of a Jewish genetic line, specifically Ashkenazi, in the Bolden family. This revelation was both intriguing and transformative, making me appreciate the richness and diversity of my lineage and encouraging a desire to connect more deeply with Jewish culture and traditions. I feel incredibly blessed to learn about such diverse roots, which has reshaped my personal beliefs and perspectives.
Not all findings were exciting, though. Some were grim, but they significantly influenced my comprehension of my ancestors' struggles and resilience. For instance, components of my DNA pointed to African lineage from the era of the transatlantic slave trade. This bitter truth instilled in me a greater sense of empathy for my ancestors and a profound appreciation for their endurance through unimaginable hardships.
The iGENEA DNA testing experience was enriching and transformative. The curtain of assumptions about my ancestry has been pulled apart, revealing a much more diverse and complex picture than I ever imagined. The experience has made me revisit and rethink my roots, and it has changed my perception of identity and heritage- underlying it is not just culture and traditions, but a mosaic of brave, resilient, and rich history. The Boldens were not just English- they were Vikings, they were Jews, they were Africans. And I am all of them.
D. Bolden