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Testing Allows African-Americans to Trace Ancestry
Several Celebrities Have Used the Test

Ron Claiborne, left, was "glowing" after he discovered his family comes from Ghana. Actor Isaiah Washington, who also had DNA testing performed, was overcome with emotion, shedding a tear for Claiborne

Oct. 21, 2005 - To help African-Americans trace their ancestry, companies are selling DNA-based genealogy tests that claim to pinpoint where a client's ancestors came from in Africa. Several celebrities have taken the tests, including talk show host Oprah Winfrey, director Spike Lee, actor Isaiah Washington and now ABC News' Ron Claiborne.
"Like so many Americans, I have always wondered about my own roots," Claiborne said. "But as with many African-Americans, I have never known from where in Africa my ancestors came. For most of us, the search ends here, in slavery."