I hesitated to enter this contest. Plastered all over were pictures of black americans. The Pbs program was mentioned. Mentioned was the search many have done looking for Heritage in early america and Africa. One means was the DNA. Pbbs Had the series for several days. I saw some of it. I was amazed at much of it. I admired the hard work used in these searches. It is mentioned at the site where one can enter.
I do not know if they wish mostly those who think they have black or african ancestry to enter. What was not unusual was that many of the Black DNA takers had european ancestry. This is the reason I entered. I feel I will not take away from those of Afrrican heritage, who need this method of search. Perhaps I can add to the data. If I were to win. Many many people from the Hermansburg area went to Africa as missionaries. Others went to Pacific ocean areas. My ancestors lived in areas around Hermansburg. Especially in the Church area of Bergen and some wandered up to Munster, Muden Oertze, Fassberg, Soltau area. Others Wandered over to Fallingbastel........They married others from Minden, and Heemsen. Many from these locations did go to africa as Missionaries.
And I have seen many from Bergen, Kries Celle that have gone to Africa.
At a certain time in the history of older germany no matter what the name Hannover Kingdom or Niedersachen. the farmers at Lunburger Heide had a increasingly harder time keeping a living. Many reasons. Many were losing means of making a living. Many lost their land. Many just followed their faith instead of beekeeping or some other alternate method of making a living. Some began doing the missionary work. Through correct training at Hermansburg and other means, of course.
I may be in error in this summary. It is what I have mentally gathered form some reading material. Any corrections are welcome.
Once settled in africa I don't know much about how the Cast systems took place. I do not know what happened after 1900's. I only would think that Any DNA could shed light on the European background. It could pull in some sources by my ancesters familes Dna, if I were to win..
I am not sure what others know about this contest. Or African settlement in regards to Hannover European People.
I welcome any comment at my email on this.
JO Meyer