Bernard Temple First Youth in Louisiana to Take the African Ancestry DNA Test

Bernard mailing his African Ancestry Test
Photo Credit:Antoinette Harrell

Bernard was the first youth in Louisiana who took an African Ancestry DNA test to determine his African heritage. He grew up traveling with his mother Antoinette Harrell, who is a well known genealogist and historian. The two of them would often visit libraries, museums, and historical sites together. Oftentimes traveling to different states to research their family history. There was no alternative for Bernard but to learn about his paternal and maternal family history.

Bernard's mother wanted to make Bernard's experience one that he would never forget. She decided to take him to the Atlantic Ocean. As they stood on the on the shores of the beautiful ocean in Virginia, looking beyond what the eyes could see.

Their imaginations travelled together to explore the homeland, history, culture,  and the arts, of their ancestors. Their conversation focused on African travels and history. Their thoughts roamed deeply into the lives of  their ancestors  who endure voyages that  sailed with human cargo for the shores of West Africa. His mother wanted him to be able to identify with his African heritage. "I'm giving my son one of the best gift  parents can give a child, knowledge of self said his mother." The gifts of gifts that will last for generations, " said his mother confidently.