Genealogist Dr. Antoinette Harrell connects with her brother through Ancestry DNA

Patrick, Zelda, Antoinette, Dwayne
Siblings found each other through Ancestry DNA

I am a local historian and genealogist in Tangiphaoa Parish. I began researching my family history more than 30 years ago. My ongoing investigation of my maternal and paternal ancestry in several parishes in Louisiana, Florida Parishes is never-ending. During my research, I spent long hours in courthouses, libraries, university archives, and other sources searching for any information that would help me obtain more information about my family history. 

"Having hit a brick wall, I turned to Ancestry in hopes of finding answers and other clues that would lead me further down the road in my research." My paternal and maternal ancestors were slaves in the Louisiana Florida Parishes. I discovered new family members and a brother through my Ancestry DNA. I learned that I was connected to Dwayne Taylor as a brother through Eric Williams, a family history keeper. To verify what Williams was referring to, I immediately logged into my Ancestry account to look further into this matter.

As Eric Williams and I analyzed Dwayne's DNA and my DNA results together, he informed me that he used Facebook to determine whether we had mutual friends. "Yes, we have mutual friends. One of those friends is Fabiola Clark-Taylor." I was completely blown away, since Fabiola and her husband Donald were my friends.  We have been friends for over 25 years. She often spoke about Dwayne, her stepson. The fact that my dear friend's stepson was my brother shocked me. My mind immediately began spinning with thousands of questions. What? How? Why? I want to learn more.

Antoinette and Dwayne first meeting

I called my sister Zelda to inform her of our new brother. It was shocking news for her as well. Our father told us that there were no other children except for the three of us that he knew of. At that point, we both agreed that our father didn't know he had another son. He would have informed us if he had known. I reassured Dwayne that our father Walter was unaware of him.

Dwayne and I were introduced  by phone by our mutual cousin Eric Williams. Dwayne and I began to talk.  Later we spent  hours on the phone sharing information. Both of us were crying for a variety of reasons. Finding each other was the first reason. I informed him that he had two siblings, a sister named Zelda and a brother named Patrick. He also gained nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Me and my siblings gained nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Now that the cloud of happiness has cleared, we need to speak with a few people who could give us some answers, at least we hope so. 

Zelda meeting her brother Dwayne
 for the first time. 

I know that this was particularly difficult for Dwayne since he was raised by a man who was not his biological father. As far as he is concerned Donald will always be his father.  Our shock at discovering that we had known each other for so long was mutual. "In fact, I took photographs at Donald's funeral, and I would never have imagined photographing my own brother. There was a part of me that wanted to run and scream at the same time." Our minds were overwhelmed by the amount of information we had to digest, let alone process

After several phone conversations, we decided to meet in person. We scheduled a dinner meeting in New Orleans. We were both eagerly anticipating meeting on October 5. I was the first to arrive at their location. Amid excitement, I didn't know if I could have waited for another moment. He finally walked through that door with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. I met my niece LaShay and her two beautiful children and Dwayne's beautiful wife Sherrice

With open arms, we embraced one another in tears. We held onto each other as if we were afraid to lose each other again. Family members wept with joy and happiness for Dwayne. The only brother he had by his mother had passed away years ago. He thought he was alone all this time, but now he has siblings. I created a Facebook page to bring us all together to share photographs, stories, and build a relationship with each other. Soon afterwards, plans were made to meet Zelda and Patrick in Houston, Texas. 

Once again,  I was the first to arrive. I wanted it to be this way to capture Dwayne meeting his sister and brother. A tear of joy filled Zelda's eyes when she saw her big brother. Patrick told us he cried before he got there so he managed himself well. "We laughed, talked, and took tons of pictures that evening. We shared stories and reminisced about old times. It was a beautiful moment that I will never forget. Patrick, Dwayne and I attended the same schools."  Dwayne's daughter and Patrick's daughter attended the same school. In fact, they were already friends on Facebook. The fact that we were so close to each other and were unaware that we were siblings has shocked us all.

 Patrick and Dwayne

We all agreed to accept without judgement and questions. The most beautiful things we have each other. It was a very powerful reminder of the power of family and how unconditional acceptance can bring people together. Dwayne felt accepted and supported and we were all grateful for that. It was a special evening that we will all cherish. There is a moral to this story: If you are not ready to accept the truth about your DNA, please do not take it, you never know what it will reveal. My siblings and I embrace each other with love and open arms. Patrick was delighted to get a brother and so was Dwayne. The two brothers later had a visit and Zelda met Dwayne son D.J.  

The strange thing is that Dwayne and I are both interested in photography and filmmaking. We both take many pictures and film of our family and events. We share our work and help each other perfect our techniques. Maintaining contact and bonding is something we plan to continue working on. We are excited to having each.