The Genomes of Black Folk

"She Get It From Her Mama" a phrase popularized by rapper Juvenile refers to the idea that our identities reflect those of our most recent ancestors (like our mommas). Genetics has increasingly gain mainstream popularity among Black folks thanks to the wider availability and targeted marketing of consumer genetic ancestry tests like Ancestry DNA. Colonialism, racism, and capitalism however, have left "The Genomes of Black Folks" understudied, misused, and deprioritized GLOBALLY. To fill this gap in knowledge, this club led by population geneti-"SIS", Dr. Janina Jeff, will specifically focus on how genetics/heredity shape the things that make our Blackness beautiful. We will not only explore our histories but also focus on our futures through the lens of the genome. Conversations will span the genetics of hair, skin color, and sexuality to the genetics of hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes all of which largely impact the lives of Black folks.