Episode Overview:

In this episode of The Institute of Black Imagination, host Dario Calmese sits down with Gina Paige, the co-founder of African Ancestry, to explore the transformative power of knowing your roots. For over two decades, Gina has pioneered DNA ancestry tracing for people of African descent, helping countless individuals reclaim their lineage and reshape their identities.

Gina shares her personal journey—what sparked her passion for genealogy, how her work is changing lives, and why ancestry is more than just science—it’s a cultural and spiritual homecoming. If you’ve ever wondered where you come from or how your history shapes your future, this conversation is for you.

What We Discussed

• Knowing Your Roots Shapes Your Identity 
• DNA Can Reconnect Us to Lost Histories 
• Ancestry is More Than Just Genetics—It’s Culture 
• Representation in Genealogy Matters 
• Knowing Your Past Helps Shape Your Future 

A Playlist Inspired by the Conversation

1. “I Am Light” – India.Arie-  A soulful meditation on self-worth and inner identity, this song beautifully echoes the idea that we are more than just our history—we are light, love, and legacy.

2. “Black Man” – Stevie Wonder-  A powerful anthem celebrating the global contributions of Black people throughout history, reinforcing the importance of knowing where we come from.

3. “My People” – Angie Stone -  This song is a love letter to the African diaspora, reminding us of our strength, resilience, and connection to one another.

4. “Back to Africa” – Dennis Brown - A reggae classic that speaks directly to the desire to reconnect with one’s ancestral homeland, much like what African Ancestry makes possible.

5. “I’m Coming Home” – The Staple Singers - A gospel-infused track that captures the spiritual and emotional essence of returning to one’s roots and embracing one’s heritage.

6. “I Gotta Find Peace of Mind - LIVE" – Ms. Lauryn Hill - A haunting echo of Gina Paige’s journey—where reclaiming ancestry becomes a path to inner peace, and remembering becomes a form of healing.

Books to Complement This Conversation

1. The Healing Wisdom of Africa – Malidoma Patrice Somé

This book explores African spiritual traditions and the importance of reconnecting with ancestral wisdom to find purpose and healing in the modern world.

2. Roots: The Saga of an American Family – Alex Haley

A groundbreaking classic that traces a family’s lineage from Africa to America, demonstrating the power of ancestral storytelling and reclaiming lost histories.

3. Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" – Zora Neale Hurston

Based on interviews with the last known survivor of the transatlantic slave trade, this book offers a firsthand account of the forced displacement of African people and the longing for ancestral connection.

4. Finding Your Roots: The Official Companion to the PBS Series – Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Inspired by the TV series, this book provides a compelling guide to genealogy research and the cultural significance of tracing one’s ancestry.

5. The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration – Isabel Wilkerson

Though focused on migration within the U.S., this book powerfully illustrates the deep impact of displacement, identity, and reclaiming one’s place in history.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Learn more about African Ancestry: www.africanancestry.com (use code black imagination for 10% off your kit)

📖 Follow Gina Paige on social media: @AfricanAncestry

Support the Work:

If this conversation inspired you, visit AfricanAncestry.com to begin your own journey of self-discovery. Take a DNA test to uncover your African roots and connect with your heritage.(use code black imagination for 10% off your kit)

Join & Support Our Community

If this dialogue resonated with you, sparked inspiration, or offered a new perspective, we’d love your support! Here’s how you can help us keep these powerful stories alive:

🎧 Subscribe & Review – Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! Your words help more people discover these conversations. Subscribe to our newsletter.

📢 Spread the Word – Share this episode with your friends, family, and community. Let’s keep the dialogue going!

💬 Engage With Us – Follow us on social media and join the conversation @blackimagination on Instagram & Twitter. We’d love to hear your thoughts, takeaways, and what topics you want to explore next.

💜 Support the Work – Love what we’re creating? Help us sustain and grow by making a contribution! Whether it’s a one-time donation or becoming a patron, every bit fuels our mission. Click here to support us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your voice, your presence, and your support make all the difference! ✨

Until next time, stay curious, and keep dreaming.