Expert: Walter Hintz - 9/12/2006

Question
Hi there:  Can you help us with regards to ascertaining our possible African Canadian Black history.  Is this type of hair dominant?  We have many "black " features, however not one person has "black" hair? My brother has some wave in it.  this would really help us in our family.

warmest regards
Marion

Answer
Hi marion;
Human genetics is a complicated thing and from single features like type of hair we can only guess at family history.  We do now that kinky hair is a dominant trait.  I guess this what you mean by African type hair.  But you only mention wavy hair and I do not know what you mean by "black" features.  What are your skin pigments?
 Can I determine whether you have a Black Canadian ancestry?  No.  This would involve DNA analysis.