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Genetic Ancestry Reveal with Mark Anthony Neal

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Charmaine Royal

Several months ago, Mark Anthony Neal, a Duke professor of black popular culture, had his DNA tested by Rick Kittles, professor and director of the Center for Population Genetics at the University of Arizona. Kittles is also co-founder of African Ancestry, Inc. and a pioneer in DNA testing to trace the ancestry of African Americans. At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, Kittles will reveal the results of Neal's DNA test during a panel discussion on the issues surrounding genetic ancestry testing. Alondra Nelson, a sociology professor and dean of the social sciences at Columbia University, will join Kittles and Neal. Nelson's forthcoming book, "The Social Life of DNA: Race, Reparations, and Reconciliation after the Genome," explores the validity and nuance of genetic ancestry testing.The panel will be moderated by Charmaine Royal, an associate professor of African and African American studies; and Karla Holloway, a professor of English, law and African and African American Studies. The event is organized by Duke¿s Center on Genomics, Race, Identity, Difference (GRID), directed by Royal; and the Center for Arts, Digital Culture and Entrepreneurship (CADCE), of which Neal is director.Co-sponsors include the Provost's Office, Arts & Sciences Dean's Office, Science & Society, and African and African American Studies.