Dr. Fleskes et al. Genomic Analysis of 18th century African Descended Individuals in Charleston

In this fascinating episode, we delve into the realm of bioarchaeology and genomics with Dr. Raquel Fleskes and Dr. Theodore Schurr. Their groundbreaking work, the Anson Street African Burial Ground Project, investigated the lives of thirty-six 18th-century individuals from Charleston, South Carolina. The duo provides insights into their research methods, and how they managed to generate low coverage genomic data from 18 of these individuals. This data unveiled a wide spectrum of ancestral connections across Western Africa, including one individual with genomic affiliations with the Fulani peoples of West Africa. This project represents the largest number of ancient genomes from African-descended persons in North America ever studied. It is a substantial leap forward in enhancing our understanding of African diversity and history in colonial America.Dr. Fleskes and Dr. Schurr further discuss the critical role of community-engaged research, and how their study, initiated in close collaboration with the Gullah Society of Charleston and other community members, exemplifies this practice. Join us as we unravel the complex tapestry of colonial histories and uncover the stories of these ancestors, previously obscured by time and oppression.Bioarchaeology, Genomics, Anson Street African Burial Ground Project, Colonial America, African diversity, Paleogenomics, Genetic origins, African-descendant populations, Community-engaged research, Gullah Society, West and West-Central African ancestry.Community-engaged ancient DNA project reveals diverse origins of 18th-century African descendants in Charleston, South Carolina https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2201620120