About the Haplogroup E1b1a (E-V38) Project This project brings together individuals from around the world who belong to Haplogroup E1b1a (E-V38) and its subclades. Our mission is to explore the origins, migration patterns, and deep ancestry of this major Y-DNA lineage, with a focus on Africa and the diaspora. Our mission is to grow the database of yDNA test takers under the E-M2 haplogroup. Right now, there are simply not enough men testing on yDNA who descend from the E-M2 ancestor. Those of us with complicated ancestries shaped by enslavement, colonization, or mixed roots across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas often don’t know what we don’t know until we test. Each new YDNA test has the potential to grow the E-M2 branch, sometimes in surprising and unexpected ways, and strengthens our shared knowledge of African and African-descended ancestry. Recruitment is just as important as testing yourself. Recruit and “fish” among your autosomal DNA matches for potential E-M2 testers. In every interaction with your matches, ask if they have YDNA tested or considered it. If they haven’t, explain that tools like YSEQ Clade Finder or unlocking uploads at FTDNA can give them a predicted haplogroup. If they are under E-M2, invite them to join the project so we can continue building this branch together. Videos for info on getting predicted haplogroup from atDNA: https://youtu.be/VshdYdTmUG8 & https://youtu.be/ZfzGpfFTa4o Why Join or Upgrade? -Every new test adds to the collective knowledge of Haplogroup E1b1a. By upgrading to Big Y or contributing your results to YFull, you help: -Discover new branches and refine the haplogroup tree -Place your family line more precisely in its ancestral context -Support research into the African origins and global dispersal of E-M2 (E1b1a) lineages Over the past decade, genetic testing has advanced dramatically. Today, we use cutting-edge tools, like Big Y-700, FTDNA’s Block Tree, the Discover Page, and the Time Tree, to refine our understanding of haplogroup history. Each new test helps expand the “branches” of our genetic family tree, revealing more about where our ancestors lived thousands of years ago and how different lineages are connected. What We Do -Host monthly educational meetings on topics like: -Genetic distance and the TiP calculator -Understanding the Big Y Block Tree -Age estimates for haplogroup ancestors -Using FTDNA tools (Discover, Time Tree, Advanced Matching) -Insights from YFull.com and other resources -Provide guidance on upgrading from STRs (even as few as 12 markers) to deeper SNP testing, especially Big Y, which is key for identifying new branches. -Correct misinformation and support members in interpreting their results, including when AI tools give misleading answers. -Moderate discussions to keep the project a respectful and collaborative space. Here’s What You Can Do to Grow the Project 1. Test or Upgrade: If you have only done STR testing (12, 25, 37, 67, or 111 markers), consider upgrading to Big Y-700. Big Y is the most powerful tool for discovering new branches and refining haplogroup placement. 2. Help Fund More Testing: Not everyone has the resources to test or upgrade, but their results are just as important to the growth of the branch. Contributing to test drives, funding campaigns, or sponsoring a relative can open new branches and bring in valuable data that would otherwise be missed. 3. Join a Project Meeting: We host monthly educational sessions on YDNA tools, haplogroup ancestors, and interpreting results. Even if you cannot attend every month, drop in when you can to learn and ask questions. 4. Recruit and Reach Out: When contacting your autosomal DNA matches, always ask if they have YDNA tested. If not, explain prediction tools they can use, and if they turn out to be E-M2, invite them to join this project. Every new E-M2 tester makes the branch stronger. 5. Share Your Results: Upload your Big Y results to YFull.com for additional analysis and dating estimates. Share what you learn in project discussions—your data benefits everyone. 6. Stay Informed: Use FTDNA tools like Discover, the Time Tree, and Advanced Matching. Follow resources such as the DNA-Explained blog for updates and best practices. 7. Be Part of the Growth: Every new E-M2 tester adds value. Each test helps uncover more about our shared history and strengthens the E-M2 branch for all descendants. Project Administrators Aaron Brown: brownar@alumni.uah.edu (200545) Samantha Morrison-Jones: bluaz850@gmail.com Sherman McRae: smcrae2@gmail.com