Race is often assumed to be a fixed and biological reality, but in truth, it is a complex and fluid social construct. In East Jackson, as in many communities, racial identity is shaped not just by genetics but by geography, culture, and historical narratives. Many residents of East Jackson were raised to identify as Black, even though this identity is largely inherited rather than actively chosen. But what truly dictates race? Is it DNA, lived experience, or the history one is taught?
The Role of Geography
Where a person lives plays a significant role in shaping racial identity. Communities like East Jackson often carry deep historical and cultural legacies that influence how residents see themselves and how they are perceived by others. Neighborhoods, schools, and social institutions reinforce racial categories, creating a sense of belonging to a particular racial group. For generations, families in East Jackson have identified as Black because their communities have been socially and politically categorized as such. The local history of segregation, migration, and economic opportunity—or lack thereof—further cements these racial identities, regardless of DNA evidence.
The Power of History and Social Conditioning
History plays an enormous role in shaping racial identity. Many individuals identify with the race that their parents and grandparents did, as historical narratives often dictate how groups of people are classified. The “one-drop rule,” a relic of racial categorization in the United States, historically dictated that anyone with even a small percentage of African ancestry was considered Black. Though this rule no longer holds legal weight, its influence lingers in cultural and personal identification.
Additionally, history is often taught in a way that reinforces racial identities. Schools, families, and media narratives contribute to the way people understand their racial background. If a person grows up learning that their ancestors were enslaved Africans, that knowledge becomes a foundational part of their racial identity, regardless of whether they have genetic markers indicating mixed ancestry.
The Science of DNA and Racial Identity
From a biological standpoint, race is not a definitive genetic reality but a social classification. DNA testing has revealed that many individuals have ancestry from multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds, challenging the rigid racial categories imposed by society. A person raised as Black in East Jackson might take a DNA test and discover they have European, Indigenous, or Asian ancestry—but this does not necessarily change their lived identity. The perception of race is deeply ingrained in social structures, often outweighing genetic facts.
Moreover, DNA does not determine cultural experience. A person who has spent their entire life experiencing the world as a Black individual—navigating systemic racism, cultural traditions, and community belonging—may not feel any less Black if their DNA test shows they are only 60% of African descent. Lived experience and societal perception hold far more weight in racial identity than scientific data alone.
Conclusion
Ultimately, race is a multifaceted concept shaped by geography, history, and personal experience more than by genetics. In East Jackson, as in many places, being Black is not just about DNA—it is about culture, legacy, and social reality. While science can provide insights into ancestry, it cannot fully define racial identity. Instead, race continues to be a deeply social phenomenon, reflecting the historical and cultural forces that shape communities over time.
