A Reunion Like No Other: Returning to Our Ancestral Roots in Zimbabwe

For the moment we had all been waiting for—the reunion above all reunions. In the words of Denise, “Can you hear the sound of the drum roll?” Denise and I eagerly arrived on the ancestral grounds of Zimbabwe, hearts racing with anticipation for the day we would finally meet our blood relatives face to face. This was no ordinary gathering. On June 2, 2025, Wayne, Denise, and I landed in Harare, Zimbabwe, where we were welcomed with open arms, hugs, kisses, and, of course, plenty of photos.

This journey has been a long time in the making. Back in 2022, DNA test results from 23andMe, Heritage, and Ancestry.com led us to a remarkable discovery: a genetic match with Margaret, a woman born and raised in Zimbabwe who now resides in the UK. What makes this moment so powerful is the history it carries. Denise and I are descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the United States in the 1600s—ancestors who could never have imagined this day. Yet, here we stand, living the reunion they were denied. Read more about our DNA story here.

This bloodline traces back through our great-grandfather, Albert Jackson (wife: Arrie Jackson), and grandfather, Ezell H. Jackson, who lived a full century, and our grandmother, Beaufort Jackson, to whom he was married for 73 years. Though neither he, our mother Barbara J. Brown, nor our aunt lived to witness this reunion, their presence was deeply felt. It is as if heaven’s guiding light led us straight to Zimbabwe, carrying their spirits along with us.

When we first connected with Margaret in April 2021, we could hardly wait to meet her. Zoom calls soon turned into in-person visits when she and her husband traveled to the U.S. in April of 2022. Later, she joined us in Madrid, Spain, in November 2022, to celebrate my wedding anniversary and 50th birthday. From the start, Margaret was no stranger—she was family.

But stepping onto Zimbabwean soil was a new chapter altogether. This was Denise’s, Wayne’s, and my very first visit to Zimbabwe, and the joy we felt was beyond words. During our stay, we would travel through Harare, Gweru, Masvingo, Kwekwe, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls, each place weaving us deeper into the story of our heritage.

That first night, we left the airport late, hearts full, only with time for a meal before checking in to rest. Tomorrow, our Zimbabwe journey would officially begin.

✨ Have you been to Harare, Zimbabwe? What did you love most about it? I’d love to hear your experiences.

Stay tuned as I share how we spent our first full day in Harare, Zimbabwe. Trust me—this is only the beginning of a journey you won’t want to miss. Subscribe and follow along.