When I read this article,, I was reminded of this thread started by Mississippienne when she was known as Nichol_storm.
As the article details, the “most probable theory” derived from recent research is that the Melungeons are descended from sixteenth-century Portuguese and Spanish settlers in what is now South Carolina. Other probable contributors to the Melungeon line are Muslim sailors sent ashore on Roanoke Island by Sir Francis Drake (the term Melungeon is said to derive from the Turkish melun can, which means “cursed soul” or “one abandoned by God”). Such tribes as the Cherokee, Creek, Catawba, and Pamunkey also figure in this fascinating and tragic story.
Yes, I’ve heard that theory, too. I’ve pretty much given up on ever knowing the truth though, since it seems we’re always being used to “prove” someone else’s agenda – we’re black, we’re white, we’re indians, we’re not indians, we’re mixed race, we’re Martians. Every time new DNA or historical research is done, different experts put their own expert twists on it until you don’t know which side is up, down, or sideways.
It appears that we now have the answer:
No evidence of Portuguese, Spanish, Roma, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Native American, or Turkish heritage.
Melungeons are the descendants of African/mixed African males and indentured servant Caucasian females.