Reviving Family Roots: Dev Griffin Discovers His Ancestral Connections and Embraces a Sense of Belonging
Dev Griffin, an exceptionally charming radio presenter, has always identified himself primarily as a Londoner. With a Jamaican father, Rodney R Brown, whom he had little contact with during his upbringing, and an Irish mother, Maggie Griffin, Dev’s family background is a compelling blend of cultures. Born and raised in London, Maggie’s parents migrated from Dublin to the bustling metropolis in the 1950s, seeking a better life. Struggling to fit in, Maggie and her siblings underwent elocution lessons to shed their Irish accents. Regrettably, Gaelic was never part of Maggie’s repertoire, but it’s a common plight among many of us.
Maggie quickly became Dev’s hero as a single mother successfully raising and supporting her four children. In contrast, Dev’s father, Rodney, remained somewhat of a mystery due to his absence in their lives. To shed light on these familial complexities, Dev embarks on the intriguing journey of self-discovery in the thought-provoking series “Who Do You Think You Are?” aired on BBC 1. The show’s title aptly reflects Dev’s quest for understanding.
As a black public figure, Dev often finds himself burdened with the expectation of possessing extensive knowledge about Jamaican culture. Ironically, he admits to knowing very little about it. Similarly, Dev doesn’t feel particularly connected to Ireland, although he does take pride in his Irish name.
Dev’s exploration of his Dublin heritage, chronicling his family’s involvement in the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence, captivates him with an unexpected authenticity. Proudly carrying an English name, Dev immerses himself in the rich history of his Irish roots. His journey even leads him to Kilkee, unearthing more ancestral ties to Irish republicanism in the Griffin lineage. The entire experience leaves him absolutely delighted.
Yet, Dev’s journey to uncover his Jamaican lineage proves to be more emotionally charged. With little knowledge about his father’s family and having never met any of them or visited Jamaica before, Dev’s trepidation is palpable. Rodney, who he has only recently established a relationship with, provides him with some foundational information. Nonetheless, Dev declares himself “very nervous” as he prepares to delve deeper into his Jamaican ancestry.
Rodney’s childhood adoption by a childless couple underscores a common practice among families with limited financial means. Taking his adoptive uncle’s surname, Brown, Rodney also retains his biological parents’ middle initial, ‘R,’ which stands for their surname, Reilly. Remarkably, this adds yet another layer of Irish heritage to Dev’s captivating story. Unfortunately, Dev’s visit to Jamaica doesn’t explore this facet of his history.
Delving further, Dev uncovers a scandalous revelation about his Jamaican great-grandparents, Joshua Riley and Annie Thompson. The couple had been expelled from their local Baptist church for engaging in “fornication,” an indiscretion clearly evidenced by Annie’s eight-month pregnancy. Joshua’s name wasn’t even listed on their child’s birth certificate, but he did ultimately register the birth and was even present during the event. The couple’s subsequent marriage allowed them to regain acceptance in the church, with Joshua eventually becoming a respected deacon. Dev pays homage to both Joshua and Annie, visiting their graves as a poignant symbol of connection.
Reflecting on his journey, Dev acknowledges the absence of a close relationship with his father, attributed to Rodney’s own strained bond with his father. Learning about his family’s complex history has granted Dev a deeper understanding of the circumstances that shaped his father’s distant approach. Overwhelmed with emotions, Dev remarks, “I’ve spent most of my life not knowing my dad. Maybe now, for the first time, I truly belong somewhere.”
“Who Do You Think You Are?” transcends its initial premise as a mere genealogical show, becoming a profound exploration of one’s identity and the power of familial connections. Indeed, this captivating series surpasses the triviality of Danny Dyer’s royal discoveries, offering a truly transformative experience.
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