Ep 3. Our American Storytellers

Our American Storytellers is the third episode of the second season of Finding Your Roots. This episode follows the ancestry of three visionary American authors, Maya Angelou, Stephen King, and Gloria Steinem, who have all had a significant impact on American culture.

The episode begins with Maya Angelou, whose background is shrouded in mystery. As a child, she was sent along with her brother to live with their grandparents in Arkansas and was raised believing that her mother was dead. Using DNA testing and historical records, the show's host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., is able to uncover intimate details about Angelou's past, including the identity of her long-lost mother. The revelations lead Angelou to reflect on the strength of the human spirit and the importance of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world.

Next, the show explores the ancestry of Stephen King, whose novels have sold over 350 million copies worldwide. Despite growing up in a small town in Maine, King's ancestors are shown to have deep roots in America, going back to the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower. The episode uncovers some surprising connections to American history, including a Revolutionary War hero and a distant cousin who was a notorious pirate. King is visibly moved by the revelations, and reflects on how his family history and the history of America itself have influenced his writing.

Finally, the episode explores the ancestry of Gloria Steinem, a feminist icon who has spent her life advocating for women's rights. The show delves into Steinem's family history, revealing the challenges her ancestors faced as immigrants in America. One ancestor, in particular, was a factory worker in the early 1900s who risked her life to stand up for better working conditions. Steinem is clearly moved by the stories of her ancestors, noting that they are part of a rich tradition of people who have struggled to make America a better place.

Throughout the episode, the host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., provides context and commentary, highlighting the ways in which the stories of these three individuals reflect larger themes in American history. He also draws connections between their family histories, showing how the experiences of African Americans, white Europeans, and Native Americans are all intertwined.

In the end, Our American Storytellers is a powerful exploration of the ways in which our family histories shape who we are as individuals and as a nation. It reminds us that the past is never truly dead, but lives on through the stories we tell about ourselves and our ancestors. The episode is a testament to the power of genealogy as a tool for understanding our shared history, and it is sure to leave viewers with a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of American life.