Ep 7. Family Reunions

In Finding Your Roots season 3 episode 7, titled "Family Reunions," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the fascinating family histories of three notable guests in order to uncover their ancestors' past and ultimately connect them with modern-day relatives.

The first guest is actor Julianne Moore, who is shocked to discover that her father's side of the family had a long and rich history in the military, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Through meticulous research, Gates traces the path of her Revolutionary War ancestor and highlights the sacrifices he made to fight for his country. He also surprises Moore with the news that she has a living relative who is a retired general in the U.S. Army and had no idea about their shared heritage.

Next up is political commentator Van Jones, who has always been curious about his African American roots. Through a combination of DNA testing and genealogical research, Gates is able to trace Jones's ancestors back to the slave trade, and ultimately connect him with a living relative who is descended from the same enslaved family. The emotional reunion between Jones and his new cousin is a highlight of the episode, as they discuss their shared past and what it means for their future.

Finally, singer Alicia Keys explores her family history and learns about the legacy of both her maternal and paternal ancestors. Gates traces her roots back to a slave plantation in Georgia, where her ancestors worked the land and were ultimately emancipated after the Civil War. He also uncovers the remarkable story of her paternal great-grandmother, who was orphaned at a young age and overcame incredible adversity to become a successful businesswoman in her own right.

As always, Gates provides thoughtful commentary and context throughout the episode, making connections between his guests' ancestors and larger historical forces that shaped their lives. "Family Reunions" is a moving and informative hour of television that showcases the power of genealogy to bring people together across time and space.