Ep 2. Unfamiliar Kin

In season 4 episode 2 of Finding Your Roots titled "Unfamiliar Kin," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves deep into the ancestry of three well-known Americans: former Saturday Night Live cast member Amy Schumer, journalist George Stephanopoulos, and director Ava DuVernay.

Through genealogical research and DNA analysis, Gates uncovers surprising and sometimes emotional stories about the ancestors of his guests. Schumer discovers that her ancestors were part of the Underground Railroad and played a role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Stephanopoulos is shocked to learn that his great-grandfather fled to America from Ottoman Turkey and later fought in World War I, earning a medal for his service.

DuVernay's journey takes her to Louisiana, where she uncovers the story of her ancestors who were enslaved on a plantation. Through a touching reunion, she meets with distant relatives who have carried on the legacy of their ancestors and kept alive their history.

Throughout the episode, Gates also highlights the broader historical context surrounding his guests' ancestors. He explains the significance of the Underground Railroad, discusses the Ottoman Empire's involvement in World War I, and explores the brutal reality of slavery in the American South.

The episode also touches on themes of family, identity, and the ways in which our ancestors shape our lives. Through interviews with family members and expert scholars, Gates paints a vivid picture of the past and shows how it continues to inform the present.

Overall, "Unfamiliar Kin" is a fascinating and moving exploration of the ancestral roots of three accomplished Americans and the history that shaped them.