Ep 4. The Vanguard

In the fourth episode of Season 4 of Finding Your Roots, entitled "The Vanguard," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the ancestry of three prominent figures who were instrumental in shaping American history and culture in the 20th century. The episode explores the family trees of musician Pharrell Williams, filmmaker Ava DuVernay, and activist-athlete Tom Joyner, revealing surprising connections and uncovering new layers of their family histories.

Gates begins with Williams, tracing his lineage back to his great-great-great-grandfather, a free black man from Virginia who fought in the Civil War. Along the way, Gates uncovers a fascinating family legend about Williams' ancestor's involvement in the Underground Railroad and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. The episode also highlights the contributions of Williams' grandmother, a pioneering educator who founded a school for black children in the Jim Crow-era South.

Next, Gates turns his attention to DuVernay, a trailblazing filmmaker known for her work on movies like Selma and A Wrinkle in Time. DuVernay's family history is complex and multifaceted, with roots in both Louisiana and California. Gates follows her family story from the sugar plantations of Louisiana, where her ancestors were enslaved, to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, where her mother grew up during the heyday of the civil rights movement. Along the way, he uncovers surprising connections to other well-known figures in black culture, including jazz legend Louis Armstrong and writer James Baldwin.

Finally, the episode looks at the life and legacy of Tom Joyner, a pioneering radio host and philanthropist who helped bring black voices to the mainstream airwaves. Joyner's journey takes Gates from his childhood in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the high-stakes world of radio broadcasting in Chicago and Dallas. Along the way, Gates reveals the remarkable story of Joyner's ancestor, an enslaved blacksmith who gained his freedom and became a successful landowner in antebellum Alabama. The episode also explores Joyner's deep commitment to education and social justice, including his role in founding the Tom Joyner Foundation, which provides scholarships and opportunities for students at historically black colleges and universities.

Throughout "The Vanguard," Gates weaves together these three powerful stories into a rich tapestry of African American history, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and determination of black people in the face of adversity. Through intimate interviews and expert analysis, he illuminates the connections between the past and the present, revealing how our ancestors continue to shape our lives and our identities. Whether you're a fan of Williams' music, DuVernay's films, or Joyner's radio show, there's something inspiring and thought-provoking in this episode for everyone.