Ep 5. Freedom Tales

"Finding Your Roots" is a riveting genealogy and DNA study show that takes viewers on an emotional and captivating journey of discovery as prominent Americans unearth their ancestral histories and learn fascinating stories that help shape their family trees.

In this episode of season 5 titled "Freedom Tales," host, Henry Louis Gates Jr. invites musicians, actors, and journalists to explore their family history and discover stories of enslaved ancestors who fought for their freedom.

First up is author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, whose grandparents migrated from the Jim Crow South to the North, in pursuit of a better life. Coates has a poignant conversation with Gates about the impact of slavery on his family lineage and its lingering effects on society's institutions.

The show then turns to musician Sheryl Crow, who has always been curious about her family's history of activism. She is shocked to learn that her ancestors were some of the earliest settlers in Missouri and were also pioneers in the abolitionist movement, fighting for the freedom of enslaved people with the Underground Railroad.

Next, Gates delves into the ancestry of actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, who is shocked to find out that his great-great-grandfather was a slave in Georgia. As Gates takes Key deeper into his lineage, their journey leads them to discover surprising stories of resilience and determination amid the harsh realities of slavery.

Finally, the episode concludes with a heartwarming conversation between Gates and acclaimed actress S. Epatha Merkerson. Here, Merkerson talks about tracing her roots back to her great-great-grandfather, who was born into slavery and later freed. The two discuss how the legacy of slavery is still present today and how understanding our past can inform our present.

Throughout the episode, the guests' family trees are traced back through the generations, revealing hidden details of their ancestors' lives. Through DNA analysis, expert commentary, and archival research, this episode of "Finding Your Roots" offers a poignant and powerful way to explore American history from a profoundly personal perspective.

In "Freedom Tales," Gates and his guests explore family histories of resilience and bravery amid dark histories of slavery and segregation. It is a thought-provoking and poignant episode that offers much insight into the personal impact of America's history of slavery.