Ep 6. Roots in Politics

Finding Your Roots is a TV series that explores the family history of various celebrities, tracing back their roots and uncovering surprising connections to historical events and people. In season 5, episode 6 titled "Roots in Politics," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the family histories of three political figures: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Marco Rubio, and Pres. Barack Obama.

In this episode, viewers are taken on an exciting journey through the ancestral history of three prominent political figures in the United States. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu member of Congress, finds out that her great-grandfather served in World War II while her great-grandfather's brother was a prisoner of war in Japan. Gabbard is amazed to learn that her grandmother was an entrepreneur who started her own clothing line in Hawaii. They discuss the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in the early 20th century and how her grandmother overcame them.

Meanwhile, Sen. Marco Rubio's family history is traced back to 19th-century Cuba, where his ancestors were tobacco farmers. The episode delves into the historical and cultural significance of tobacco farming in the country and how it influenced the economy and social structure. The show takes Rubin to Cuba where he meets his extended family for the first time and learns about the challenges they faced during the Cuban Revolution. They talk about the sacrifices Rubio's grandparents made to ensure their family's safety and how that experience shaped Rubio's political views.

Finally, Pres. Barack Obama discovers the truth about his ancestors, including his fourth great-grandfather who was a slave owner in Georgia. Obama is shown documents that reveal his ancestors were once slaves and that his third great-grandfather left slavery for freedom when he was only 15 years old. The episode takes viewers on a journey through the history of slavery in Georgia and the legacy that it left on the state. Gates and Obama discuss the impact that the transatlantic slave trade had on the history of the United States and how that history can still be felt today.

Throughout the episode, Gates' discussions with the three politicians are insightful, often emotional, and always revealing. The show explores the historical context and significance of each person's ancestry, giving viewers a unique perspective on the history of the United States. As always, the show is presented in an engaging and thought-provoking manner, with Gates providing historical context and analysis throughout the episode. The episode "Roots in Politics" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of history, family, and politics.