Ep 16. Coming to America

In season 6 episode 16 of Finding Your Roots entitled "Coming to America," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. helps three celebrities uncover their immigrant ancestors' stories and the impact their journeys had on American history. Through genealogy research and DNA testing, Gates delves deep into the ancestral past of journalist Maria Hinojosa, comedian Lewis Black, and artist Felicity Huffman.

First, Gates dives into Hinojosa's family history and shares how her great-grandfather crossed the border from Mexico in 1905 to work in Texas. Through archival photos and documents, Gates explores the discrimination and challenges faced by Hinojosa's family as they tried to build new lives in America. This segment looks at the Mexican Revolution, the U.S. government's efforts to control immigration, and the racial tensions of the early twentieth century. By tracing the Hinojosa family's journey, Gates highlights the resilience of immigrants and their contributions to American society.

Next, Gates uncovers Lewis Black's Jewish immigrant lineage, which began with his grandfather's arrival from Poland in 1912. Gates shows how Black's family members made their way from Central Europe to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, a hub for thousands of Jewish immigrants at the time. Gates reveals the struggles Black's family faced in America, including language barriers, poverty, and prejudice. The segment delves into the history of the Jewish American experience, including the impact of World War II and the Holocaust, as well as the role of Jewish immigrants in shaping American culture and politics.

Finally, Gates explores Felicity Huffman's genealogy, which leads him to colonial America and the first English settlers in Virginia. Through Huffman's mother's line, Gates discovers an ancestor who was indentured to a wealthy planter in the seventeenth century. This segment explores the early history of America, including the institution of indentured servitude and the emergence of a slave-based economy. Gates also sheds light on the complicated family history of Huffman's father, including a relative who fought on the Confederate side during the Civil War. Overall, this segment highlights the complex and often fraught origins of American identity.

Throughout the episode, Gates interweaves the personal stories of the celebrities with broader historical narratives, creating a rich tapestry of American immigration and ancestry. By exploring individual journeys and connections, Gates invites audiences to consider how our past shapes our present and influences our future. The episode showcases the power of storytelling and genealogy research to uncover hidden histories, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the diversity of the American experience.