Ep 3. Homecomings

In the season 6 episode 3 of Finding Your Roots, titled Homecomings, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the family histories of three guests: actor Sterling K. Brown, radio host Joe Madison, and artist Jon Batiste.

The episode begins with Gates revealing a surprising connection between Madison and Batiste, who are distant cousins. Madison, who grew up in a segregated community in Florida, is in awe of the fact that he shares ancestry with Batiste, a renowned musician who has played at the White House. The two men bond over their shared heritage and the importance of family.

Next, Gates explores Brown's family tree, uncovering stories of his ancestors who were enslaved in North Carolina. Brown is moved to tears as he learns more about his great-great-grandfather, who fought in the Civil War and went on to become a successful farmer. The actor also discovers the identity of a distant relative who was a prominent abolitionist, inspiring Brown to continue the fight for social justice in his own life.

Finally, Gates delves into Batiste's roots in Louisiana, uncovering the story of his great-grandfather who was a prominent pastor and community leader. Through interviews with Batiste's family members and expert genealogists, Gates paints a vivid picture of the musician's family history and how they overcame adversity to achieve success.

Throughout the episode, Gates emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own roots and the impact that family history can have on a person's identity and sense of belonging. The stories of Madison, Brown, and Batiste are woven together to create a powerful narrative about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of family connections.

With insightful interviews, compelling storytelling, and expert research, Homecomings is an emotional and thought-provoking episode that highlights the rich diversity of American history and the ways in which our ancestors continue to shape our lives today.