Ep 9. Italian Roots

In the ninth episode of season 6 of Finding Your Roots, titled "Italian Roots," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the family trees of three guests with Italian ancestry: talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, radio personality Joe Madison, and fashion designer Donna Karan.

Gates delves into Kimmel's family history, discovering the story of his great-great-grandfather, who left Italy for America in the 19th century and eventually settled in Las Vegas. Kimmel is surprised to learn about the difficult conditions his ancestors faced in Italy, and Gates reveals some interesting facts about the early days of Las Vegas. Kimmel also learns about his ties to the Mafia, which his father had told him about but never elaborated on. In addition, Gates explores Kimmel's DNA and reveals some surprising results.

Next, Gates turns to Madison's family history, starting with his grandfather, who was born in Virginia in the late 1800s. Madison shares some fascinating stories about his grandfather's life as a sharecropper and later as a teacher. Gates also uncovers some disturbing information about Madison's great-grandfather, who was enslaved in Virginia and later helped found an all-black town in Kansas. Madison is moved by this discovery and reflects on what it means to be a descendant of both slaves and slaveholders.

Finally, Gates delves into Karan's family tree, tracing her roots back to Russia and Ukraine. Karan is surprised to learn that her grandfather was a tailor who worked with the Russian aristocracy before emigrating to New York City. Gates also uncovers some interesting information about Karan's father, who was an accomplished musician, and explores the role that music played in Karan's upbringing. Karan reflects on how her heritage has influenced her career as a fashion designer.

Throughout the episode, Gates uses genealogy, DNA testing, and historical research to reveal the hidden connections between these three guests and their ancestors. He also highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by Italian immigrants in the United States, including discrimination, poverty, and cultural assimilation. Overall, "Italian Roots" is a fascinating exploration of family, identity, and history that will appeal to anyone interested in genealogy or the immigrant experience.