Ep 4. The Shirts On Their Backs

In Finding Your Roots season 7 episode 4, titled "The Shirts On Their Backs," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the ancestral origins of three prominent figures in American history: fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, journalist and author Ta-Nehisi Coates, and neurosurgeon Dr. Ann McKee.

First up is Diane von Furstenberg, who was born in Belgium to a Holocaust survivor mother. Gates takes her on a journey to uncover her family's past, which includes discovering that her father spent time in a concentration camp during World War II and learning about her great-great-grandfather's involvement in the Brussels lace industry. As someone with such a prominent role in the fashion world, it's fascinating to see how von Furstenberg's family history intersects with the textile industry.

Next, Gates turns his attention to Ta-Nehisi Coates, who is known for his insightful writing on race and politics in America. Through genealogical research, Gates discovers that Coates' ancestors were enslaved in the South and that his great-grandfather was a successful farmer and landowner before being violently displaced by white supremacists. This segment is particularly poignant as Coates reflects on the impact of slavery on his family and the relevance of that history today.

Finally, Gates explores the family history of Dr. Ann McKee, a neurosurgeon who has gained attention for her research on brain injury in football players. McKee's father was a physician, and Gates uncovers stories of her grandfather's involvement with the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. Additionally, she learns about her great-grandfather's work as a shirtmaker and his participation in the garment workers' strike of 1911, which sheds light on the labor struggles of early 20th century America.

Throughout the episode, Gates weaves together each person's family history to show the interconnectedness of our past and present. As always, he does an excellent job of balancing the personal stories with broader historical context, making for an engaging and thought-provoking hour of television.