Ep 7. Incredible Journeys

In this episode of "Finding Your Roots," entitled "Incredible Journeys," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. takes viewers on a journey through the family histories of three prominent figures: journalist Gayle King, lawyer and political commentator Van Jones, and geneticist and entrepreneur Bernie Reeves.

First up is Gayle King, who has always been curious about her family's past but has been stymied by a lack of information about her father's side of the family. With the help of Gates and his team, King discovers surprising facts about her ancestors, including a great-great-grandfather who was a prominent landowner in Mississippi and a great-grandmother who was born into slavery but managed to gain her freedom.

Next, Van Jones delves into the history of his mother's family, who hail from the West Indies. Jones has always been proud of his Caribbean heritage, but knows little about his ancestors beyond his grandparents. Through a combination of archival research and DNA testing, Gates uncovers a fascinating family history that spans generations and continents, revealing the remarkable resilience and strength of Jones' forebears.

Finally, Gates turns his attention to Bernie Reeves, a geneticist and entrepreneur who has made a name for himself in the world of biotech. Reeves has always been interested in genetics and has even used his own DNA to make discoveries about his family history. But there are still gaps in his knowledge that Gates helps to fill, including a puzzling family mystery that has haunted Reeves for years.

Throughout the episode, Gates and his team use a range of tools and resources to build a detailed picture of each guest's family history, from ancestral documents and legal records to DNA analysis and expert analysis. Along the way, they explore the stories of people who overcame incredible odds to build better lives for themselves and their families, and who continue to inspire their descendants today.

With its mix of genealogical research, personal stories, and historical context, "Finding Your Roots" is an engaging and enlightening look at the power of family history and the fascinating journeys that can lead us back to our roots. "Incredible Journeys" is no exception, offering a rich and rewarding exploration of the pasts of three remarkable individuals and the families who shaped them.