Ep 3. Alfre Woodard

When it comes to tracing our roots and discovering our past, uncovering ancestral secrets can be both exciting and enlightening. In Season 7, Episode 3 of the captivating genealogy series "Who Do You Think You Are?", the acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard embarks on a deeply personal journey to uncover her family's history. Through a series of surprising revelations and emotional encounters, Woodard digs deep into her African American heritage, shedding light on the experiences and struggles of her ancestors, and ultimately, gaining a greater understanding of herself.

As the episode begins, we are introduced to the charismatic Alfre Woodard, known for her powerful performances on stage and screen. Despite her successful career, Woodard feels a void in her knowledge of her family's past. Driven by a desire to learn more about her ancestors and the forces that shaped them, she sets out on an emotional exploration, guided by professional genealogists and historians.

Woodard's journey takes her across the United States, revealing connections to significant historical events and movements that impacted African American communities. She discovers that her paternal grandfather, Alex Woodard, was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city with a rich history of African American success and devastation. Through interviews with local historians and visits to significant landmarks like the Greenwood Cultural Center, Woodard gains insight into the thriving African American community known as the Greenwood District, often referred to as "Black Wall Street." However, her family's prosperous heritage is shadowed by the tragic 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, a little-known event in American history. Woodard's exploration of this dark chapter in her family's past highlights the resilience and determination of her ancestors in the face of racial violence and oppression.

Continuing her search, Woodard delves into her maternal line and uncovers a connection to the enslaved community at the Monticello plantation in Virginia. In a deeply moving moment, she stands on the grounds of Monticello, the former home of Thomas Jefferson, and reflects on the complex legacy of one of America's founding fathers. Connecting with local historians and descendants of enslaved individuals, Woodard gains a profound understanding of the cruel realities her ancestors endured.

The journey reaches a powerful climax when Woodard explores her paternal great-grandmother’s side of the family. She learns of her great-grandmother's remarkable connection to the Civil War and the United States Colored Troops. Through military records and historical accounts, Woodard discovers the incredible bravery and sacrifice of her ancestors who fought for their freedom. Her emotional visit to the African American Civil War Museum in Washington, D.C. provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by those who fought for their liberation, as well as the lasting impact their struggles had on future generations.

Through the stories of her ancestors, Woodard finds strength, resilience, and inspiration. She realizes the importance of preserving their legacies and passing down the knowledge of their histories to future generations. In this episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?", Alfre Woodard’s exploration of her family's past serves as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the interconnectedness of our collective histories.

"Who Do You Think You Are?" Season 7, Episode 3, featuring Alfre Woodard, takes viewers on a profound and emotional journey through African American history. As Woodard unearths the struggles and triumphs of her ancestors, she confronts the legacy of slavery, racial violence, and the fight for freedom. Through this eye-opening exploration, she gains a renewed sense of identity, pride, and appreciation for those who came before her. This episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?" is a captivating testament to the power of understanding our roots and a reminder of the importance of recognizing the stories that shape us all.