Song of the South

For more than a decade, renowned Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. has helped to expand America’s sense of itself, stimulating a national conversation about identity with humor, wisdom, and compassion. Professor Gates has explored the ancestry of dozens of influential people from diverse backgrounds, taking millions of viewers deep into the past to reveal the connections that bind us all.

Song of the South

Season 12 Episode 9 | 52m 10s | CC

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the family secrets of actor Danielle Deadwyler and musician Rhiannon Giddens—two artists who are both deeply tied to their Southern heritage. Using genealogical detective work, Gates uncovers stories that his guests’ ancestors went to great lengths to conceal—meeting heroes and villains--and celebrating the virtue of accepting one’s relatives whoever they may be.

Finding Your Roots

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Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the family trees of rapper Wiz Khalifa and actor Sanaa Lathan.

Corporate support for Season 11 of FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Ancestry® and Johnson & Johnson. Major support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Support is also provided by Ford Foundation; Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Candace King Weir; by the Inkwell Society together with many of its members; and by public television viewers.

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