Up Next
Back to Show
Finding Your Roots
Roots of Freedom
Season 2
Episode 4
These guests’ families have long been engaged in the battle for freedom and civil rights, but didn’t know those principles were passed down through generations. NAACP president Ben Jealous learns the heroic story of his great-grandfather who purchased his own family to keep them safe and Khandi Alexander learns of her grandfather’s possible murder.
Support Provided By
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the families of Danielle Deadwyler and Rhiannon Giddens.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of director Spike Lee and actor Kristin Chenoweth.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. introduces musicians Flea and Lizzo to their inspiring ancestors.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. heads west to map the family trees of Sara Haines and Tracy Letts.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of basketball stars Brittney Griner and Chris Paul.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of actor Lizzy Caplan and comedian Hasan Minhaj.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the Caribbean heritage of Liza Colón-Zayas and Delroy Lindo.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the family trees of rapper Wiz Khalifa and actor Sanaa Lathan.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:09
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers America Ferrera & Darren Criss’ immigrant ancestors.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Family mysteries are solved for actor Laurence Fishburne & scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of actor Sheryl Lee Ralph & historian Lonnie Bunch.
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:10
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces the family trees of actors Debra Messing & Melanie Lynskey.