Ep 1. Vanessa Williams
- February 4, 2011
Vanessa Williams is the first celebrity to be featured in the second season of the hit genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are?. In this episode, Williams delves into her family's history, exploring her African-American and Native American roots.
Williams begins her journey by traveling to her paternal grandparents' home in Millstone, New York. She meets with her grandfather's sister, Aunt Bev, who tells her about their family's history of activism and community involvement. Aunt Bev shares letters and photographs of their ancestors, including their great-grandfather who was a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Williams also visits the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York, to learn more about her African-American heritage. There, she discovers that her great-grandfather was a successful businessman who owned a barbershop and was active in politics. She also learns about the Harlem Renaissance and how her ancestors may have been involved in the cultural movement.
Next, Williams heads to Oklahoma to explore her Native American roots. She visits the Chickasaw Nation and meets with genealogist LaDonna Brown, who helps her trace her family's ancestry back to the18th century. She learns about her ancestors' struggles during the Trail of Tears and the Dawes Act, which forced Native Americans to give up their communal lands and become American citizens.
Williams also visits the Chickasaw Nation's cultural center, where she learns about traditional Chickasaw crafts and dances. She participates in a stomp dance, which is a social dance that has been passed down through generations.
Throughout the episode, Williams reflects on how her family's history has shaped her identity and influenced her career. She also shares her experience with her mother, who is thrilled to learn more about their family's heritage.
Overall, Vanessa Williams' episode of Who Do You Think You Are? is a fascinating exploration of African-American and Native American history. Williams' journey takes her from New York to Oklahoma, uncovering previously unknown stories and shedding light on the struggles her ancestors faced. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of knowing one's heritage and the impact it can have on one's life.
