Ep 1. Listening to Our Past

African American Lives is a multi-part documentary series that explores the complex and varied history of African Americans in the United States. In season 1 episode 1, titled "Listening to Our Past," viewers are introduced to a diverse group of individuals as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration.

The episode begins with host Henry Louis Gates Jr. describing his own personal journey to uncover his family's history. He explains how he was inspired by his grandfather's stories of their ancestors and how this led him to pursue genealogy and genetic testing. From there, the episode transitions to the stories of four other individuals: Oprah Winfrey, Chris Tucker, Maya Angelou, and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Throughout the episode, each individual shares their own personal story, discussing both their successes and their struggles. They talk about the role that their family history has played in shaping their lives, and how they have come to understand the complicated legacy of being African American in the United States. For Oprah Winfrey, this means grappling with the legacy of slavery and the impact it has had on her family's journey. For Chris Tucker, it means learning about his family's history of activism and understanding how this legacy has influenced his own work as a comedian and actor. For Maya Angelou, it means exploring the lineage of strong women in her family and how they have inspired her own work as a writer and activist. And for Bishop T.D. Jakes, it means understanding the journey of his ancestors from Africa to America and the impact that this has had on his faith and spirituality.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey that is both deeply personal and widely informative. We learn about the importance of genealogy in African American communities, as well as the ways in which history has been erased and forgotten over time. We also hear from experts on the subject, who shed light on the ways in which African American history has been systematically erased from our collective memory.

Ultimately, "Listening to Our Past" is a powerful exploration of the ways in which family history can shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Through the stories of these four individuals, we are given a glimpse into the larger narrative of African American history and the crucial role that this legacy continues to play in our lives today.