Ep 3. By Blood

America ReFramed season 5 episode 3 is titled "By Blood." The episode takes viewers on a journey through the lives of three men who are all descendants of Thomas Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hemings. This incredible story follows the lives of Madison Hemings, Eston Hemings, and Jeffery Nash as they explore their family heritage and struggle with their individual identities.

The three men come from different backgrounds and have vastly divergent views on their heritage. Madison Hemings is an African American man who only recently discovered that he was related to Thomas Jefferson. He is still struggling to come to terms with his identity and what it means to be a descendent of a man who owned slaves. Eston Hemings is also African American, but he has been aware of his heritage for his entire life. He feels a deep connection to Thomas Jefferson and has even joined the Monticello Association, a group of people who claim lineage to Jefferson. Jeffery Nash, on the other hand, is a white man who discovered that he was related to Thomas Jefferson through a DNA test. He has embraced his heritage and is proud of his connection to the founding father.

Throughout the episode, the three men travel to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's plantation in Virginia. They explore the grounds, visit Jefferson's grave, and speak with historians and fellow descendants of the founding father. They also participate in a ceremony to commemorate Sally Hemings, the woman who gave birth to six of Jefferson's children.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is the differing perspectives of the three men. Madison Hemings is understandably conflicted about his connection to Jefferson, a man who owned his ancestors. He wonders how he can reconcile his identity as an African American with his connection to a man who wrote the Declaration of Independence. Eston Hemings, on the other hand, has embraced his heritage and sees Thomas Jefferson as a founding father who was ahead of his time. He believes that Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemings was consensual and that their children were a product of love. Jeffery Nash falls somewhere in between. He is proud to be a descendent of Thomas Jefferson, but he also acknowledges the pain and suffering that Jefferson caused through his ownership of slaves.

By Blood is a powerful episode that explores the complicated legacy of one of America's founding fathers. It shows how the decisions of our ancestors can continue to impact our lives today. The three men featured in the episode are all on their own journeys to discover their identities and come to terms with their connection to Thomas Jefferson. Along the way, they confront some uncomfortable truths about our nation's history and grapple with what it means to be an American. By Blood is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in history, genealogy, or the complexities of race in America.