Ep 9. John Legend and Wanda Sykes

In the ninth episode of Finding Your Roots season 1, singer and songwriter John Legend and comedian Wanda Sykes take a journey to trace their ancestry and discover the stories of their ancestors.

The episode begins with the host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., introducing John Legend and Wanda Sykes and sharing some exciting findings from their DNA tests. He then reveals the first ancestor, a free black man named William Sykes from Maryland, who fought for the Union army during the Civil War. Wanda Sykes is amazed to learn about the courage and bravery of her ancestor and she admits that she owes him a great debt of gratitude.

Next, John Legend's roots are explored, and the host uncovers a remarkable story about his great-grandfather who was a sharecropper in Georgia. Despite facing the hardship of Jim Crow laws, he persevered and became a successful farmer and businessman. The discovery deeply touches John Legend, and he talks about how seeing the story of his ancestor's success is a source of inspiration for him.

During the course of the episode, the host reveals several other ancestors of John Legend and Wanda Sykes, including a grandfather who fought in World War II, a great-great-great-grandfather who was a slave, and a great-great-grandmother who was a skilled textile worker. As they learn about their ancestors' lives, they gain a greater understanding of their own family histories and the struggles and triumphs of the people who came before them.

One of the most moving moments of the episode occurs when Wanda Sykes discovers that her great-grandmother was a victim of domestic violence. She breaks down in tears as she reveals how this revelation connects to her own experiences as a survivor of abuse. The episode expertly handles this sensitive subject matter, using it as a way to explore the resilience of women in Wanda Sykes' family and the importance of speaking out against violence.

Throughout the episode, John Legend and Wanda Sykes engage in conversations about race, identity, and the legacy of slavery. They share their own thoughts and feelings about what they have learned and how it has impacted their sense of self. The host also brings in experts in African American history and culture to provide context and insights about the historical events and social issues that shaped their ancestors' lives.

In the end, John Legend and Wanda Sykes come away from the experience with a deeper appreciation for their roots and a renewed sense of pride in their family histories. The episode is a moving and informative exploration of the lives and legacies of two remarkable artists and the ancestors who shaped their lives.