Ep 7. Our People, Our Traditions

In the seventh episode of season two of Finding Your Roots, titled "Our People, Our Traditions," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the ancestral stories of three prominent figures: actress Angela Bassett, musician Valerie Jarrett, and author Nas.

Gates takes Bassett on a journey to discover her African roots, delving into her family history to uncover the truth about her great-grandmother's life. With the help of DNA and historical records, Bassett learns about her ancestor's enslavement and eventual freedom, as well as the customs and traditions of her African ethnic group.

Jarrett, a former advisor to President Obama, travels to her ancestral homeland of Iran to learn about her family's cultural heritage. In doing so, she uncovers a complicated history of her ancestors' involvement in politics and their struggles under authoritarian regimes.

Finally, rapper Nas digs deep into his family's past, exploring the lives of his great-great-grandparents who were enslaved in the southern United States. Gates uncovers a number of surprising facts about Nas' ancestors, including their ability to read and write despite being prohibited from doing so by their slave masters.

Throughout the episode, Gates highlights the importance of cultural heritage and how it shapes our understanding of who we are. He shows how knowing where we come from can give us a greater sense of purpose and can help us connect more deeply with our communities. Through the stories of these three remarkable individuals, "Our People, Our Traditions" offers a powerful testament to the enduring importance of family and tradition in our lives.