Ep 8. Slave Trade

In season 6 episode 8 of Finding Your Roots, titled Slave Trade, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. uncovers the genealogies of three African American guests and explores the traumatic impact of the transatlantic slave trade on their ancestors.

The first guest is filmmaker Ava DuVernay, whose research reveals a story of strength and resilience in the face of brutal slavery. Through her family history, we learn about the vibrant community of free black people in Louisiana who fought for their rights and survived against all odds.

Next, Gates delves into the ancestry of comedian and actor Sterling K. Brown. He discovers a tragic family story of a man who was torn away from his wife and children and sold into slavery, leading to a multigenerational trauma that echoes through the ages.

Finally, musician and actor Jon Batiste traces his roots back to an enslaved ancestor who escaped captivity and found refuge in a Cherokee community. Batiste learns about the power of music to uplift and inspire, as he connects the dots between his ancestor's journey and his own artistic legacy.

Through DNA testing, historical research, and personal revelations, the guests of Finding Your Roots season 6 episode 8 come to a deeper understanding of their own identities and the forces that shaped them. The episode explores the legacy of slavery and its ongoing impact on American society, and highlights the resilience and strength of those who endured its horrors.