Frontline Season 11 Episode 7 In Search of Our Fathers

In Search of Our Fathers, the seventh episode of season 11 of Frontline, explores the challenges faced by African American men in their quest to uncover their family histories and connect with their ancestors. The episode delves into the historical trauma of slavery and the systemic racism that has hindered the ability of African Americans to trace their family lineage.

The episode follows the stories of several men who are searching for their fathers or grandfathers who were lost in the chaos of slavery and Jim Crow laws. Through interviews with genealogists, historians, and experts in DNA testing, the episode examines the various methods used to uncover family histories, such as interviews with relatives, cemetery records, and digitized census data.

One of the men featured in the episode is Louis Gates Jr., a renowned scholar and host of the PBS series Finding Your Roots. Gates discusses his personal journey in tracing his family tree, which led him to discover a shared ancestor with Condoleezza Rice. He also highlights the importance of DNA testing in uncovering family connections and dispels common myths surrounding the practice.

Another man, Andre Carnegie, shares his emotional experience in discovering the identity of his great-great-grandfather, who was a slave. He describes his shock in learning that his ancestor had owned land and fought for the Union army during the Civil War, challenging the stereotypical narrative of slaves as passive victims.

The episode also tackles the issue of the limited availability of records related to African American genealogy. The destruction of records during the Civil War, segregation, and the inadequate funding of archives have made it nearly impossible for some African Americans to find information about their ancestors. The episode profiles the work of genealogists and researchers who are working to preserve and digitize records in order to make them more accessible to the public.

In addition, the episode highlights the emotional toll of searching for a lost family member. The men featured in the episode express their feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness as they navigate the hurdles of their searches. They also discuss the sense of pride and empowerment that comes with uncovering their family histories and reclaiming their identities.

Overall, In Search of Our Fathers is a poignant and informative exploration of the challenges faced by African American men in their pursuit of ancestral knowledge. Through the stories of the men featured in the episode and interviews with experts, the episode sheds light on the enduring legacy of slavery and the importance of preserving and honoring African American history.