African American Lives
This 4 part PBS series attempts to trace the roots of 8 guests using genealogy, oral history, family stories, and DNA analysis.
- 2006-2008
- 1 season
- CPB
- Documentary
- TV-PG
This 4 part PBS series attempts to trace the roots of 8 guests using genealogy, oral history, family stories, and DNA analysis.
Season 1 Episode Guide
4 Episodes 2006
Episode 1
Listening to Our Past
Wed, Feb 1, 2006 53 mins
Episode Four presents fascinating discoveries about participants' lineages thanks to DNA analysis.
Episode 2
The Promise of Freedom
Wed, Feb 1, 2006 53 mins
From the early 20th century to the end of the Civil War, a look at how African Americans defined their freedom after slavery. Dr. Gates learns that courthouse records of land acquisitions, documents from the Freedmen's Bureau and the 1870 census prove important resources for tracing the participants' lineage through Reconstruction.
Episode 3
Searching for Our Names
Wed, Feb 8, 2006
Episode 4
Beyond the Middle Passage
Wed, Feb 8, 2006 54 mins
Dr. Gates visits scientists around the country using DNA analysis to trace ancestral roots. He and one participant make the last leg of the journey, back to Africa, visiting the West African port from which the participant's patrilineal ancestor was likely shipped into slavery, and meeting tribal elders whose DNA suggests are the participant's cousins.