How Queen Latifah Was Able To Trace Her History To the 1700s | Finding Your Roots | Ancestry®

[@AncestryUS]

That was a life-changing discovery for Queen Latifah. Have you made any remarkable discoveries about your family tree? Share your story below!

[@gracewealthpiniano7742]

Hi is Ancestry DNA available in PH?

[@shenitahampton7301]

I found the lineage of my family on my mom’s side is from Nigeria 🇳🇬 😊

[@icemancometh8679]

I'm supposed to be related to Ike Clanton of the OK corral - that's why I never look at that episode of Star Trek the same way again. 😁

[@robertcanada2717]

I found out 2 of my gr gr gr grandfathers were Buffalo Soldiers

[@carameldiva5131]

I knew my roots were deep in Texas but I have been able to trace my ancestors back to 1830s Georgia! I'm still searching for my father's side but hitting constant roadblocks. BTW I am related to Earl Campbell 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@dianemurray6550]

"One person made a difference to my whole family line." That is a call to action to each and every one of us. Such a powerful moment.

[@flowersfromh-evanlakshmi7577]

Beautiful. So true.

[@tesscameron3699]

I'm not crying there's just something in both my eyes.... It was the most beautiful thing she could have said

[@brittanyrose6388]

We can all definitely make a difference. We must right the wrongs!!

[@karchata7123]

wow yes!!

[@cheesecakelasagna]

I needed to hear this today.

[@sushmitamukherjee4025]

There's something about Queen Latifah. I've always just really, genuinely liked her so much. She is just warm and strong and seems so deep. It's really cool to see this moment even though as someone that's not black, I will never understand how deep this goes.

[@madhatter5357]

Queen Latifah has always been so down to earth in my opinion. Nothing pretentious about her like so many celebrities. I will never forget how heartfelt she spoke at Michael Jackson's memorial.

[@sushmitamukherjee4025]

@@madhatter5357 Thanks for sharing. I just watched the video you referenced :)

[@Njoofene]

Black does not equal slavery.

[@SweetSoulBrother0]

she has that mommy energy

[@renooparmar4236]

agreed the few movies iv seen her in, i liked her acting

[@corneliamalima4968]

My great aunt was sold as a slave, but we met all her grandchild in America . I live in Africa. We look alike, so amazing🙏🙏🙏

[@LucySkyDiamond]

Wow! That is amazing! 🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@sharonsmith6022]

It's the genes, they carry on.

[@chicalertng]

That’s truly amazing!

[@4knewt505]

This makes me so happy!!!! Maybe there are relatives that look like me too. I can trace my family to the Civil War and feel that is a true gift considering most of us can only go back to the early 1900s

[@camerashy_]

@@og-greenmachine8623 Oh you're one of those self hating blacks😒

[@iamohsotrendy]

I got chills when she read “I hereby emancipate and set free” omg what an amazing realization about her history. More power to you Queen

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Tracy, we are happy that you enjoyed this video. We hope it inspires you to research your family history.

[@mariej.richard5114]

@@AncestryUS why are the subs so low for such an awesome show

[@thomasbrunn3988]

yes the over use of god is so sickening

[@carmellabrown3335]

That was deep and moving. Her family has been in the United States for almost 250 years. The part of American history people love to gloss over.

[@emre_love]

Yes. WAYYY longer than my family. We are mizrahi, sephardic and Ashkenazi jews. We did not get here until after the holocaust, and still, only half survived that. My mizrahi side, even more recent. The Africa American and Jewish stories on here always make me cry.

[@missvida6251]

No…they don’t gloss over it. They brought the African ships over here then . She’s of African descent

[@mikemeyers7328]

Shes more american than allllot of ppl

[@yolandad2.031]

Yep. Longer than Ellis Island immigrants. We must claim our American heritage and not allow others to push us out or take our identity. FBA4ever.

[@yolandad2.031]

@@mikemeyers7328 Exactly. Her people were here during very significant moments in USA history. FBA!!!

[@brandibliss]

That's deep and many generations later, her grandchild would be called a Queen..

[@joeymama4666]

And she gave that name to herself.

[@rosaortiz3180]

😭

[@seanprater1795]

👍👍👍

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

@thomas anderson lol why do ppl always say that? the sheer number of ppl in bondage says that's impossible

[@thegeminiguy1065]

Her name Dana Elaine Owens, Queen was the name given to her by the white producers of her first album.

[@aimeechapman5780]

What's so powerful about this for me is this happened way before slavery was ended. The writings of the person who freed her ancestor seemed for whatever reason to come to an understanding that enslaving another person was wrong and changed this family forever.

[@annieberardino8732]

This is my favorite story. The wording on the document is so powerful and yet so matter of fact and simple… like “I don’t believe in owning another human being so I will invest my power to set them free” it’s so simple but ages ahead of the times and so pure and beautiful. it brings me to tears instantly when she reads it out.

[@patriciajrs46]

I just thought about the movie Aladdin when I read your comment. The part where Robin Williams, as Geni, realizes that he used his last wish for Geni's freedom. Geni's reaction was amazing, and over the top.

[@elsabean6791]

This story is proof that the decisions we make today can affect generations down the line long after we are dead and gone. Choose love and kindness and always do the right thing, even if not for yourself, for those who have yet to be born.

[@Giannis_Sarafis]

I have to admit it: I cried... Genealogical research has a lot to offer. For many years, I research the genealogy of my village in Greece, finding information that I would have never imagined: my great-great-great grandfather's will, old property titles etc. And in a region that it is very difficult to find any clue, due to the fact that the region was part of the Ottoman Empire. Then I realized that I should expand my knowledge. I learned Turkish, and a little Osmanlica, the old Turkish language with arabic letters. A whole new world was in front of me. I travelled in Constantinople (Istanbul), I met interesting people, and heard fascinating stories. One of the most touching stories was in a will I found. A father is praising to God to bring back his son, that was missing, being a soldier at the Asia Minor campaign and put an oath on his siblings to help him if he ever came back.

[@alkante2962]

Your story of research is extremely touching and interesting. How true you are about acquiring some basic knowledge of an other language regarding a genealogy research! It might help to understand a context if nothing else.

[@nikoleta5237]

Μπράβο Γιάννη!💕

[@satiricalsartorial]

wow, amazing

[@ZHM19372]

This s so amazing👏🏼🥹

[@cherrellerussell9872]

I'm glad that some people were not enslaved. But no one deserves to be enslaved.

[@janekhoury5907]

I think in the beginning every African was enslaved, even Queen Latifa's ancestors, and sometime along the way, an ancestor attained freedom.

[@khwhi1]

Jane Khoury some were not enslaved

[@simplyjustronnie6852]

@@khwhi1 they were set free meaning they were slaves.

[@dhatchick22196]

Jane Khoury this is incorrect lol

[@APatriarca1]

It should of never happened, we weren't meant to be slaves. NO ONE. Slavery is evil .

[@free22]

One person is all it takes to make a difference in any person’s family line, either in a positive or negative way.

[@michellezevenaar]

Exactly so be that person that has a positive effect on someone else life and line.

[@amenra13]

If that was her 5X great grandparent who was a freed slave, she would have been only 1 of 128 of Latifah’s direct ancestors. I’m happy for the one, but what was the fate of the other 127?

[@OyaRevolutionary]

amenra13 Exactly!

[@nadineblades393]

I love this ❤️

[@charlottewade5922]

Dr. Gates show is wonderful. Don't stop making it.

[@coastalseasider4634]

I think Queen Latifah’s relatives would be quite pleased with all she’s accomplished. She’s entertained & enlightened many of us with her talent. My fav was in “The Secret Life of Bees”. All those talented actresses’ roles, reminds us to be kind to each other. Think I’ll play it now.

[@catherinezenovich5483]

Mary Old must have been a special lady and I'm sure if she could see Queen Latifah's relief and quiet joy at the knowledge that her ancestor was a freed woman, she would be moved at what a difference that gift of freedom has made. I'm sure that many of Queen's descendants and family have endured much as people of colour in the US but what a wonderful shining moment to find in her ancestry and thank goodness for the existence of people like Mary Old.

[@emiliak2597]

It was just so powerful when she mentioned that we often think 1 person cannot make a difference, whilst that one lady did for her family. I guess sometimes even one act of kindness can change a whole lot of people's lives for better.

[@patriciajrs46]

Yes, it can. A person may never know what kind words, or an expression of caring, may be the exact thing that keeps someone living instead of giving up.

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

OMGZ SO POWERFUL

[@lisabolo26]

Ah yes, Queen Latifah is an incredibly special person! I still remember how she blew my mind (with Monie Love) singing "Ladies First," and then Latifah became a great actress! Spectacular, indeed.

[@WaterIsLife77]

U.N.I.T.Y. was a good one, too. "Who you callin' a b*tch!!??"

[@natokinville4632]

I know, I couldn’t believe how beautiful her singing voice is but she rapped!?!? Either way she’s been a blessing to my ears and heart!

[@mrsaye499]

yes and she is stunning to look at. Her complexion is incredible.

[@deborahmerkerson1145]

@@mrsaye499 I've always thought she is beautiful. I think her inner beauty shines through her beautiful brown eyes. I never miss a chance at watching one of her movies. I've never heard her sing but will look for her on YT.

[@elizabethcheney4599]

I love that song

[@LifeguardSai]

This made me cry. I couldn’t even find past my great-great- grand parents.

[@sherylhoward4831]

Try Googling something like where to find black ancestors. It might bring up a lot of sites to give you more avenues to go down. A friend of mine found out that her great-great- grandfather had taken the last name of the slave owner and due to the man's will. She got to go back 1 more generation. Keep it up! You never know what you might find! :)

[@MsShawn43]

I am white and have been tracing my ancestry for 47 years and haven't been able to go back as far as you have for most of my family.. Sad isn't it...

[@djmaxxhtx]

Don’t give up. Keep searching death certificates, obituaries and census records. Good luck!

[@dannicatzer305]

This is hardly an exclusively black problem.. Records were poorly kept or lost (or in a fire in my case) so I cant trace mine past my great great grandfather on my fathers side and my great grandmothers family seemed to appear on earth around 1900 prior to that ?????

[@lilhonni]

@@MsShawn43 / not really all you’ll find is white folks who lived in Louisiana and possibly had a farm, and 6 kids

[@Cinia18]

The way she says “thank you Lord” 😭🙌🏾

[@lorrainewadsworth6977]

It should never have happened. It's so so wrong.

[@Bantuqueen01]

@@lorrainewadsworth6977their ancestors disobeyed The Most High and he told them that their descendants would be slaves to a people that they would not understand their language. And serve them 400 years. Read deut 28

[@mariahoulihan9483]

VICTIM blaming. disgusting. @@Bantuqueen01

[@edsferro615]

1792..her family was free. The fact they could go back so far with Queen Latifahs family is amazing! Just goes to show her family has been here more than most white Americans.. Queen Latifah and her family are a true product of the American struggle and dream!

[@Biboche23]

This is beautiful and the fact that she called herself Queen a century or so later not knowing her ancestors were free slaves, just tells you destiny works in mysterious ways.

[@greyshield6089]

Just a quick info: Latifa means in arabic sweet or gentle

[@centerfold8]

Doesn’t it also mean light

[@greyshield6089]

@@centerfold8 No , light in arabic is Noor and it is also a very widespread name.

[@missyana8746]

​@@centerfold8latifa in arabic mean sweet or gentle but its also used as female first name very common in Northen Africans countries while its use as a first name is rarer in the Middle East.

[@sarahalotaibi1230]

Miss Yana it’s actually common in Middle East.

[@robinalecia7554]

@@centerfold8 Dana her real name is Hebrew and means God is my Judge awesome Love her

[@ayenice3484]

I’ve had the biggest crush on Latifah since I was a kid. She has a sense of beauty that she carries in her all around aura and physical.

[@mrsaye499]

Aye!

[@bonbiskadafi9423]

Me too!

[@ugi161]

She has something regal about her ❤

[@celticlamanite]

I think that they should try and find Mary Old's family now. That could be a special moment.

[@djmaxxhtx]

Maybe, we found the white people in our family. Traced it back to the early 1800’s. Only one guy keeps in touch, but none of them ever want to come to the family reunion.

[@MichelleIbarraMHAEdD]

I was thinking the same thing. 💜

[@QueenLadyQ]

Yes

[@nickymcneil8544]

@@djmaxxhtx they probably feel awful for what their ancestors did, and don't know how to deal with it?

[@lorrainewadsworth6977]

@@nickymcneil8544 I have to say Nicky I'd be utterly devastated and ashamed if I thought that my ancestors played any part in this sick trade I really would. As im nearing 60 years of age I'd like to say that I've seen things here in England change in my life time. But these changes need to continue. Its 2020 for crying out loud why oh why aren't we all equal.

[@onimichaelmulling6413]

Every time I find out more about Queen Latifa, I have to say, I respect this Woman more and more the more I find out about her and the way she is, and the things she does, and the way she reacts to new things. You're awesome, Miss Latifa, get it girl.

[@LissaDee2957]

If I was Queen, I would celebrate that day in my family for generations to come and tell the story of why that day is so important to her family. ❤️

[@martyrhea6173]

I’ve always loved Queen Latifa. Never knew why. Just did. I teared up on this!

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

you forgot the h. Latifah

[@mjade1673]

This made you know why you love her?

[@LaraInTheFrame]

I think its because shes so genuine you never need to question her celebrity. Shes sweet. What a wonderful outcome for her story.

[@thenobleone-3384]

Henry Louis Gates is a wise man. I want to meet him someday to trace both of my parents ancestors. This is so cool how technology is letting us do this.

[@erichill612]

Yes

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

you know you dont have to meet him to do that, right? he uses public records

[@sandy4498]

I’m in love with his mind

[@dorothyyoung8231]

Genealogical research if fun and fascinating. I encourage you to give it a try!

[@pookiehoney]

You can do it yourself on the website. There are new records constantly becoming available online thanks to thousands of volunteers. This isn't just for famous people. This is for everyone and you can find these public records. Finding your ancestors and learning about them is somehow liberating spiritually. It helps you see them personally. It helps you feel connected to your ancestors. It's a beautiful feeling to put together a history however small or large. Our dead are waiting for you to find them and remember them. It's an amazing feeling to see your history and understand them a little more.

[@sweetpeepauline]

This was a tear jerker, love me some Queen Latifah 💕🙏🏽

[@bigfoot1697]

You love this meat

[@mrstep2me]

Like Latifah, I have a copy of the document that freed a branch of my family in 1846. It's amazing to read.

[@HamptonHongShogunMA]

Latifah is my cousin on my Father's side. What she is hearing is is now I am hearing about how my family was and is. Wow!

[@Rudilsa80]

My great-grandfather, upon releasing his slaves in Jamaica. Offered each land if they married to raise a family. He married my great grandmother of African, Arowak desent. The power of love!

[@whitetig2]

Black people's history is so complicated. We can have both enslaver and enslaved ancestors all at the same time.

[@franmellor9843]

@@whitetig2 that was very common and also to have children with the slaves so they didn't have to buy anymore ..inhouse so to speak

[@tuesdayschild8994]

@@whitetig2 not everywhere. I'm UK born of Ghanaian heritage. Black history is vast and my ancestory is very different. I hope I'm able to do good job of telling the stories my Father told me growing up. It gave me such a strong sense of identity and pride.

[@whitetig2]

@@tuesdayschild8994 Continental African history is different to an extent but it intersects with the African diaspora nonetheless. I'm Jamican and we gain much of our pride through the struggle for freedom, such as rebellion, resistants and civil rights.

[@sandranorman5469]

WTG Frau’s great grandfather. Think of all the people your gg helped. Makes me want to cry but I know that my husband is cutting onions

[@bethaniejify]

One person made a difference to my entire family line.

[@mddarkwood1872]

Girl I hear that.

[@casewhite5048]

everyone in your family tree can also do the same thing I would go as far as to say she can make a huge difference in hers

[@rolsroland2040]

and her curse to the entire family is the missing kongo Prince in blood and flesh...clean up yrslf spiritually sista ....

[@ChooseU4ever]

This brought tears to my eyes 😭😭😭

[@YauriSKellyDalencour]

Wow. That shook me to tears, and smiling. Wow. Beautiful. I feel I’ve been touched through her music and life and everything she has done through the joy and triumph of her lineage. They would be so proud of her.

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad to hear that you enjoyed it, Eoghan. We wish you the best as you continue to learn about your ancestors and share their stories.

[@HomeCentsWithNell]

This is beautiful. I had the same experience and found that some of my ancestors were free in the 1700s♥️.

[@mycrazyfamilyid]

Wow, that is amazing! ♥️

[@goanna83]

I may not be POC but just by seeing Queen Latifah's reaction, i couldn't fathom the extreme emotions she must be feeling, learning her family line was spared of further enslavement. So profound and incredible to hold that piece of history that has become a part of you.

[@noxible]

When she said " thank you Lord"

[@caltats13]

Heart warming experience. She is very humble from the beginning. Now to learn why she is so precious now. Wow.. bigger fan now. My son tried this ancestry. It stated we are chichimecan Indian but have no clue how to reconnect. Wow.. what an impact. Thanks for being so humble and great in this life queen Latifah. Your were a queen from the beginning. Wow.. AMAZING!!!

[@ruhsaanjones4750]

I've always admired Queen. Her spirit is incredible. She's one of favorite actresses.

[@sissybear94]

The energy of your ancestors doesn’t just disappear, it gets passed down through generations.

[@winonahamilton6536]

@Mark Haines nice try

[@franceswalker2627]

Yes, bad and good.

[@weherek5941]

Yet a lot of people will not understand her tears

[@jv-ep2tc]

some part of me does. i stopped by while eating lunch and instead had to put down the sandwich to grab the kleenex.

[@siahyoung6335]

were here K And that's really sad!

[@beingmarilyngail8470]

I cried to think every black was not abused however a large part of my tears was for those who did.

[@reneehicks4629]

This brought me to tears and it’s not my family.

[@jonathandewberry289]

Why should they?

[@anitaweitala5527]

That is so awesome, brought tears to my eyes. GOD is good!

[@michaeldukes4108]

Donkey Fish 🙄 As if nature is more likely to answer prayers.

[@sloanbanks9531]

Thank God? Are you people crazy?! What in the world! A slave and his master cannot pray to the same God! Slave masters forced their religion on us and now we praise their God? Delusional

[@TheBaconWizard]

@@michaeldukes4108 Why would ANYTHING answer prayers? YOU live your life, and things happen to you that you can't control. Grow up.

[@AD-jq7ow]

What about when thay were slaves... Was he good then?

[@saarinenj1]

@@AD-jq7ow God freed slaves to freedom.

[@rashaadlatief3984]

A reminder that doing the right thing now, will have a profound impact on someone's future ❤️

[@michelle_m_m]

I often tear up at these, but the look on her face when she learned her great-great-great grandparents were free made me burst into tears. And then seeing the emancipating document? Unreal.

[@carrieannmcleod5219]

I think Dr. Henry Gates' Finding Your Roots on PBS is the best in the genre of genealogy/ancestry tracing. There're so much historical and scientific research to be able to trace back so far. I'm fascinated by the whole process.

[@MsBhappy]

The English one is also very well done

[@isd4154]

@@MsBhappy what is is called?

[@gilmoremccoy6930]

I support Finding Your Roots, but when I watch it, I cry for different reasons! The show is profound 👍🏽.

[@daydream324]

"One person made a difference!" YES!!!

[@sistagaia]

Everytime they do the ones for African Americans I tear up bro I can’t help it!

[@NoName-gh5mq]

We are not AFRICANS

[@lancegaupp3755]

Hearing her read that document.... I need to see her star as Jug in a movie about her anestors life.

[@serenarobak3640]

I got chills all over and that's not even my family. I can't imagine. One person made a difference. What insight.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

That IS crazy! To find that document is one in a million, especially from the 1700's. I'm so happy for her.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Avery, we are glad to see that you enjoyed the video!

[@fredrika27]

You also need to know that there were blacks who came to James Town and who were free! There were also many people of color who sailed with Columbus and Ponce de Leone!

[@ChaosMagic]

I've seen Queen Latifa in person while serving at the Oscar's 2019! She was really genuine nice and just down to earth.. loved her instantly ❤

[@karlshaner2453]

She found something very rare. That straight and narrow gate. Ask her if you get the chance.

[@brittanyrose6388]

"One person made a difference to my whole family line" We can make a difference, and we must. Right the wrongs!!!!

[@mac15792000]

I love this show.

[@detricemalone9210]

Yes # 1.

[@samsdns1]

Yes, I love the show

[@lushtv7155]

Queen Latifah is just an amazing person. I've always loved her.

[@AncestryUS]

We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed this clip! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@jenniferr2057]

Man, I hope you framed the document. It brought tears to my eyes.

[@jbaby007]

If only ancestry did thorough research like this on regular folks..

[@juandavidrestrepoduran6007]

Do it on your own like everybody else, nothing is limiting you. I started a pair of months ago and I have reconstructed greatly the family of a great grandma for many centuries, parts of another and so on.

[@carolsybrowsky6870]

I've been doing family research for 45 years. Every time I find an ancestor or another family member, it is a profound experience. Often it feels as if they have waiting to be found. Everyone wants to be remembered.

[@nicolejames6796]

exactly, this is a television program and the operative word here is program

[@sgmares]

I too was brought to tears and then it dawned on me...one white person thought it was not right to enslave their fellow human being. THAT was powerful. Lesson: There are white people that have presence of mind.

[@HappiestGirl69]

In fact, the vast majority do in this day and age.

[@abryant8287]

Of course. Otherwise, slavery would possibly still exist.

[@615BlackBarbie]

That "thank you LORD" was peaceful and grateful.

[@Mutlap]

In the 1980s I would go to the library and go through census records by hand. It would take 8hrs per ward, now I can go through all census (1790 to 1940 all states) records for one name it takes less than thirty seconds, amazing!

[@jolynnhill8502]

This is my favorite show on PBS! Hats off to Henry Louis Gates and ancestry for making this happen!

[@larryroberts8809]

Wish this show would do others. Native American hard to form past my great great grandmothers/father's. He makes it look so easy and interesting.

[@angiecarle3041]

I just traced back to the original Indigenous grandmother (Columbia River gorge) on my fathers side, it can happen. Keep going! Harder on my moms side, only the churches recorded the history past a certain point in Alaska.

[@larryroberts8809]

@@angiecarle3041 thanks for information. I have found information to Tennessee .native Americas sent to middle American.not all documents show who or where they end up even births and deaths not always recorded. Fathers family farm has two American native buried on top of hill . no idea which tribes, because my area had several. Marked by 2 stones and 2 trees. Area growth overwhelmingly hidden graves.that generation have past so information is gone. Because it was not written down. I can appreciate all for their search to find past lives and where they are part of all family

[@northernstar5339]

Yes Native American would be good along with other ethnicities

[@larryroberts8809]

My grandma Ladoska Sarah ( Cole) Roberts and her mother Rachel ANN (SEALS) Cole from Tennessee/ Kentucky area only information I can find at this point. On their farm, my dad told me if you go to end of porch on the right side walk way, following all the way to the top of hill . There are to native American graves marked only with two trees and two large rocks. Because mother nature over grow the areas it is hard to locate.( Not wanting to dig up,but find to honor them.

[@larryroberts8809]

I also had two native American graves on my father's farm. We walked of the porch and straight up the hill on the top. Two trees and two large rocks is what Mark their grave. My father did not know what tribe because in our area they have several different tribes and travel tribes also. We will not dig up and find out. We prefer to leave and let them rest

[@75julianne]

I found my 4th great grandfather Charles America’s emancipation certificate on Ancestry! ...and yes his last name was America!

[@Me123Mandy]

@GrandMaster Bushido Brown there's no need to be rude

[@Me123Mandy]

@GrandMaster Bushido Brown he would be proud of his descendants regardless. good day. bye

[@crucialtaunt5717]

@GrandMaster Bushido Brown She has his genetics. They can show up generations later. Stop being a bigot.

[@Tiber234]

As a follow up to Bushido's comment looking down with happiness in that things aren't perfect - but they sure have changed for the better

[@roseybud5722]

You made a difference to me growing up queen, you are so very special, when all the images of women worth looking to where sparse. You made me see I can be strong and smart and not settle for less then I’m worth . I thank you !

[@myindigoblues5796]

This one moved me to tears - reading that freedom document. Anyone who has ever been a prisoner to anything knows what it means to be set free. Thank God. What a great story. Thank you 🙏

[@clairer42]

WOW!!! She’s found the document that freed her first ancestor.... that is amazing.

[@LeezPgh]

So moving. Incredible. Also an important reminder that enslaved Africans brought to America.. whose ancestors are still here have been in America in some cases way longer than many other white Americans whose families immigrated more recently. What really makes us American? What makes us human? Maybe that's the more important question.

[@bz3086]

Leez, Yet the Hispanics claim they own all of North/Central/South America which makes you very wrong

[@Mikki220]

Thank you for this. I wish I could have found my Mom's grandparents and their parents before she passed away. It would have meant so much to her and her cousin's children and to me.

[@lynnharr3911]

You may still be able to do this through census records. I have found a number of people who were born in Africa. All you need is the last name and location. Also look for Freedman's Bank records. Some of them are like autobiographies. You can access these documents online.

[@robertvance01]

My thoughts go out to the person who freed her ancestor. I would want to find out where she is buried and pay homage to her. This took real character and true moral judgement.

[@CP-pm8ol]

They say you gotta do something big to make a difference in the world and I have always believed making a difference in ones family by raising the next generation IS A HUGE difference.

[@jeffmahoney1271]

I think we need to share more of these stories. America's history has dark spots but they're dark spots on the most beautiful social fabric that has ever existed.

[@fong03]

Perhaps you missed the part where he explained that only 10% of Blacks were freed before the Civil War. You may need more of these stories, but you are unlikely to get them because they were exceedingly rare. “Dark spots” is also a wildly dismissive characterization of America’s history.

[@jeffmahoney1271]

@@fong03 10% is anything but rare.

[@dcamron46]

Mary Old was a badass. I think we can all agree.

[@ladybugforest3687]

I'm so glad for Queen Latifah. I loved her attitude she has always been an inspiration to me.

[@frenchtoast7742]

That’s a beautiful story ! This date Sept 30 should be a holiday for her to celebrate freedom 🥰. I love and always respected Queen Latifah . God Bless ❤️

[@AncestryUS]

We couldn't agree more, Kelly! Thanks for watching!

[@copah4537]

The music, her voice. Spiritual😌

[@shannonguerrero9273]

I'M WAITING FOR MY DNA/RESULTS TO COME BACK TO ME I WAS ADOPTED/ SEARCHING FOR MY FAMILY ♡

[@comealongcomealong4480]

@ Shannon Guerrero. Good luck Shannon on your journey of Self Discovery. Have you met people in your life so far who check you, and assume you are one of their group ? Might be a clue if so .... 🙏

[@dark6796]

Good Luck 🙏

[@teresavalencia3083]

I am so anxious to receive my results since I am adopted as well. I am usually a pretty patient person, but this has me on pins and needles. Good luck to you!!!

[@maryohmaryoh]

It could happen. I discovered a first cousin I never knew I had that way. One of my aunts put up a child for adoption and he found me via the ancestry DNA matches. Sadly his mother is gone but he is building relationships with the rest of the family and his children are now learning about their ancestry on their dad's side which is cool. A word of advice: the DNA matches can be extremely helpful in locating family members but, even with me and some other relatives helping him investigate, he ended up applying for a copy of his birth certificate. That is how we were able to confirm who exactly his bio parent in our family was. Best of luck in your search!

[@derricoel8663]

Same here I'm patiently waiting

[@kimberleyosumah3376]

Queen Latifah has a soul and spirit that is truly beautiful 💞

[@catemoon]

I’d love to know more about Mary Old, and what inspired her to know how wrong it was for one human to own another. Also, I’d love to know what became of the freed woman.

[@christelheadington1136]

I see many comments here saying "I always have liked her, but didn't know why." Well I know I like her smile, which she seems to always wear. Now I thinkshe may have been born with it; the smile of freedom.

[@oceanrock733]

I rewatch this frequently. It's very powerful.

[@reenierossi3724]

I would like to know what does that twenty-eight-year-old woman do, when she was set free. That must have been both exhilarating and frightening. I would love to know her story.

[@cjkillax3]

I’m tryna be that one person to change my family for generations to come 💯💪🏾🏁

[@e.j.o.4400]

Amen to that! 🙏

[@lorrainewakefield9035]

What a wonderful video. Only 3:49 minutes long. To my knowledge I do not think I am of Colour but would be proud to be. Mary Old I think this name will remain with me forever. Brightened my day the hear this story with wonderful certificate written by Mary.

[@drealake3281]

I love her! She is amazing, reminding us how one person CAN make a difference. Look at what she herself has done!

[@marymccluer1630]

Wow, the power of a single act by one person can literally effect generations to come. Very powerful!

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Mary, and thanks for stopping by! We hope you have enjoyed this episode of the show. Thanks for sharing!

[@junawallace7315]

when Queen said "thank you, Lord" I felt that

[@kalabaw99]

i wonder where mary old's family is.

[@ByondAvrg]

I was thinking the same thing. What a lady❣️

[@Chronicallymanette]

I love hearing beautiful stories like this.

[@wanda4sure988]

Thank you for doing your DNA . My sister never seen her father family but because of you she now know more about them. Thanks to her cousin Queen Latifah

[@ajj9694]

I adore Queen Latifah. She seems like a genuinely nice person.

[@AncestryUS]

What an impact, Angie! We hope you will also learn about your family lines and share their stories with others.

[@nordiskkatt]

I find it particularly touching that in a patriarchal, brutal society, one woman gave freedom to another woman.

[@deborahmerkerson1145]

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to learn more about freemen in the US, there is an episode on YT about the ancestry of actor Blair Underwood on Who Do You Think You Are. It's a little over 43 minutes. There is also a one minute YT video on it. I saw tne full episode when it first aired a few years ago. It was one of the most moving shows I have ever seen. It was enlightening to learn about freemen who were in the US before the Civil War. There were aspects of their lives that you would not anticipate. For example you learn why some of them owned slaves.

[@andrea.olausson]

”One person making difference to my entire family line.” That’s profound! Gave me the chills! Something to have in mind!

[@carlericpickett597]

I love this series. I wish I could have mine done on the show. My family history is very unique and has historical contributions to this country good and bad. Being a Pickett, Burgin, and having Cherakee descendants that marched in the "The trail of Tears" my family has been a part of US history. We even had a paper dime that was given to the Smithsonian.

[@reginaowens2971]

Wow,maybe you should email them.