A Dream Delivered: The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson | Full Film | Ancestry ®

Hosted by Emmy nominated actor Anthony Anderson (“black-ish”, “Law & Order”), with cultural historian and television host Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and acclaimed director Rashidi Harper, Ancestry® premieres a powerful new film - “A Dream Delivered: The Lost Letters of Hawkins Wilson” - which brings to light a family reunion over a century in the making. Learn more at visitancestry.com/BlackHistory.
Follow one family’s journey to reunite with relatives of their ancestor, Hawkins Wilson, who was born into slavery and torn from his family as a young boy. As a grown, newly-freedman nearly 25 years later, Hawkins Wilson sent letters to the Freedmen’s Bureau desperately seeking assistance locating his siblings, but unfortunately, the letters were never delivered and his story, like many others, was suspended in time-until now.
This inspiring story of resilience and hope showcases the impact one family history discovery can have on an entire community that has faced many roadblocks when it comes to understanding their past.
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[@GoldSag1]

The fact that this six year old little boy was able to recount names and places with such accuracy is just spectacular. It indicates to me that his mother and siblings kept him informed "just in case" one of them was taken away. I can only imagine that they had seen many families ripped apart and the oral history was a way to keep them connected. Blessings to this family and all descendents of slavery.

[@cababyboomerq6012]

I am right there with you. But, I also know that unlike other places, this nation ended slavery. There are places in the world where it still exists, even today. Horrific.

[@susanconstable2113]

This story is breaking me.

[@sherylhouston6403]

No matter how old he was or how many years went by, he never forgot his family. We can never forget what our family went through 😢 ❤

[@helloAbraham111]

My grandfather is full blooded Māori they are very rare here in NZ my great great grandparents didn’t let their children speak their native tongue in hopes to hide and shield them from the horrors of colonisation 😢 ❤️

[@Ladyrolanda]

Hope deferred is not hope denied.

[@Pat_Speaks]

Back in the late 1960’s I took a revolutionary college class at the time called “Black History” to add knowledge as we marched along for civil rights. But now as an old white woman watching this beautiful film with my eyes leaking tears, one statement had me doing a forehead slap to myself. The importance of words…this wasn’t just Black History, this was a large part of our American History. I knew this, but this time I felt it in my soul as I watched the film unravel the mystery.

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Thank you for speaking your truth 🙏 🙌. Thank you for not just seeing this story as a BLACK story but a human story . We have many people from many different places that have had life changing events like displacements in times of war and chaos whom also never got to see their families again.

[@Fari-100]

Thank you decent-hearted "old white woman" 😄 and to think how many are vehemently fighting the teaching of our true history under the false interpretation of "critical race theory" 😖

[@kaleahcollins4567]

@@Fari-100 lol

[@francoissuissae6217]

We must change the narrative to not fit just white a ademics perception & slant of history by entrusting & delivering individuals that are not white but rather all colors, ethnicities to be administration, leaders, management, storyteller, business ownership, education facilitators, civil servants, content creators, bookkeepers,....etc It just needs diversity to show a true collaborative effort in the tapestry of our life as the Human race May we forever share Truth

[@zoozooe]

@@Fari-100 Your ignorance is stunning.

[@peggyjones3282]

It makes it so real to think of a little family in crisis, knowing their little brother was being taken away. To think of a big sister, with nothing, wanting to do something for him. So she made him biscuits. He remembered those biscuits the rest of his life as proof he was loved. So heartbreaking. I wish he could have found his family.

[@lindabb7064]

He found them, in a very African way: through the ancestors in the invisible world.

[@coleworld4385]

He found her in heaven… just as he was told to do 🥹

[@magsdur5948]

Heartrending that the original letter was never delivered and he never found his siblings in life..but the letter was delivered 150 years later so their descendants could. Joy sits right alongside pain in this world. Moved to tears. Thank you for sharing these powerful stories.

[@patriciajrs46]

I'm very sorry that he didn't find his siblings and family in his lifetime. These people have a greater difficulty in finding their ancestors than I can imagine. My grandfather was secretive and apparently never talked about his family.

[@mabelurena8311]

As a mother I cried for that little boy, so much love in his heart and so much faith.

[@patrivamack648]

Wow, what an emotional roller coaster. My heart broke for that 6-year-old child with his bag of biscuits sold away from his family. I had difficulty understanding how such a detailed letter could get sent to the wrong place and never make it to his family. I found myself happy yet envious of his descendants because Nicka provided them the letters he had written and introduced them to their 6th cousins. For those of us researching, that's like having a genealogical-guardian angel. I'd love to see more stories like this turned into a recurring series featuring everyday people. I believe it will increase the interest levels in family history research. We need more of this!

[@thefreckledafrikan]

I agree. But as they zoomed in on one of those documents, I saw what looked to be my maiden surname: Mayfield

[@ckd0680]

Yes, yes, yes! As an adamant researcher of my family, I can only pray that God has assigned us a genealogical angel to answer our thousands & thousands of questions! *tears*

[@deb7518]

Just imagining the terror that little 6 yr old boy felt at being sold off to a strange place makes my blood both run cold and boil at the same time.

[@charlesmcdermott6139]

This Irish-American watched this with more than interest, but with heart. When those four women hugged, I wept for joy! Thank you to all who made this possible!

[@C.R886]

so nice of you 🙏 African American found many surprises tracing roots

[@gardensofthegods]

On my Dad's side I'm Irish American and I had tears coming out of my eyes when she read the part of the letter where she got choked up I got choked up also where he was writing to his aunt and saying he remembered that night she gave him the bag of biscuits and spoke of meeting in heaven again and being united there someday . I'm glad I watched this ; it was really wonderful but yeah it was very sad with him talking about the day he was sold ... and to know he was just a little boy at that time .

[@BlazingPhoenix05]

I have CHILLLS from watching and listening to those women! And when they hugged, I cried T_T

[@maebellecruickshank4587]

@@BlazingPhoenix05 q

[@PaulaCWard]

ME TOO! I was telling the screen Just Hug already! You could feel they wanted to and when they did the tears poured! Powerful, heart wrenching, and beautiful...

[@pinksugarcookies71]

This is not my story but my feelings are so real. This is beautiful, emotional, tragic and so full of hope. Rest well Hawkins Wilson.

[@jessicakay9258]

This had me so emotional and I am not African American but as a Native American we share alot of the same struggles. We must never let these stories die. Say their name they live forever. Their legacy lives forever. In heaven and on earth ❤️ what a beautiful reunion you're ancestors are smiling down on you ❤️

[@cjfl1962]

Indeed, this country owes a great debt to both.

[@nikkin.9206]

❤❤❤

[@jenniferwilliams6494]

Absolutely ❤️

[@jordankenya5033]

Yes this country owes black Americans and aboriginals of thee America's. Majority are written off as well paper genocide

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Actually, we owe a great deal of land and several broken treaties to indigenous nations. Let's be clear. Obscene wealth in the USA, ridiculous wealth gaps. Let's start paying the debts. Study is necessary, talk is nice, but let's get the work done. (Unfortunately, enslaved people were not able to negotiate treaties, so that's a different hornets nest. Still a debt, still needs to get paid.)

[@secondhandrose6214]

A six year old child born 150 years back brought these people together. Thank You for Sharing I so enjoyed this story 🤎💜💙💚💛🧡❤

[@RedBear535]

The part of the letter where he recounts that this person belonged to this other person and how spread out his family was as property was brutal.

[@davyannajones]

Hawkins Wilson was a beautiful soul

[@helenl3193]

Absolutely gutting that the system failed Hawkins, Jane and their families by misdirecting his letters. After everything they had already suffered it's incredible he still had such hope in finding them, and such strength of character as he expressed in case he didn't. I wish he could have had that much deserved happy reunion, but at least his love and attempts to reach them enabled younger generations to finally find each other. I'm also amazed at how resilient these women were throughout - I was wrecked by just watching this, can't imagine living it and not losing all composure! I'm a white working-class Brit, and we've struggled with confirming some of our family tree, without ever having the added complications of having been deemed nothing more than property! It's just mind-boggling, all the knock-on impacts of the sins of slavery and the amends still needed. I'm so glad that some black Americans are able to find these pieces of the histories and families that were stolen from them, I hope it brings them nothing but peace and joy

[@Fari-100]

Thank you, decent-hearted person from across the pond 😊

[@patmaurer8541]

You know their ancestors are celebrating! Not only are they found and remembered, their descendants are embracing and celebrating, too ❤

[@AlmondJoie]

Eccl. 9:5-6 tells the truth: "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any _thing_ that is done under the sun." Gen. 3:19 says: "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." We must be careful not to add words where God has placed a period. Here God makes no distinction between the "body and soul," because man became a *living soul* when God created him. Moreover, God breathed life into man (dust). On the contrary, God didn't breathe a soul or a spirit into man that lives on after we die. Therefore, death is life in reverse. Our breath returns to God who gave it, while we return to dust. Just as God said.

[@RoadWarrior48]

I surely believe they are watching and celebrating from above! My family had 9 brothers who fought as Union soldiers in Cuvil War. Not just the black people suffered. Thousands more did. I lost 2 G Granduncles and my G grandfather fought and survived Andersonville Prison. 😔

[@terrywade3696]

@@RoadWarrior48 Your last sentence about your great grandfather surviving Andersonville gave me chills because I know what that means!

[@KimberlyGreen]

18:34 Mrs. Jenkins: "I'm feeling a little, like, angry right now." Rightfully so, Mrs. Jenkins. Rightfully so.

[@gloriaf6971]

It breaks my heart that Hawkins Wilson was never reunited with his family. I am glad that at least these relatives of his were finally able to connect with one another.

[@texanasimmons1761]

As a genealogist of more than 50 yrs, this was so touching and emotional to me. Im not a person of color and the troubles Ive had tracing my family pales in comparison to what this family and all people of color have to go through to find their family. Im rejoicing for you and your family being able to rebuild and reconnect your own family again.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoyed it, Texana! We're sure you've made many incredible discoveries as you've been researching your own roots! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us!

[@jawayne224]

​@AncestryUS I've really been thinking about tracing my roots.

[@karenbaker2566]

Just to let you know. I’m a 69 year old white woman with a Cherokee grandmother raised in Oklahoma from dust bowl Okie stock and my heart connects to you in more ways than you could know. Hard times make strong folks. I send my heart to you. ❤️💕💗

[@debcross2335]

I cried from the moment I heard what Hawkins had written to his sister. I don't know many of my family from grandmother and beyond, but I didn't come from slavery. It was heart wrenching to hear about the 6-7 year old boy being taken away and never got the chance to find his mother and sisters. Truly a part of American history that needs to be told. GOD bless you all.

[@dekaibrahim6749]

As someone from Africa it sadness me and breaks my heart to hear these stories, but also see the look in the descendants faces and eyes of how horrible their ancestors lived or what they went through. I’m so sorry that these evil people split your families up and even more sorry for the trauma they have caused towards you, I pray that as the years go by new generations will be able to heal but also make sure that these stories old and new are never forgot.😢🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@LoveeMia]

Yes. I pray for our (re)connectivity, both with our ancestors and with our living relatives who are scattered across the country and the globe from forced separation.

[@kaleahcollins4567]

How about the family was as taken from in Africa?

[@Teddy_Graham]

These stories are false. This is their way of stripping us of this land and mentally deporting us to a foreign land.

[@Virtuouswoman78]

I just want to know why do Africans hate us so much ?? Ok I get the issue with us not being pure black but you have to remember slave women and girls were sexually assaulted . Ijs

[@keyme52525]

Slavery was so successful because they actually traded with Africans to capture other Africans Africans did this for gold spices sea shells etc to which they even enslaved others that they were at odds with whom which they sold to white ppl history is shameful and people tend to hide dirty secrets when we all can reconnect the wonders would be unmatched

[@Sirianstar10]

My heart aches for that six year old. What a special soul he was! Beautiful story. I'm in tears.

[@dheveroh]

Please do more episodes like this. I didn't stop crying. Poor dear Hawkins... the bag of biscuits made to see him through the 1st days of aloneness... I can't.

[@Noise_floorxx]

Wow...

[@Noise_floorxx]

Powerful

[@thefreckledafrikan]

It is very exciting to look at a program like this and then you see what looks to be your surname: Mayfield in the document 📃

[@dana.j9062]

Despite an awful dark history it is So emotional but a Beautiful story knowing how resilient determined he was !! RIP His Beautiful Soul 🙌

[@thatboykeve7987]

Mmm I’ll

[@thatboykeve7987]

Kk

[@thatboykeve7987]

lol ok

[@thatboykeve7987]

Mom l

[@thatboykeve7987]

lol

[@nicolevance8705]

I have cried my eyes out. I can't imagine what that child was feeling, but that he remembers everyone and those biscuits. The things that human beings are capable of can either be miraculous or deplorable. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@brendandbarry]

This was heartbreaking and beautiful.

[@og-greenmachine8623]

Weirdo

[@stlmetrofoodie]

First and Foremost Congratulations to Rashidi Harper and the phenomenal Nicka Sewell-Smith! This was a shot in the arm for me and my family (both sides) and WE LOVE this film! The research done by Nicka was amazing (but that is not news for some of us). There are SO MANY of these letters in the Freedman's Bureau and stories waiting to be told. Please do more! This should be a series and Nicka and Rashidi would be an amazing team to produce the series! PLEASE...don't let this be the last!

[@dee_dee_place]

I'm so glad shows like these air for all to see. I had no idea the Freedman's Bureau existed until just now. I can only imagine the treasure trove of information waiting to be viewed... it's there, just for the asking... wow. I'm also grateful for the written records that were kept & passed down over the generations. Who would have thought it possible to go back to more than a Great, Great Grandparent? It's amazing!

[@cherylsingleton3357]

@@dee_dee_place You should have been watching Black Pro Gen live. Who is Nicka Smith, on KZbin. I miss having new episodes. Go watch the replays. So much history and information has been shared on that channel

[@barb543]

❤️

[@susanjsnook7826]

I so agree with you!! Our country is “ hungry” for factual, historical American History!!! We need “ ongoing” weekly doses of historical series.

[@valcrump8257]

What a gift Hawkins was to this family. A tiny boy, separated from his mother and family as collateral! I am humbled by this keeper of family, for he knew true wealth.

[@bayou5266]

THE LETTER WAS DELIVERED!!!!!!!!!

[@neconeconeco]

I didn't expect to be sobbing about a sister making biscuits for her little brother today, but goodness. How moving, how horrible, how overwhelming. What beautiful souls thrown into such horror.

[@cherylsingleton3357]

This is a beautiful story. I was moved to tears. Sometimes I imagine watching one of these documentary shows and discovering another Part of my own story. Especially with many of the last names and the areas being the same as the one's in my tree. Watching this has truly moved me to tears. I'm grateful to know with some help we can all digg a little further into our family story ❤️

[@shadowkissed2370]

I actually did. At one point they went to a place that had a record of indentured servants from Scotland. I recognized my 10x great-grandfather's name and birthdate on the record. His name was right above the person they were talking about in the show. I immediately went and did a search and yup it was him.

[@BobHatesYoutube]

Yall are some incredibly boring people.

[@unapologeticallyme8513]

I encourage you to start your own tree on ancestry its affordable and you'd be surprised what you can find ♡ happy digging ♡

[@cherylsingleton3357]

@@shadowkissed2370 I would love for Nicka Smith , Dr. Walton-Raji, to come solve my brick walls. Take me to the place my ancestor(s) thrived and survived. I know I am connected to great people, and because of them I am. Genealogy truly fascinates me.

[@chantalhill9268]

@@shadowkissed2370 wow!

[@Noise_floorxx]

To be black in America is such a blessing and a curse. Ive watched so much film on this day from Fannie Lou Hammer to the unrest in Minneapolis. To see it all come together, to exist today in 2022 and to be so far removed from slavery, yet to deal with so much systemic racism today. Man... Our ancestors would be so proud yet not surprised. We are their wildest dreams imagined but we still have so much more work to do.

[@juliej5917]

These are the emotional stories that should be taught in every school in the US and beyond. I was taught half of American history, but Was fortunate to study African American and Native American history in college. I often left class sobbing. What eloquent words from an amazing man. He’d be so proud of these four beautiful woman. 💜

[@user-di5mw3ev8l]

Wow! Thank God they are truly free at last!

[@lumiamarx7626]

No, they are playing your heart strings. These are Satanists. They are deceptive, you are sooo gullible and naive

[@dotmurphy7279]

And this is what white supremacists are terrified of. And I am a white 76 year old and I'm crying too. These stories gladden and hurt my heart all at the same time.

[@danaharris298]

It’s a longing to be loved by people you really believe love you!! He truly believed that his family loved him. Unconditional love! That was his search to see and feel that again. He remembered and trusted that feeling!! Being loved by mommy and his family! So powerful!

[@beth1321]

And DeSantos of Florida and others like himself are trying to obliterate these experiences but as the letter survived so will the memory of our trials. They could never be cancelled.

[@barnabaswannabe4652]

Blessings Sir Hawkins. Your resilience lives on. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@agl5132]

When trauma happens we often react in one of two ways. We remember every detail or erase all memory from our consciousness. At 64 years of age, I still remember 60 years ago being taken into foster care. Our heritage is the formation and identity. So many minority children are given no information even about their immediate family details of identity. Not knowing one's race or ethnic identity is horrible. In my 50's I was able to track down my brothers (I remembered them even as a 4yr old) and my deceased mother and a loving father. The ancestry website has brought me such joy and connection with family around the world.

[@franceenwebb9003]

This beautiful film made this old white woman sob. Thank you. May the sharing of these stories bring healing to the families torn apart by slavery and bring wisdom to a nation which has tried to hide its face from its terror-filled past. Blessings on all of you bringing us the truth.

[@Fari-100]

Bless you, good hearted person

[@MyNameIsNotEmail.ItsEmail]

Pretty sure I'm dehydrated from all the tears. Good grief that letter just gets you right in the heart. Especially considering that a 6 year old remembered all those specific details for 20+ years.

[@louise-yo7kz]

Powerful

[@REGOTOBED]

Am I the only one out here sobbing my heart out for that resilient, hopeful, beautiful little boy who never forgot even in the face of trauma and disappointment? Thank you Lord🙏🏾

[@Fari-100]

No 🤧

[@loriannrichardson7644]

I also think of how smart he was, and so young, and without the benefit of formal education. Think of what the world was deprived of by the enslavement of this gifted, caring, young boy.

[@stephH777]

I think this story needs a part 2! We need to know what happened to the rest of the family. Such a beautiful story!

[@Native-Kitty]

I think it’s safe to say that this has not only made me emotional, but anyone who has watched this. You guys at Ancestry sure know how to make people cry! This was a beautiful story.

[@marybrunner9201]

29:25

[@marybrunner9201]

🎉🎉😅

[@marybrunner9201]

Dooley 29:25

[@marybrunner9201]

You only love one man, your husband 29:25

[@marybrunner9201]

29:25 29:25

[@karinbergman1646]

This is really nothing short of miraculous, that these two ladies could be reunited with their 19th century ancestor, Hawkins Wilson, although his letter written by the Freedmen's Bureau never reached its rightfully intended recipient, his sister. As the two ladies were standing near the ocean in Galveston, I could almost feel him reaching out across the waters and time, to finally find "home" in family relationship. Beautiful. 🙏🏻🌷💗🌷🙏🏻

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for sharing, Karin. We are so glad you enjoyed this episode. 😊

[@kgallykgalallo7582]

OMG I cannot begin to imagine the psychological damage that took place during the slavery trade 🤯🤯🤯🤯 this is too much Watching from the mother land 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@Fari-100]

It happened to you all too, family. So many, many continental Africans suffered the pain of their families being taken, sold away or whatever, never to be seen again. But, hey, here we are! 👋🏽😊

[@jalaune6008]

I love to hear stories like this. It is so important for us to know where we come from, our roots and learn our history. If it weren't for my ancestors, where would I be?! I am a decedent of African Kings , Queens, Empresses and Emperors!

[@PlannedObsolescence]

That's not how monarchy works.

[@surfhappens202]

@Josie M Ya because it is usually a family bush if you are European royalty.

[@neconeconeco]

I also am so, so touched by the magic of Hawkin's letter and his joke about "not being so foolish to marry a Texas girl". Even from the great beyond he's making his great great granddaughters laugh! What a treasure for them to have something so special and so earnest from their ancestor.

[@MA-yh2ko]

I dunno how these ladies kept their composure. I'm a puddle of joyful tears. I was a precocious inquisitive 5/6 year old but I can't imagine the pain of such a heart wrenching separation. Much less remembering so many family members after so many years. This was wonderful work Ancestry!

[@lintollefsen6102]

It breaks my heart to hear her say "belonged to" when she reads the letter about her relatives.

[@iyatee]

What a beautiful story. It's like seeing genealogy in action. The cinematography was breathtaking. The background music was soothing. I loved the family members and that there was a reunion of sorts at the end. It was a tear-jerker, but I want more. What about Jane's descendants? This gave me hope that I will be able to bring together my family that was separated due to slavery.

[@gladysvillatoro184]

CC

[@justineharper3346]

His letter gave me cold chills and made me tear up. How moving ❤

[@mellie4174]

This is exactly why teaching history is important. People are still impacted by our country's dark history. The gop needs to watch this, so they can understand. What a resilient and beautiful group of people! I hope the recovery of your family goes well!

[@Fari-100]

From an anonymous African American, thank you. However, the gop largely knows the basics, but they would rather bury it, hide it from the youth, and actually perpetuate much of the same attitudes towards us, and other marginalized people 😒

[@hartubmoses6645]

The top may not ever understand because they are trying to get rid of history as it is.

[@jessicamartinez3613]

The GOP led the cause of civil rights and the democratic party fought them until the 60's. The GOP fought slavery and the abolishing of slavery was the reason it came into being. The Democratic party fought to keep slavery in place. The Republicans made sure it ended.

[@miastupid7911]

In Greek we say of our ancestors, may their memory be eternal. It is THE BLESSING when someone passes away to the remaining family members. Even though Modern Greek people rarely can trace their ancestors beyond the early 19th century due to Ottoman occupation (as Dr Gates pointed out in the FINDING YOUR ROOTS -GREEK roots episode). I wish Mr Hawkins Wilson's and his family's memory may be eternal and may all ancestors be found, remembered and honored as they should be.

[@camarojai6832]

I started my journey last week. The beautiful stories I learned. Mysteries that were solved. Countries I’m associated with…I Love ANCESTRY

[@dee_dee_place]

Stories like this make me cry. Were you able to find Jane's decendants? Our lives have changed so much, from our ancestors, that to truly comprehend what their lives were like & what they went through, just to survive, is mindblowing. I try to weave a picture, in my mind, of what they saw, what they did, & how they felt during their lifetimes, & it always seems so distant & so foreign from my life now. In just 200 years, my family went from fleeing for their lives to living comfortably without fear, & the majority of them were able to be educated, something that was denied them, for centuries.

[@mattmayo3539]

I always find it so fascinating that records were kept. Hand writing all documents, knowing one day that it would be important and valued information for those who will need it. So smart.

[@crystaledwards7146]

This was beautiful and overwhelming at the same time, had me in tears… got me all emotional for even my own family. After watching this I have to go back and continue researching my family tree for both my grandmother and grandfather’s information on my mom’s side of the family… thanks for the information regarding the Freedman bureau

[@honeyebby]

Omg I have cried three times watching this series. Bless child Hawkins... Bless that family and the families that find their way to those they have lost, even if it takes decades. Thank you so much Ancestry, and all your crew members, for helping us all find our missing puzzles.

[@indirahernandez8254]

All I have is; that was beautiful and how their journey it’s going to continue from there. Their ancestors Are watching with beautiful Smile of happiness.

[@sarge4455]

Moving and powerful story that I won’t forget

[@connieverbeck1110]

I rejoice with you! I’m a 73 year old Washington State white woman!! So happy there is a freeman organization. Bravo!!!!

[@dsan5825]

Still weeping. This is he kind of stuff som folk don’t want kids learning about. Keep this going, keep researching and sharing….

[@mariaschwartz447]

That poor little boys memory of family carried with him for his lifetime . Heart wrenching. I never knew about the freedman’s bureau . Hopefully others were able to reconnect with their families.

[@dyrickiehightower5452]

Simply beautiful. May this family continue to receive an abundance of joy and blessings on this amazing journey of discovery. 🙏🏽

[@sister2sistermws]

Love...love...love this. We need more! Accurate representation is so important. This research is so impactful!!!!

[@tremainelymon6857]

Yes it is, the simple fact that he could read and write in that era, was really fantastic, we need more of that History very interesting.

[@linardmaurice6275]

One of the best videos I've seen on the internet. It possibly may be the best. 150 years apart, blood was reunited, amazing, just amazing.

[@shellywinney7115]

Incredibly heartbreaking, beautiful and hopeful. What an amazing boy and the steadfast curiosity of the ladies to know their ancestors. I was moved to tears. Wow! Thank you for sharing this important story.

[@pamelahelbig5022]

What a very powerful and moving story. Slavery took alot from the slaves but it could not take their thoughts. I truly love this one mans story.

[@essie2023]

Brought tears to my eyes. What this country has allowed to happen is heartbreaking. A beautiful beautiful remembrance. That little boy being sold , what his mother felt. Crying again.

[@Fari-100]

And to think, this is one story out of, likely, millions, many that don't have happy endings 😞 and people wonder why we (AAs) are like we are today. Shouldn't be a puzzle....

[@CarrieLillianGaskin]

This one made me cry. “Are you huggers?” Beautiful moment ❤

[@tinasloan7322]

What an amazing story that came from one letter. God bless those families.

[@giovannarodney]

As a black woman, I am inspired to search

[@vkvkvk317]

Omg I cannot believe how much I cried. It is horrible all that people in the past had to go through just because of your skin colour? It is INSANE, honestly, there are not words to describe all that injustice. The letters were incredibly touching, the hope hid heart held for all those years :'( breaks my heart. How many stories like this.....!

[@maryannehorn2593]

This is a most precious story. I will remember Hawkins Wilson for the rest of my life. What an amazing family. Love letter delivered!

[@mary-ellendurkin163]

That’s beautiful. I’m very happy for all of them. And we can’t let people forget about any of this it’ll repeat itself.

[@zoozooe]

I cried all the way through this. Mr Hawkins, my my my, what a blessing you are to your family. I'm so sorry you were not united in life to your family. I'm so happy for his decenteds that they are reunited. I pray that wherever he is, he knows and is joyful!

[@suetaitporcaro2481]

deeply moving story - i was in tears...somewhere up there Hawkins is smiling

[@jomaro8]

I knew this would impact me somehow, but I gravely underestimated just how much. Listening to this young man pour out his heart...to be a child when all of this happens and then as an adult be able to recount who went where...is incredible. And then, hearing his descendants speak about sitting around with their families, not thinking about the fact that our ancestors did not get those moments. Just makes you think about how much we do not appreciate time with our families. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@sophiamichael2788]

When she said jokingly "now I'm going to have to find the people that did this", they are sadly often their blood also, the slave owners.

[@andreachambliss3383]

I just love this and at 60;years old. I will continue to use Ancestry and it’s tools to help me find my family.

[@stephaniehoechst2076]

I am so happy for their family that Hawkins's letter finally got delivered! I pray more families can get to know their ancestors. It hurts my heart that people could treat other people as currency and not human beings. I can not begin to imagine what an enslaved person would have had to endure. This episode made me cry both happy and sad tears.

[@Fari-100]

Yes, and thank you. So many of us African Americans, most even, still harbor the generational trauma, not only from slavery, but many decades of apartheid type treatment and outright brutality with basically zero legal recourse. Think Black Wall Street, or even Emmitt Till murder. We still carry much of that pain, and distrust, in our beings. And yet, we contribute in meaningful ways today

[@maryriser7836]

This is what I call FAMILY HISTORY of the ultimate.

[@mrsgilliardmusic]

this is a great and emotionally powerful story! Love this and would love to see more like this feature regular people! Nicka Smith did a phenomenal job as researcher and host! Would like to see more of her!

[@kathybeee1055]

What a smart man that sweet little boy Hawkins became. Absolutely one of my favourite episodes, I loved seeing the cousins meet, cried tears of sadness and such joy for the family. Watching from Australia and loving the African-American stories. Indigenous Australians were taken to Missions and forced into slavery. Thank you for sharing the stories!

[@PoetryNurse]

I have thoroughly enjoyed my Ancestry exploration thus far and I continue to search. Please share more stories like this. It’s definitely inspiring.

[@johnwebb2442]

Beautiful story of Hawkins Wilson.

[@GratitudeGriot]

Beautiful story!! ❤🖤💚I found a Freedmen’s Bureau work contract for my 4th great-uncle. I would love to find a letter like this though. I'm still digging.✊🏾

[@Skarlett00]

Very touching, I’m sobbing. His letter was delivered. 💕

[@tamicajohnson-thornton9363]

This brought me to tears. What an interesting story.

[@recipebandit3563]

Oh my, the tears of sadness and yet of joy stream effortlessly from my eyes.

[@camillemathes6707]

Unbelievably touching for me. Especially that hug! Just wow

[@ndt2201]

This is a compelling genealogy documentary with a Texas angle that speaks to the indomitable hope inside us all. The spirit of our ancestors surely inspire us to find them, to tell their stories, and to acknowledge their humanity. Bless be the ties that bind.

[@pixiestrixie3543]

Gorgeous story, beautiful people. Sad, heartbreaking history. May healing continue.

[@vickeyhaegg7256]

I actually pushed a different video and this one started and I am so glad it did. I was instantly taken by this story. How beautiful was this man Hawkins. He has shown so much love and GOD is love so I know he is in heaven. He started looking for his family in life and didn't give up even after passing. I know he is looking on them smiling bright. I'm so glad I now know your story Hawkins. You really were and are a special soul. GOD bless you and your family.

[@organicallygrownwoman]

Absolutely beautiful 👏 👏 ADOS need this connection and just maybe we can fill up the empty spaces in our hearts & minds, feel some kind of connection to this country. I personally feel unconnected to this land mainly because of lost ancestry! Wonderfully documented legacy that young Hawkins left for his future family! Welldone sir R. I. P. Until you rise again 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@CradleEpiscopalian56]

Emotionally I am in tears but my heart rejoices. Amen 🙏❣️

[@courtneyholland6215]

Thank you so much to Hawkins Wilson and his family for sharing this beautiful story 💜

[@LCCreole]

@25:00 after 150+ years long lost relatives are finally united!! This brought tears of joy to my eyes, but this really made my day!!

[@arthouse2030]

I cried like a baby while watching this episode. I too am a native Texan who moved to Houston in 1976. The eloquence, the beauty of spirit & the faith of this loving man is indescribable. So grateful & happy to see the depth of history unraveled for his loving & caring descendants. The absolute best of his DNA was passed down in this beautiful family. I have just started on the same path of discovery as them. May God continue to Bless each of you.

[@MA-un8on]

I am awestruck. What a profound moment of history. I can't say that I'll ever be the same. My heart aches for the little boy, and for the man he grew to be. Surely, he and his family are together in the Presence of the Almighty God! What faith! There are so many many life lessons in this 29 minutes. I, too, want to know more. What happened to his mother? His sisters? This needs to be a series.....

[@AlmondJoie]

Eccl. 9:5-6 tells the truth that they are resting in the grave until the First Resurrection so vividly described in I Thess. 4:13-18.

[@VinnyWilk]

I love how much our people fought to be a family when people keep trying to saddle us with a legacy of broken homes. We're not broken.

[@kayelynntownsend1425]

These need to be turned into series

[@nancywiebe3693]

Lovely story. I like stories about regular people, not just celebrities.

[@susansawatzky3816]

Just Beautiful.cried the whole time

[@emilydavis9660]

What a blessing. I am full. Still hopeful that I will find a smidgen of this kind of information that will lead me to more my family in/from Alabama.