Audra McDonald Reacts to Family History in Finding Your Roots | Ancestry

[@AncestryUS]

Do you have a story to tell about your family history? Let us know for a chance to be featured in an upcoming video! ancestrysubmissions.com/stories?ancid=26dnzaq0r6&o_xid=107343&o_lid=107343&o_sch=Social+Media+Natural

[@tammeraroach3078]

I have 10 different ethnicities that I am clueless about I wish I could get some insight

[@Dr.Terry_Jamaican]

I am from Jamaica and would like to know more about my family. I know as far back as 4 or 5 generations' names and stories. I would love to know more. Not sure how possible this would be.

[@nancyovsenik3371]

Family stories say we are related to President James Monroe. I would like to know for sure. Thanks for "Finding Your Roots". It's a great show. I love the history that you uncover.

[@shadowbanned6280]

I love this show. Wish it was on netflix or something

[@annamc3947]

It’s also on the PBS app if you donate

[@hebrews48]

PBS app and prime.

[@NODE1975]

PBS

[@AncestryUS]

We're thrilled to hear that you enjoy it! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts!

[@vivianamora7505]

Right?!

[@DiamondNDaRuf]

God bless our Ancestors who suffered and paved the way for us to be free. Your strength and resilience was Amazing. You will never be forgotten. We love you❤️❤️❤️

[@tiffanyc8307]

Very sad that white people felt like they were better and we were nothing

[@SA-ju1zu]

Do you think all of our ancestors suffered? I think not and I will defend my good Christian God fearing ancestors black and white as they were good people in this world. Candace Owens is an absolutely brilliant example and people should listen to her...Read up and learn history .

[@DiamondNDaRuf]

@@SA-ju1zu Reread my reply "our Ancestors who suffered". I think you need to learn black history before you correct others. The majority of our Ancestors were beaten, killed, lynched, emotionally brainwashed to feel inhuman, lessor and physically struggled with hard labor sun up to sun down, either in the house or fields. It doesn't matter. Some way or another they struggled and suffered with racism and inequality from the very beginning of slavery. It was very few who didn't, because of their circumstances, which is too lengthy to get into. We do know there were free slaves. But don't be so quick to assume someone's knowledge. And also, there shouldn't be an argument. Everyone have their right to be respected and speak their mind. That's whats wrong with the world today. We don't respect each other. And you mean to tell me that seeing your Ancestors name as property on a slave schedule meant they didnt struggle somehow, at the very least being recognized as a human and treated equally? Get out of here. And stop being so critical others opinions and re-analyze your own opinions and knowledge. And I stand my ground, " Ancestors who suffered and paved the way for us" We love you ❤️

[@DiamondNDaRuf]

@@tiffanyc8307 Right, Tiffany. And they still feel that way today. That's why we are still losing so many of our people at the hands of police brutality; just all the many years before, modern day lynching.

[@michaelgrimm2121]

"you" lose about 150 a year in a country of 375 million people. About 90 percent of those are armed and extremely dangerous. Life is pretty good... Stop falling for the hype.

[@lightyagami3492]

These are the kind of discoveries that fuel me to work on my family history. It's important that our ancestors are remembered no matter if the they were a king or a farmer.

[@loislewis5229]

I come from a family of European farmers so I can’t go back more than a couple of hundred years (with the help from a cousin). But if you have royal blood , you can go back to Roman times such as Charlemagne. I’ve traced my daughter in law’s roots back that far. Fascinating!

[@patriciajrs46]

So very true.

[@officialmichaelcarrasco]

I'm so glad she was introduced correctly -"Broadway legend Audra McDonald." 💚

[@cassalynnvictoria1496]

I thought the same thing!

[@rocknroll20024]

Me too

[@willawentertainment]

A Broadway GOAT!

[@officialmichaelcarrasco]

@@willawentertainment 100% 💚

[@EvaAnika]

I understand what she is feeling. We learn about slavery as a concept in school and at home and at family reunions. But when you see your actual predecessors on a slave roll, their identities as individuals who lived and died and loved and experienced a whole life span becomes REAL.

[@AncestryUS]

We hope you enjoyed this clip, Hank. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

[@cefcat5733]

Ok, then I have to go back and watch them all again with that in mind. I can't get enough of these as they lead to wisdom.

[@joshuabadach543]

This show helps to remind me who my people were and why we have to work so hard to repair the damage we've done for the rest of our lives. I wish I could say sorry with the impact I want it to have, but I know that I can't and shouldn't without the hard work to back it up. Cef Cat said it perfectly, this leads to Wisdom.

[@joyeofbeauty983]

But everything you said, say a lot. We need more people like you. Thank you. 🖤🤎💛🤍

[@Jake-nk4wg]

@Joshua Badach You've said more than you know!! Thank you!! :)

[@donniemoder1466]

She's fantastic and a treasure of Broadway, song and entertainment in general. Love the early years video of her.

[@justmyopinion9883]

Audra McDonald is one of my favorite singers. So happy she was able to learn her family history.

[@AncestryUS]

It's great to see that you enjoyed this short clip detailing a little about Audra's heritage. You can learn how to watch available full episodes via the PBS website should you like to dig a little deeper www.pbs.org/weta/finding-your-roots . Thanks for calling by to share your thoughts and enjoy the rest of the weekend! 🌳

[@jodavi5763]

They need to make this show available to non-celebrities. So many companies are profiting off people finding their Family history but I really think that market should be destroyed and these things should be free.

[@simbahunter8894]

Genealogy is very labor intensive. Nobody can do this for free. However the National Archives are open to anyone, and the Mormons maintain vast databases of families around the world that they make available online. It's not hard to learn how to do this yourself. The first time I tried, I traced my formerly enslaved family back to the 1700s - in two days.

[@donniemoder1466]

The ancestry and genetic testing services are not a lot of money. Really. The fees pay for building and maintaining the infrastructure needed to provide the service. Not everything in life is free. You should have to pay for some things/services you value.

[@andrewblackmore9705]

I agree with you. The relentless parade of wealthy celebrities getting more free stuff is occasionally stultifying.

[@simbahunter8894]

@@andrewblackmore9705 They did do this for a "real" person one season, and they occasionally profile worthy individuals who may be notable but not well-known. Those shows were a snoozefest, about as interesting as your neighbors' vacation photos.

[@andrewblackmore9705]

@@simbahunter8894 thanks, I didn't know that. The problem with reality shows is that reality is tedious. You have to cut the boring parts to make it watchable. I think it might be worth doing some "casting" to find regular folks who are a bit more charismatic.

[@nimabedi]

All of your episodes have taught me something. However, I am most effected by the back stories of slavery. It deeply pains me to know this was apart of human history but it brings me joy to see the resilience, the heroism, the strength and the sheer will power of those who lived in it and through it. Love the work that you are doing and the knowledge you are bringing. Love from 🇨🇦

[@debracole6587]

Love watching this program. Interesting history and people.

[@fidelnenas8390]

Dr. Gates had other shows that were the prologue to this show. African American Lives one, African American History and Faces of America. Circa 2006-2010. I accidentally found the first show at Best Buy on dvd. The following seasons I have been purchasing online on my iPad. I have been a fan since the very beginning. I love this show.

[@damemarthafalker6738]

I so get what she means about seeing your ancestors names (or basic stats) documented in those historical records. It seeps into you to a profound, visceral degree. I thought I had too much self-control and I'd be immune to that until I had undertaken my own journey in researching the family's genealogy. I can't see anybody exploring those records and not being affected.

[@lavettacannon3138]

I’m not crying. You are! So beautiful to be able to celebrate our ancestors. 🙏🏾❤️

[@AncestryUS]

We're so thrilled that you enjoyed this, Lavetta! Thank you for sharing, have a wonderful day!❤️😊

[@AncestryUS]

We hope you enjoyed this clip, Gene! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@008zapotec]

I respect you Audra for the beautiful person you are and it was a privilege to listen to your past and be part of your history.

[@becomingdazhuniquefrance2615]

Omg! She’s from my hometown and we have a street name after her❤️ I loved watching this!!!!

[@tdearsan]

Fresno! Representin'!

[@rocknroll20024]

Awesome she’s an absolute legend

[@iluvzurara2]

this show is amazing thank you for sharing....im not even sure the word "resilience" fully captures the amount of strength needed to survive the brutality that was slavery. it truly was not even that long ago.

[@karolynpolite4658]

This. I think about my ancestors every day and every day I’m shaken to my core. The lullabies are so haunting. Many of them were sung in secret as mothers and fathers would sneak into nurseries for enslaved babies against the rule of the plantation.

[@iamjoyism]

This episode made me cry alittle.

[@AncestryUS]

Same!

[@Carmen-bu3gx]

These stories are amazing. Thank you for sharing them.

[@AncestryUS]

What was your favorite episode of PBS' Finding Your Roots? Let us know!

[@bearpawz_]

They're all GREAT! The recent one with John Lithgow was pretty cool because he was so stunned to find out he had so many Mayflower ancestors! 😊🚢

[@SilverStrumer]

You guys should interview someone with Native American ancestry next. They might have an interesting genealogy 😊 maybe Jessica Biel?

[@catherinekersey]

I have seen every episode I think. I love to see the ones that they trace the dna. My great grandfather was a slave I think. I know he was treated as one. My dna shows 3 percent African. I've been trying to find his father and mother. I believe I may have found the father but not the mother. So I watch everything Professor Gates has on it that I can find. He is so very intelligent and wise.

[@dr.berdinegordon7941]

Samuel Jackson

[@becomingdazhuniquefrance2615]

I loved this episode!!!!

[@shanthina3704]

I wish to meet him someday so I'll be able to know my family history

[@lordemed1]

Wonderful! God bless you and your family and all families who endured unspeakable horrors and deprivations.

[@Worthy_Joshua_12]

I love this show and watch it often. I have many people in this current societal sentiment tell me to forget about slavery of my ancestors in America. I won't forget it because the Holy Scripture commands me to remember my family and its generations. Ancestry is helping me to keep this commandment. Thank you. Here's the scripture for this commandment. Deuteronomy 32:7 "Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee." All Praises to The Most High Yahawah. Shalom....

[@dolorespetersen2869]

Thanks for this scripture. It’s for everyone to remember and record their family records. Nobody wants to be forgotten!

[@pennyronk5815]

This made me cry

[@robertahubert9155]

I cried with her.

[@kaikopink7999]

Such a graceful lady with so much talent ❤️

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad you enjoyed the video!

[@itsci]

I wish I had more talks with my grandparents about their moms, dads, & grandparents. ):

[@AncestryUS]

We hope you enjoyed the video!

[@bminnie2233]

Wow that hit me, blessing that your Children can be born Free.

[@yael763]

❤️

[@robintyde5441]

Don't know this person but so great to find her roots.

[@justred5164]

I’m in amazement of my parents that grew up in the Jim Crow south…I could only imagine what my ancestors endured..

[@jimhoffmann]

McDonald mentions the shantytown in Fresno named Jerico. Lolly Vegas of the band Redbone (“Come And Get Your Love”), wrote a moving song entitled, “Jerico,” about that tough neighborhood in Fresno…near where Lolly and his younger brother Pat grew up. Check it out.

[@nancyhilliard1634]

I love this show always makes me 😢 cry

[@DiamondNDaRuf]

I ABSOLUTELY love this show ❤️❤️❤️

[@AncestryUS]

We are so glad that you're enjoying the show, Shannon. Thanks for sharing, we wish you a lovely day! 😊❤️

[@hankmike3283]

Makes me tear up too...strength!

[@bighomieJ5X]

It's like a mix of anger and joyfulness for me, I would love to kno about my ancestors

[@SA-ju1zu]

Anger?

[@bighomieJ5X]

@@SA-ju1zu yeah to kno what they endured at the hand of a person who had the decision of their livelihood

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, BighomieJ5x. Thanks for your comment. We can understand these issues can stir many feelings. We hope your family history journey brings you some peace as well as family stories.

[@SA-ju1zu]

@@bighomieJ5X Yes that would be a very good thing to know. Those that made the decision about their livelihood were their family members in Africa that sold them to the slave traders. Something that few people talk about...

[@SA-ju1zu]

@@AncestryUS Yes and as a White African American (there are many of us - my hair holds a braid!) I have a hard time accepting that all of my white ancestors were brutal bosses when some of them worked the Underground Railroad and had fugitive slaves in their dwellings. It’s not fair to white people to assume that they all had part in the brutality that took place or even the poverty that ensued when I know from last will and testaments that slaves were given money and land and all kinds of things. It’s not fair to my white ancestors to make ugly assumptions about how they treated people and I will defend them.

[@rpreyer2]

I have found alot of information. Wish I could go back one or two more generations.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Robert and thank you so much for sharing. We are delighted to hear that you have experienced such success finding information about your family history but understand the desire to find out even more. If you have reached a brick wall in your research, the following article may prove helpful in overcoming these roadblocks: support.ancestry.co.uk/s/article/Brick-Wall-Solutions. We wish you the very best of luck! 😊

[@sandyfields678]

I even watch old ones on pbs..we all sre learning about our american history, good and bad,of our ancestors..some make me cry,so beautiful and not my family....

[@AncestryUS]

Great to hear!

[@Cori_13]

Amanda Kellogg had a twin brother named Andy. And they had a older brother Joseph that owned 200 acres of land in Forsyth County, Ga.

[@livfredom9]

Still fighting the good fight praying to my ancestors while doing the work going on 6years now made so many connections via ancestry but it becomes confusing with slave records and there names not being the same and connecting the right ppl to the info you have it’s a lot of painful time traveling but I enjoy doing it because they need me to know what I came from to know and have the strength for where I’m going I know I am a descendent of greatness anointed blessed and strong ppl I won’t give up

[@lf1496]

The Root of our tree is in Africa with 250,000 years of human history. SLAVERY is a blip in our history. I honor my enslaved ancestors but I am very clear that that institution doesn't define them but defined the ones who created it and fought to preserve it. I am a proud Yoruba descendant of people who had their lives in Africa interrupted. Seeing that they had a farm in America doesn't begin to show the civilizations they had back home.

[@nuplanner5345]

Wonderful story, thank you. Humans are remarkable, both for their potential resilience and their potential depravity.

[@AncestryUS]

We are glad to see that you enjoyed the video. We hope this inspires you to dive into your own family history.

[@barbaradtoth1849]

You can see this information took a lot of energy from her.

[@jenneyalberts1336]

I wish they had something like this for the first nations people of Australia for the stolen generations people. To reconnect

[@KCNwokoye]

Inspiring and healing. I see 4 white-supremacists disliked the video. Sending you love and good vibes Audra 🙌🏾

[@savedbygrace777]

Gag me, PLEASE!

[@gak2008]

Audra is gorgeous! GORGEOUS

[@lilymclean4721]

Can we talk about how her ancestors (and their owners) last names were Kellogg and hers is McDonald??? There’s got to be some record of those families being heavily involved and the same families that run the companies today

[@angelgabel7741]

Is there any idea where I can find this like on Netflix Hulu or full videos on KZbin

[@talitam.8414]

It's crazy what her ancestors managed to achieve just five years after the end of slavery! It is amazing!

[@lisaconnelly5443]

Audra is so pretty 🥺😩

[@tiffanyc8307]

I want to do mine wish I was able to sit with him get whole family story in detail

[@patriciajrs46]

I have a question: Does history show that most persons withe surname McDonald, also have mixed African roots somewhere?

[@LetItBeSummer-1]

I love so many it’s hard to choose. Maybe I’ll get back to you! 😆

[@jujuonthebeat776]

Theres laiam its a free streaming app that streams finding your roots

[@michaeljohnson47075]

I would live to do this for my family. We have so many dead ends and no answers

[@michaelthelen6393]

I miss this show

[@gunnerblankenship4132]

My gtandparents in GA didnt get running water until 1960 and they were not slaves or black

[@lb1798]

My family has much documented..I wish Dr. Gates could help us with details.

[@tellitsista5554]

It was left out that Amanda Kellogg had a twin brother, Andy.

[@uswymen]

My beautiful cousin Audra 🥰

[@Mr-fu1bd]

I really need to do this

[@deborahhill988]

Her Father was my music teacher♥

[@AncestryUS]

That's so cool, Deborah! Thank you so much for sharing that with us. We do hope you enjoyed the clip. Have a lovely day, too!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

They made something, yes they did!

[@jujutu5084]

Sorry, the 🎻 at 3:57...😁 😂... We were already engrossed!

[@Njoofene]

Why don't they just show us the full show? Some of us don't live in the US.

[@coffeewithpepper1233]

I think it's a KZbin copyright thing. But I completely agree with you.

[@crencottrell7849]

Always liked this beautiful lady

[@kennye6088]

Wealth during slavery in America was measure by the numbers of slave property one had. It was invested money, that was used to obtain loans and credits. Slaves in those days was "walking bitecoins" of their day.

[@williamlynn6084]

This show on PBS is a good one but others are slanted a bit in there presentation should be more accessible on other venues

[@liriogalvan9131]

Beautiful gorgeous sweet woman amen 🙏🌻💜♥️🌹🇩🇴🇺🇸

[@beverlyburrel4618]

Am I the only one who cried when she said they would of taken away my child😭😭

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Michael. We have a great article that has some great tips on ways to get past that brick wall in your research. You can access that here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Brick-Wall-Solutions

[@MrRufusRToyota]

Amazing sweater.

[@Edmund._.Dantes]

I think it would be cool to find the roots of a non-famous person on the show. Maybe two or three a year particular for those who are having difficulties finding information

[@AncestryUS]

That's great to hear! We have a great article that has some great tips on ways to get past that brick wall in your research. You can access that here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Brick-Wall-Solutions

[@MrMercy1966]

That was Deep.

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad you got the opportunity to watch this clip from an episode of Finding Your Roots with Audra McDonald, Timothy. It certainly was very moving.

[@mahaylahuff2026]

Please be on Netflix AncestryDNA.

[@AncestryUS]

We appreciate this feedback and suggestion, Mahayla! We will certainly forward it to the appropriate team. 🙂

[@KeniBey]

I’ve gotten back as far as the 1700’s and I haven’t found any slaves in my family and I’m from South Carolina. My family comes off the Asheepoo River.

[@JollyGoodJewWitch]

I also have found this to be interesting. The DNA test screams mostly African but the paperwork doesn’t say that yet but I’m sure I’ll get there somehow.

[@sanebooks]

Every time I see those slave records I can't help but cry.

[@nooraqueen2716]

Something about ancestry which why I wouldn’t use it ! It puts Middle East in one Category when their is more than one ethnic groups , Arabs , curds , Levantine and also also you have to differentiate between Original Arabs :The people of the desert regions of the arabian peninsula Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. (2) Arabized people groups : Levantic people groups such as Syrians, Jordanians, Palestinians, Iraq, Lebanese and so forth. These people groups originally had their own languages, until the Arab invasion of their lands and with Islamization, they became Arabized gradually by adopting Arabic . But are genetically different

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for getting in touch, Noora! We appreciate your feedback and we'll be certain to take a moment to address your concerns. it's worth noting that over time, our members results an become even more refined and precise. Back when our test first became available in 2012, we could test for 22 regions. We can now test for 70 baseline regions and well over 1,000 Communities. Our members results update wherever we're able to leverage advancements in the science and technology behind our test. Thanks for stopping by so we could provide this insight!

[@Jay-of1bd]

I wish everyone was passionate about ending slavery! It is still going on in Africa and India and other Countries around the world.

[@EVALLOYD]

Yes, and sadly no one talks about it preferring to dwell on slavery in the US. Don't get me wrong, slavery is bad wherever it takes place, but we should not forget that slavery has existed almost since the dawn of Man and it wasn't always the Whitey who enslaved.

[@hailoweenhailoween5264]

@@EVALLOYD The reason why slavery is still dwelled upon is because the United States never made it right with the people who are descendants of the slaves through reparations. The United States gave reparations to other groups such as the jews, japanese, natives.

[@Slothi_Mothi]

I think my family got back to the 1600s I believe

[@raymcdonald1823]

Wonder if we’re related.

[@maracayg]

how can a woman be that beautiful? I love you Audra McDonald

[@stevewoodson4635]

Genesis 1:1

[@janaansabree2435]

Please bring Candace Owens on here And Stacey Dash I think they need a little enlightening

[@adrianastephen4151]

Girl not even. This wouldn’t do a thing for them. Delusion is so real for them

[@SA-ju1zu]

Candace Owens is brilliant! You should actually pay attention to what she is saying!

[@mikaylaraymond3173]

@@SA-ju1zu Um no she is ainti black she's transpobic and homopobic nothing she says is accurate or true have several seats reality check no more matter how much you con for white folks they don't see black ppl as equals

[@valeriacoffee2970]

What is so brilliant about her,she is on the wrong side of history, she wouldn't do anything like this cause shes above this,shed probably say that her ancestors asked to be slaves she lives in a alternate universe

[@yourerightimwrong4567]

I saw an episode where a black, male ancestor was a slave owner. Does anyone know who it was?

[@Scarlitcorpse]

She is so gorgeous damn .

[@sydneyp7867]

I want to know about the host’s genealogy

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Sydney. Thanks for your comment. Yes, it would be interesting to hear this history. It sounds like you've enjoyed watching "Finding Your Roots."

[@kurtdubling3026]

She is so Beautiful

[@SunnyIlha]

They are there with no names. Yet they ARE THERE. In then, in continuity, to HER.

[@asadullah120]

Am only one notice the " slave master" is listed as M somebody is lyingggg

[@eamhim848]

💖

[@jjj1951]

To think that some politicians believe teaching the history of these stories is objectionable

[@cj4lcrew902]

I wish I could see my family history I want to know more a about my ancestor Mary who was a slave

[@AncestryUS]

We understand, CJ4L. It would be wonderful to find records and information for your ancestor Mary. We know research can be difficult. We have an article we hope you'll find helpful.

[@layna-heyhey]

Oh I think my family is just far too dispersed through America and time to get knowledge of. I know up to my grand parents, and never got to meet them as they all died before I was born. However, I do get to look in the history books and such, and see "unnamed slave", and think...maybe I could be related to them. So in a sense...in a way, They are all my ancestors. It sure would be nice to trace back my family tree. smh.

[@mchan7032]

I kept hear fourth grade grandma🙃

[@ravipeiris4388]

Give me Gates's address and I'll send some tissues to hand over to his guests when they come to visit.