Pharrell Makes a Harrowing Discovery About His Ancestors | Finding Your Roots | Ancestry®

[@AncestryUS]

Want more celebrity content? Check out the new season of Who Do You Think You Are? Sundays at 7/6c on NBC or stream on Peacock. visitancestry.com/3Pfkvq5

[@tiestokygoericprydz3963]

Pharrell is not oppressed

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

They need to get Sean King to do this we'd all be interested in learning who his ancestors were yeah invite Sean King on this show

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

@@tiestokygoericprydz3963 the ninja invite Sean King to do this we'd all be interested to see who his enslaved ancestors were Sean King

[@VOLCAL]

YALL KNOW WHATS MORE HORRENDOUS????? YALL STILL ON SOMEBODY ELSES LAND AND YET YALL GETTING ALL THIS SYMPATHY????? SAME WITH THIS JOULLLLSS... NONE YALL THE BIGGEST VICTEMS IN THIS COUNTRY....STOP...

[@arabiabarboza267]

It's shameful

[@Ericairline]

Pharrell’s been in his 20’s for 20 years.

[@ilovelife3328]

I think his bone structure is what makes him look so young. He has a boyish frame to some extent. It’s crazy how he still has this “teenaged boy” aura to him!

[@ajl2232]

True. I was thinking how young he looks.

[@13din]

@@ilovelife3328 and his skin

[@Rogerthatx10]

2m times this has been written. He looks his age. He has zero facial fat, so nothing to droop.

[@tiaraw872]

@@ilovelife3328 and his skin makes him look young

[@messily1456]

"You're not a machine. This was horrendous. How else would you feel?" That struck my heart. I'm so grateful for the fullness of emotion. Therein lies understanding.

[@ms.chellylumpkins1143]

Exactly what does his emotions allow him to understand?

[@SonnyMeadows]

@@ms.chellylumpkins1143 ... let me guess "forgiveness" 🙄

[@kodyscot9360]

n now pharrell working for the same folks.

[@aGwEENapple]

@@ms.chellylumpkins1143 it's not good to hold in hurt

[@brit0309]

@@SonnyMeadows maybe you should try it dumbo

[@JERZGIRL201]

This is why it’s so important to write a family book for your children to pass down. Imagine discussing 2020 in our own words, instead of learning about it in a history book, or distorted Instagram clips 100 years later.

[@polh6462]

That's a great idea!! Create a personal family history for your descendants. It gives a person so much insight into themselves. Seeing photo's of my ancestors always gives me more insight into them than just knowing their names.

[@SuperMuneera]

What do you think Facebook is? People write about their day to day, opinions and deepest thoughts on there.

[@10INCHCRUSHER]

My family did and people say they didn't know what they were talking about because it doesn't anywhere follow the narrative being pushed. And my family isn't unique. I did notice that because it was 1857, HG is saying he was automatically born into slavery, and that's not the case for a lot of blacks back then. Sorry, but those are facts.

[@JERZGIRL201]

@@10INCHCRUSHER you’re right, that’s not the case with everyone. I believe on a previous episode with Queen Latifah, one of her greats were freed back in the 1700’s, so that automatically made her following family members “free” also. HG is just speaking of this episode with Pharrell. But that’s why that book would be interesting, because it’s specific to YOUR family, and YOUR experiences.

[@10INCHCRUSHER]

@@JERZGIRL201 So her peeps were indentured servants. That's a WHole nother history that nobody wants to talk about.

[@Ktheblackdiamond]

His name is Pharrell and has an ancestor named Farro that he JUST learned about. That is wild!! Wow! Gave me chills.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Unicorn Kav, and thanks for stopping by! We are delighted to hear you are enjoying this episode! Thanks for sharing!

[@prophetrexlexful8783]

the sarcasm is strong in this one ahahhaha

[@tulsacaupain2882]

Same here.

[@franka2743]

🥰🥰 Turtle bug vomit🥰🥰

[@TanayaAmar]

I actually heard "Pharrell" at first until they showed the text!

[@-Bloomingtales]

“I don’t want to cry and I’m trying not to be angry” I felt that and I feel this every day.

[@kjw79]

I’m sorry your community has these deep wounds.

[@rosevalerio5863]

It was deep, you should see the whole episode. He really struggled with it & you feel his pain. 😥

[@SuperGabetendo777]

@@rosevalerio5863 What's this series called? Ancestry?

[@rosevalerio5863]

@@SuperGabetendo777Finding Your Roots and airs Tue nights on PBS...

[@SuperGabetendo777]

@@rosevalerio5863 thanks

[@aliciad8553]

"It's intense, sir. It's intense." Love that fame hasn't removed Pharrell's humbleness and polite manners.

[@beverleykorte4460]

Agree with you 👍

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoyed the clip, Alicia!

[@aliciad8553]

@@AncestryUS Thank you for allowing these celebrities to share their family's stories. Personal stories, like Pharrell's family, make our country's history all the more personal - even when it isn't our family's story. 🙏

[@AncestryUS]

It's a pleasure to read your kind words of encouragement, Alicia D. ❤️ We're thrilled that you value the history and stories explored in this always interesting show. We hope that you can catch up on full episodes sometime and that you will share your thoughts with us again sometime. Make sure to check out the PBS website to see when and where you can view full episodes www.pbs.org/weta/finding-your-roots and call on our team anytime you need us.🌳

[@josefadams647]

10000% awesome comment - so true

[@mikeygoodboi]

His responses got to me. Everyone knows that it happened and THEN you see pictures, dates and hear their words, and all of a sudden you're inside of the story

[@fett_420]

What do you think his reaction would be if this was William Ellison that owned them?

[@dmitri8117]

@@fett_420 Of course none of us can speak for him but I can imagine it's similarly difficult knowing your ancestors put people through suffering as it is knowing they suffered.

[@nocomment2468]

You're inside the story and you think, "How, how could this be?" But it was. It's hard to wrap your mind around a truth that puts your nightmares to shame.

[@jkhtravelrn]

I agree. I can’t even begin to express my sorrow that people were ever treated as the slaves were. How can one human look into the eyes of another-especially a child-and do what was disgustingly done to these beautiful souls. I’m so sorry…

[@jkhtravelrn]

@@nocomment2468 excellent description of what I’m feeling… 💔

[@KSBMOFFICIAL]

When he said, "I am trying not to be angry and I'm trying not to cry." I felt that in my soul. My sentiments exactly 💯

[@LeemLovesArt]

Why would he try not to be angry ,,, this whole situation deserves anger

​@@LeemLovesArtMy anger and resentment is starting to be toxic and stultifying. I have to transform it into something else. I have to forgive for my own sake.

[@st20332]

@Tené A. Buckner i had someone once say to me, 'if you become the monster you sought to destroy, where is the change?' I think you may want to hear that too :)

[@aaroncatolico7550]

Exactly, but it's also why content like this only builds HATE for the next generations by dwelling on the past. Just because this happened to your ancestors, doesn't mean that it happened to you, nor was it modern-day 'white people' who ever participated. So, don't HATE modern-day 'white people' just because of such content because you might if you become 'angry' like Pharrell started to feel. You still gotta use LOGIC.

[@zacharycrosswait1704]

Shut up

[@freelikeyve]

That’s just TWO generations ago. That so crazy how recent slavery still is. Wow

[@reggieoverton4437]

YES, WASN'T TO LONG AGO...

[@chandraanjelica5608]

Yes!! And thats what our youth are not understanding. My great grandmother was born in to slavery and im only 30 years old. Slavery was literally just yesterday and the effects it has on our family, lineage and existence is just unearthing.

[@reggieoverton4437]

Well, technically a generation is only 20years, its only been about 100 or so years if you include neo-slavery & share cropping...

[@freelikeyve]

@@reggieoverton4437 there’s always that one dickhead, bro.

[@mssha1980]

Yes slaves were still alive 2 generations ago. My great grand parents knew former slaves

[@donnamck8324]

“You’re not a machine. What else can you feel?” - Absolutely

[@shepglennon8760]

Henry Louis Gates Jr has to be a therapist as well as a genealogist. He said something that I think is really important for men to hear because we don't like to cry. I'm a therapist myself and i was like "yup he would definitely make a good therapist!" I'm crying 😭

[@amandathode4540]

I cried when he said that to him. He always seems to know what to say at the right time.

[@gregory46236]

That statement really hit me.

[@rodrecusadams]

You cute

[@akumulight]

Fr

[@marzouk6270]

To think his great grandma never knew her great grandson would be a famous, rich an respected man in America.

[@TheNacerd]

Worse than that, she would never even imagine that

[@adrianwright8685]

Most great grandmothers don't get to know what happens to their great grandsons - it's not unusual!

[@96DanielWest]

@@adrianwright8685 you've missed the point buddy

[@mrrebelbunny5316]

@@adrianwright8685 the point is the slave women wouldn't have even imagined her Great Grandson would get to live a life of luxury

[@McYeroc]

Yup well thank God that's all in the past now.

[@SunnyIlha]

He was shook up very intensely. As he read his Aunt's testimony, His soul visibly trembled.

[@1972dsrai]

That definitely made it more real for him reading the words of his own relative from that era.

[@ErnestMarchant]

He really needed more practice 🤔 seriously 😳🪞

[@siliconiusantogramaphantis2122]

This man is going to be 50 in 3 years and why does he look like he's still in his 20s??

[@thedetour9576]

botox

[@TB-oh8zl]

He is beautiful...isn't he.

[@oc5939]

A beautiful human inside and out.

[@Jossette888]

@@thedetour9576 It's genetics...Black don't crack, especially when we have the money to take care of ourselves and lower stress. I look incredibly young and I've never has any plastic surgery. Black people aged 12 years slower than whites. Our skin is thicker and it doesn't wrinkle easily.

[@siliconiusantogramaphantis2122]

@@thedetour9576 botox? How come he doesn't look like Dolly Parton and Mickey Rourke? Lol. Try harder hater.

[@elizabethedwards3607]

Pharrell seems like a very humble man, this was very moving.

[@skullsmashrz]

He is I’ve met him lmao

[@HaileyMarieGrande]

If you notice, all celebrities from Va are extremely humble. It amazes me.

[@margretharris9532]

Don’t forget the Oprah interview when he said racism doesn’t exist anymore and that the world was a post racist global society. Only if you’re rich enough to have it!

[@emmajeenienozistel1809]

I’ve met him before , he’s extremely soft spoken and really down to earth.

[@hunnibunni20]

Naah he said he’s the “new black” and doesn’t identify with blm.

[@d_mo100]

Pharrell, Pharoah, Farro... so many name similiarites within his family.

[@Areyousayingidontknowmyname]

Its interesting how this happens. Like separated twins that marry men with same name and call their kids similar names. I found out when i got to know my family history that the name i chose for my daughter was a name of one of my ancestors. Its a unusual name. DNA has some interesting stories to tell.

[@d_mo100]

@Luxe Monreaux It was an observation! Calm down!

[@Areyousayingidontknowmyname]

@Luxe Monreaux and the moon landing was faked.

[@Natalie-ds3ok]

@Luxe Monreaux what do you mean he doesnt like black women??? His wife is literally mixed Ethiopian and Laotian?? His girlfriend before that is afro Trinidadian??

[@TsunayoshiSawada469]

Maybe they did it on purpose?

[@fabriannnaa6788]

I feel that it’s important to know and understand our ancestors pain and sufferings. So we can be more appreciative and grateful for the life we now have.

[@AncestryUS]

Completely agree!

[@Eyeris625]

I agree. No matter how hard and painful, it is important to know.

[@mortimersmithsr2522]

Everyone was slaves, in every country on earth. It was every day life since the start of humanity

[@arc7375]

So strange to see people being proud of “being a victim” - it’s like some sort of obscene fetish. Every country and every people of every race on Earth throughout history have been colonisers, have been colonised, have been slaves, etc.

[@1972dsrai]

I think thats true whoever you are or wherever you’re from, but understand if you are a black person in the US it will have an even deeper meaning and appreciation if you’re able to trace your heritage. Only black people can say what that must feel like knowing your ancestors were enslaved and brought over unwillingly. I can’t fully understand what that must feel like, but appreciate its something you probably still carry and there must still be some lingering anger as Pharrell hinted at.

[@MissCandy350]

He’s his ancestors wildest dreams ✊🏾

[@checkmattee222]

@None nope I'm black and I don't won't to live with the "white man".

[@Nia-hy1uy]

Hallelujah

[@heartgang7778]

Frfr

[@SexPot99]

Sincere kudos. Unfortuntely not very much solace when the rest of us descendants live sub-standard in a country our people built and have been brutalized in, without restitution, nor repair.

[@whitexiii3308]

@@checkmattee222 You rocking with segregation?!?!?

[@despotato269]

Imagine going back and telling Pharell’s great-great-great aunt that she would have a great-great-great legendary, essential, phenomenal musician as a nephew. Nobody would have believed her🥲

[@angelray8560]

He’s not a legend you’re reaching.

[@dirigibility]

@@angelray8560 Pharrell is quite legendary as an artist, especially as a producer. His work has had a great influence on modern music.

[@aphextriplet6850]

@@angelray8560 he's produced for Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Gloria Estefan, to name a few. He has 13 Grammys. You're sitting on KZbin commenting nonsense. Incomparable.

[@user-bf5ik2sq5e]

I thought the same thing. How very proud his family - ancestors, current and descendants ....💌 Season 7 Episode 5 - Pharrell

[@venusdourga]

Nobody. It"s true.

[@Everythingcashmire.]

This is amazing my 4th great grandfather was apart of the slave narrative and I got to read his story.. Out of 2300 people I had a relative that was interviewed I am forever thankful..

[@please.665]

You are very fortunate.

[@samanthamc2921]

Would you share his story?

[@mommyshark1124]

That's awesome

[@chebbiereadsandknits672]

That’s awesome that you read his story. I hope the 2,300 people’s ancestors have all been able to hear their stories. Such a small population. Is this stored in a Public space?

[@eshowoman]

@@chebbiereadsandknits672 The entire database is on the Library of Congress website.

[@michbankhead]

To the people that say "it wasn't you." When I hear about the pain my ancestors endured I am always brought to tears. If it doesn't make you emotional there might be something wrong with you

[@mariahirano]

It is you, us, we carry their DNA we are part of them, we should honor their struggles by living their potential.😢❤

[@MissAussieChick84]

Man I totally get it. Although I’m from a different history, my family has similar stories & it infuriates me to think about. It’s important for us to remember this history so that we never repeat it. As long as we don’t go forward with hate in our hearts, understanding we can’t blame people now for what happened then, we all will be ok.

[@froggybug]

Very painful 😭

[@NiniEJ]

@@mariahirano beautifully stated 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@elainemarra9790]

That's right

[@ArynKH]

“I don’t wanna cry, and I’m trying not to be angry.” That is how I feel every time I hear about slavery.

[@taniyachulan1439]

@@runningbear6391 their are still children of slaves alive today. It wasn’t that long ago. And it’s effects are still lingering. Do your own research and see for yourself.

[@taniyachulan1439]

@@runningbear6391 their in there 80’s & 90’s. We don’t forgot about the Holocaust or war we honor and remember those that have came before us. Why should black people forgot about slavery ? Because it didn’t effect you ? Like I said just do your research ignorance is not something to be proud of.

[@WeezerColdplay]

@@runningbear6391 there are people in their 90s that experience Jim Crow.

[@zzyyxxo]

Be angry. I am.

[@WeezerColdplay]

@@runningbear6391 people said that during jim crow too lol

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

Our ancestors were so strong that I cry just thinking about it. They endured, so that we could live. As a Black Race, we got to treat each other better. This wasnt that long ago. Jesus!

[@teresasahli5891]

“They endured so we could live.” amen

[@nancycortez1231]

Counting yrs i felt the same way not long ago God 😪

[@jessicaaye3738]

💯🙏🏾

[@hpa8924]

First thing jesus never existed for Black ok stop this nonsense .

[@iaintmadatcha]

Slave movies never show the depth of evils we endured, aligator bait being 1 example read a book called without sanctuary it will blow your mind the ways the Europeans were so creative with their torture techniques this is the stuff they have hidden but its all coming out now

[@blaekman]

Pharrell looks young but his eyes and his demeanor tell a different story.

[@divineselfentity]

Working hard long hours in richness will do that to u. Most perfectionists looks this way.

[@zakariaelfadi9759]

what do you mean with his eyes and his demeano?

[@yepdodamath]

Was thinking the same thing.... partying or age..starting to tell on him

[@aGwEENapple]

@@zakariaelfadi9759 he's focused and serious maybe. He's crafty and a creator. Always thinking of something.

[@byiza9484]

@@zakariaelfadi9759 the eyes age regardless of skin care or cosmetic enhancements. They are the windows to the soul

[@lauriemcmannen]

I live in Greenville, NC (tar river) and when he started reading, I ran to my library because I have seen this story! There is a book I purchased last summer on Manteo called "Slave Narratives" from the federal writers project 1936-1938 North Carolina. This story, Pharrell's story, is on page 45. Wow. It's a great and insightful read. I wanted to let people know about the book if they're unaware/wanted to read it!

[@joanodom2104]

Thank you!

[@mamafanniespralines6792]

When he said Nash county that is usually Rocky Mount N.C. which my family are from

[@vbickford]

Thank you. I just downloaded a few.

[@lauriemcmannen]

@mamafanniespralines6792 that's exactly right. Nash county! Got my first speeding ticket there hahaha

[@keith2181]

I have Arrington in my Ancestry tree living in Nash County.😮 I'm trying to connect the dots

[@rachpump]

A lot African Americans have been denied their history. It’s heart breaking, but their stories need to be told.

[@j.mancilla8339]

Immigrants share this bond of denied history as well. Many have left everything behind in deprived parts of the world to start a better future for their children. In doing so many of their stories where lost and left behind.

[@13pewpew13]

The first step is knowing that you’re most likely an indigenous Native American and not African for hundreds of thousands of years before this land was colonized.

[@shycurves82]

@@j.mancilla8339 all lives matters...right?

[@kkaybaltimore]

@@j.mancilla8339 NO. THEY DON'T. They have their history

[@mikeaskme3530]

@@kkaybaltimore she knows, she is just trying to find some sort of comparison.

[@AMinnie]

“I don’t wanna cry and I’m trying not be angry.” Wow.

[@LolaBugzy85]

As an African I am always happy to see AAs trace their roots. It hurts me to see the pain AAs have gone. We love you in Africa and Africa is your home.

[@dodgeplow]

Takes strength and courage

[@Xara_K1]

And that's the problem. BP see denial of feelings that they are entitled to, and need to express for their own sanity, as strength. What has happened to BP deserves anger, hate and expression of pain. The important thing is to use those emotions as an impetus to better our conditions, whatever it takes. But we use that emotion to forgive things we really shouldn't.

[@MrHammerman97]

@top RAHmen Well said! people must look forward, not victimize themselves from the past. I know for sure their ancestors wouldn't want that.

[@Pablo-ig7tx]

It has nothing to do with the subject and i hope it wont be misinterpreted but you are gorgeous

[@vs71597]

Henry Louis was great in this video. “You’re not a machine.” Really great, thoughtful responses.

[@AncestryUS]

We wholeheartedly agree. Henry is the perfect host with such a deep understanding of the past. Thank you for sharing your own impressions.

[@johnnytsunami4186]

I thought that the hosts insistence that Pharrell become emotional, rather than remain logical, did a great disservice to Pharrell and to the viewers. I wanted to see Pharrell's genuine response, not him being goaded into getting angry or being upset, based on what the host deems as an "appropriate" response. Clearly, Pharrell's initial response wasn't "appropriate" enough for the host.

[@lisarichardson6253]

Agreed, I loved hearing him day that. 🙂❤💜

[@gaila.9852]

@@johnnytsunami4186 That is not at all what happened. Also, "remain logical"? How detached are you?

[@nickbusbymusic]

@@johnnytsunami4186 I agree Thomas. He didn't want to allow Pharrell's logical thinking to come into place. He insisted he wasn't a machine as if he had to become emotional.

[@Sommervillle]

Just imagine how proud his ancestors would be to see his achievements!

[@Nikki-fm7ow]

“What kind of people, man? What kind of people...?” I’m in tears.

[@Kikigreentea]

@@joeblow1186 Did they became enslaved, and their children, and their children's children? You're being intellectually dishonest if you don't see how the fact that it was so mass (12 million+ on the middle passage), so long (century after century), fairly recent (I know people who knew slaves), and on Western soil (one of the youngest developed countries) makes it a bit different than others? The impact is going to be greater because it was done on a greater scale. "ThErE wErE alWaYs slaves, yOur aNcEsToRs juSt hapPeNeD tO bE aMoNg tHe MoSt ReCeNt" does not make it less impactful. ALL slavery was and is wrong.

[@keynesianeconomics4113]

@@joeblow1186 Germany committed the greatest atrocities the world has ever seen, and had eventually crumbled in war, only 80 years ago. Within several decades, Germany had become fully integrated into the world economy and a cornerstone of global institutions, and now enjoys a society rivalling the best in the world. For most of the past millennium, White Europeans have always come out ahead. It's no secret that Argentina and and Uruguay are among the best countries in South America due to their European heritage. Same with Canada in North America, Australia and New Zealand in Oceania, and South Africa (comparatively) in Africa. The world for the past 500 years has been very pro-European and that won't change because of a few hashtags on Twitter. I'm not saying I agree with it, but that's just the way it is.

[@JRheu]

@@keynesianeconomics4113 There are many great countries of different races, because the race doesn't define the country.

[@keynesianeconomics4113]

@@JRheu Not the race of a country per se, but the European-style institutional values such as democracy, freedom and equality.

[@JRheu]

@Aw Flower humanity lends itself to favour greed and selfishness across the board.

[@dee_dee_place]

I'm glad there is an actual record of the slaves' experiences. It's one thing to just hear about slavery but to actually hear it in the words of those who personally experienced slavery... that's a whole other level of understanding. This is invaluable!

[@michaeltrevino201]

Somewhere on KZbin there is an audio recording of a few people that were born into slavery. It's crazy/sad to think that we can actually **hear** the voices of slaves.

[@elnora1469]

documenting history is so important!

[@seansimms8503]

You realize alot of us whose parents were born in the 1930s...were raised by their former slave grandparents?

[@dee_dee_place]

@@seansimms8503 Yes, and hopefully you have their stories, handed down from your Grandparents to your Parents to you. My heritage is European & EuroAsian but I only have a small amount of history from 1 of my Grandparents. I know nothing about the other 3.

[@seansimms8503]

@@dee_dee_place...yes, my son and granddaughter now live in all places, South Carolina...I told all my kids history is what it is, past actions did shape the present but whatever we do today to this group or that group ain't changing the past, nothing against south Carolina it's just with my Yankee Illinois education, kind of ironic.

[@phil5301]

And when I hear folks say, “I’m not my ancestors”, sounds crazy to me. Yeah, they’re right. The ancestors were much stronger....💯

[@malikastone]

Well said!

[@juanitasmail5259]

I’ve always say that !!!

[@Xings868]

Facts

[@TillRapture]

You do know some of our ancestors did provoke God to wrath right? But I do understand what you mean though.

[@whisperingwhiskerss4877]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@johncollins3046]

“ I don’t want to cry and I’m trying not to be angry” - Pharrell Sums up our lives past & present We persevere

[@TOm-hr2mb]

Stop lying. It's 2024, not 1824.

[@johncollins3046]

@@TOm-hr2mb The great year 2024 when humanity achieved perfection 😳🤣 “…try not to be angry “

[@meliwest]

Yes you preserve your kind with crack wars and nitrous gas addictions

[@johncollins3046]

??? 🤣

[@sabrinabreaux1727]

My ancestor Felix Haywood was interviewed for the Slave Narratives also .

[@angelataylor5241]

Wow. I'm glad you have that record. I would wish that you had a different family story. I know my family story has whites who fought on both sides. That is really awful. It is horrible to think that my ancestors actually owned humans. I was told the myth that "(they) didn't treat their slaves bad!" My family members even said they were loved by their slaves. That is so wrong on so many levels. I have nothing to do with them anymore.

[@korie4198]

I love that they are developing such a deep collection of narratives. While in was in University studying education, they were an invaluable resource to supplement the written history. Especially because they show a deeper and sometimes different perspective and adds much more value than other forms of fiction which are generally written more to entertain with less focus on accurate representation.

[@lavettacannon3138]

Really? Wow, that’s amazing!!!🙏🏾

[@natalierache]

My aunt and ancestor, Carrie Mason, was as well.

[@miayahnke5838]

I’m so glad you got that info for your family ❤️

[@LisaApril]

Cry and be angry. There’s nothing wrong with feelings. My grandmother told me stories of her life and I never cried when she was alive, but after she died I cried a lot about how she suffered. I did feel angry on her behalf but more than anything I felt sorrow.

[@2mac_mini952]

Bro was trynna force some tears to gain some sympathy and pity LOL

[@RahAsia-yd2cr]

Don't be silly. If whites can cry about the holocaust

[@mshoney9301]

@@2mac_mini952 like you're spamming this comment for attention? lol

[@lhl9010]

almost all people had it far worse than people today do,m but the homeless of today with no food to eat or place to sleep will have their history to leave.

[@STEAMLabDenver]

I’m so happy Pharrell has had so much success. I’m sure his ancestors are smiling down at him. ❤️

[@gambinored81]

Yes👏🏾💯

[@charlottelinder4868]

Jamie Smith I was thinking the same thing They would be so proud of Pharrell Wow

[@kiddgemini2068]

He sold his soul for the white man so i don’t think they would be proud

[@efemzyekun900]

@@kiddgemini2068 where you there when he was selling it? Show us your prove....and your own soul is still intact right? Bigot.

[@yankee1882]

@@kiddgemini2068 the African Tribe leaders that sold them would disagree.

[@ashraftarabishi2319]

Yet, after all of this hardship, this is the guy who gave us the song "Happy".❤

[@1972dsrai]

Times have changed. His ancestors would be amazingly proud of his achievements.

[@garrettsmith8286]

Always loved Pharrell as an artist. There is something calming and soulful about him.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for stopping by Garrett, we hope you enjoyed the video!

[@aGwEENapple]

"You're not a machine. This was horrendous" So touching. A lot of our first reactions is to say "I will not cry" .

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. ❤️

[@aGwEENapple]

@@AncestryUS you're very welcome 😄 🌹

[@vaf]

@Ancestry you are bringing so much closure to many people who didn't even know they needed it. Thankyou so much for giving a voice and a story to those who couldn't speak

[@AKO_Always]

Henry Louis Gates is such a profound historian.

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks for watching. We agree and are naturally big fans of Dr. Gates ! ❤️

[@moniquei.jonesmfa7898]

I so agree with you and very articulate also.✊

[@edmey]

Actually, he has chosen to go "commercial" rather than do substantive work - as pointed out by African-American economist Glenn Loury (Brown University).

[@damemarthafalker6738]

@@edmey He's spent a life time doing substantive work at Harvard. If at this stage, he wants to reward himself with a little shine in the spotlight, I think Skippy has more than earned that. His record speaks for itself; he has nothing to prove.

[@krysdekel]

Yes! He is a phenomenal historian. I am so grateful for the work he's done throughout the years.

[@theriaults07]

Humans are so mean to each other.

[@beastybacon199]

Understatement of the century 😅

[@imimbunjana6754]

Especially that race which is responsible for slavery

[@maggiepie765]

it’s sad but it’s true 🥺

[@brettbeez]

I think whats even more incredible in this story is...his family went from slaves to celebrity. If they could see him today how much they would be brought to tears from seeing their ancestory in prosperity

[@KG-bliss]

Just unbelievable!! Beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time..... slavery was horrendous.

[@triviatrudy]

So true! So very true!

[@alexajackson8227]

Celebrity has always been misperceived as prosperity and success. It’s not necessarily the case and certainly not for most.

[@brettbeez]

@@alexajackson8227 i would agree, but i was only speaking on Pharrells ancestry specifically; Not all descendants as a whole.

[@skycloud4802]

But would they be still unhappy knowing that celebrities lord it over peasant folk, and that modern poverty is unbelievably bad? I understand today's work is no plantation, and people aren't slaves, but it doesn't feel like we have progressed very far.

[@kaybee9071]

The pain in his eyes...we can all relate to that!

[@alexmaldonado7971]

3 months later and here I am laughing again 😂. He looks like an old jaden smith. Great to see this. It’s amazing.

[@baron6797]

Thought the same! Like if you were looking at Pharrell while tripping on acid, you'd see Jaden!

[@needleontherecord]

Except Pharrell has talent and doesn’t ride on his fathers coattails

[@joywilkins64]

No this dude looks the same age....21

[@dailyhunter3683]

@@needleontherecord Ouch! Shots 🔥🔫.

[@Introvertsan]

@@needleontherecord Jaden is talented as well and no one is saying this about other Hollywood families so why are people so mystically concerned when it pertains to the Smith family.

[@Andy-vt7sl]

3:00 to 3:16 might be the closest I’ll ever come to understanding what it would feel like learning my ancestors were slaves. Such raw and real emotions here on both sides of the conversation. Kudos to both of these men for helping us become more empathetic.

[@robreich6881]

Everyone on earth probably has an ancestor that was a slave at some point. It was a universal institution across the entire globe. Only one group of people define their entire identity around it (160 years out and counting).

[@BlackPriest001]

I love how polite and courteous he is even under those intense emotions, and pondering the words he just read and thinking of what his family went through.

[@stevewoodson4635]

Black. American. DNA history Is thunder deep. Fritzed up on the Big Ernest and big Cynthia tip Jeremiah. 13:23

[@BlueRascal54]

The Finding Your Roots episodes that Henry Lewis Gates presents are so very powerful. Pharrell didn't want to cry and tried not to get angry. I cried and got angry for him. What a wicked thing slavery was. What a wicked thing.

[@jillmortlock8439]

And all those wicked people professed to be Christian and went to church.

[@vitojones5934]

The picture of the owner did Pharrell in

[@catonamushroom1019]

@@jillmortlock8439- so true, never forget.

[@crjetpilot]

Slavery continues today, whether it’s forced child labor, sex slavery, etc. There’s nothing we can do to right the wrongs of the past (other than examine their stories and learn from them) but there are opportunities to get involved in the present against injustice.

[@drinny26]

What was wicked was selling your people into slavery. That’s how it all started.

[@itsjustme0123]

This was heartbreaking. To know you are still carrying the name of cruel slave owners, it's just a life altering experience. My heart goes out to Pharrell.

[@sandyfields678]

What i dont understand,about names..i would not carry name of slaveowners..i would hav changed it..made up a name ..like brown..it would b brownlee or something..dna can help trace family now..oprah had it done yrs ago,named countries of her heritage...

[@sandyfields678]

Also,how do people on slave ships be identified that drowned at sea by storms etc...is there a record of sales in africa..or better yet stories..??.

[@randylinkert2615]

Hello Heather, how are you doing. I was in the comment section and I came across yours I was thrilled to say Hello

[@ljc3484]

You can always change your name.

[@Righteousone18]

I changed mine. It was about $700, but it was worth it

[@Mcmilliomay]

Wow, thanks to my daughter in middle school she helped me find this channel because of what she was taught today. 👍🏽Good job to the history teachers and homage to all our ancestors

[@nedadjenisijevic8710]

"I don't wanna cry and I'm trying not to be angry" 🥺

[@syberdieforlove]

@@mrkingofhaha your name is "MrKingofHaha" and yet you're not funny lol

[@lenadublavais4273]

@@mrkingofhaha your so caught in your head you don’t know what empathy is

[@sinderella23]

His ancestors must be so proud of him! He is doing so much to bring people together and he is reaping what was owed to them. He was chosen.

[@AroundTheWorldWithEase]

The amount of joy Pharrell has given the world, yet I feel personally grateful for his ancestor here.

[@AncestryUS]

We are glad that you enjoyed the video!

[@longdragon3]

Pharrell must eat good food because this guy looks like he in his late 20's despite being flippin 47! It's nuts!

[@sambanelly4219]

48 this year

[@angelnumber2002]

My uncle is like this and eats super clean

[@byiza9484]

He looks great!…but 50’s is really when the body starts visibly breakdown

[@sambanelly4219]

@@byiza9484 Not for Jay-Z

[@Cper2000]

@@byiza9484 haters gonna hate lol 😁

[@brit0309]

The host is the loveliest, what he says at the end is maybe the most hopeful and truthful thing I’ve heard a ‘show’ host say in a zillion years.

[@AncestryUS]

We're happy to hear that you enjoyed this clip and appreciate what is shared in them, thanks so much for stopping by!

[@mickeyj6921]

Wow! To have history presented to you from your ancestors in their own words....chilling and amazing at the same time. I would love to be able to have that type of history. It's heartbreaking. How resilint of a people are we to still be here?!

[@citizencoy4393]

Our ppl were no joke and neither are their descendants! We are still under attack for a reason! Bc we are still a threat!

[@CaptchaNeon]

It’s fascinating to hear his unique name along with his 3 times great aunt’s kids boys names

[@Melmac101]

Exactly I was thinking the same thing

[@cheezheadz3928]

Names are generally passed down.

[@opportunisticobserver]

Young kings!

[@kareemjohnson8059]

I thought I was the only one who peeped that. Ferro,Fenner and Pharrell are eerily similar especially since there are 100+yrs between them.

[@tanyaevans1276]

I feel like this was made up as far as his aunt story and the children names. How and why would her Monster oh I mean her master allow her to name them after king's?

[@folarinosibodu]

3:10 "It's intense sir, its intense." Always gets to me.

[@healthyliving4922]

Me too

[@dry7810]

Me too

[@KristyLove47]

Me too

[@brrrogers]

I replayed that so mamy times. His face. :'(

[@berta.9912]

Why?

[@Diamndprincess01]

Somewhere in Florida or some Midwest state, there’s a teacher telling kids that slavery wasn’t all bad and some slaves were treated well...downplaying how horrible chattel slavery was.

[@shania9528]

What is your motivation in saying this, troll or pure ignorance? You can’t trust the countless accounts of the enslaved, that are available to read?

[@eb3023]

@Korucuk kataloški broj hey man I think you dropped this 🧠

[@ptaylor4923]

Is... How bad slavery is. (Actually, some were treated better depending on the owner... that doesn't down play it, just includes facts) but when you're active in helping some of the 25 million slaves in the world today, let me know

[@makinitsch9113]

And those same teachers never teach that there were white slaves, or bonds men and women, who died under bondage. Treated no better than slaves. I have both European and African ancestors who were slaves. You won't be taught that in any school

[@mant8vaei314]

@Korucuk kataloški broj your comments is still there luv

[@DJCayjuynSpyce]

I appreciate Ancestry for providing this type of content. I am thankful to hear the words of Pharrell's ancestor and receive a true glimpse into what our people endured. I enjoyed the interviewer understanding Pharrell's feelings and affirming him in that moment. Allowing him to feel all his emotions which is something that is not afforded to many Black people especially Black men.

[@AncestryUS]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment, DJ Cayjuyn Spyce. Dr Gate's jr certainly offers a masterclass in family history and his knowledge and expertise is truly mind blowing. Make sure to check out many more thought provoking stories within our dedicated 'Finding Your Roots' playlist - kzbin.info/aero/PL0xuz8BBkD4gm8NBVH8ga1elIoAkBjL-q. Enjoy the festive season and please call by and see us again anytime. ☃️🎄🎁

[@DJCayjuynSpyce]

@@AncestryUS Thank you 😊 I will be sure to check out more of Dr.Gate’s content. I love his interview style.

[@anthonygibson1967]

The way that Dr. Gates allows Pharrell to experience his feelings while validating them is so powerful man.

[@tonymckinney1355]

"What kind of people?" The spirit of those kind of people are still among us.

[@freelikeyve]

Isn’t that crazy ?! Zero evolvement.

[@sheilahsutton3516]

Whatever doesn't get healed gets passed down.

[@chandraanjelica5608]

Amen

[@kennadowning]

Powerful comment

[@catonamushroom1019]

Yes, too true!

[@peggystreetinfluencer]

Out of all the interviews in 'Finding Your Roots' this one was the most profound. Beautifully done, honest and sincere. Sending hugs to Pharrell.

[@casperskestrel]

Pharrell is an inspiration. Look how much he has achieved and how far he has come, despite the bondage and persecution of his ancestors.

[@madnatty]

“Incidents in the life of a slave girl, written by herself” by Harriet Ann Jacobs is a very illuminating book.

[@bebaruiz03]

Such a great book. Her and her brother were amazing

[@madnatty]

@@bebaruiz03 I always remember how long she had to hide/live in that attic.

[@soblu3]

I own a copy . I think I bought all of the slave narratives

[@traceyjackson4162]

Yes. I start to shake whenever I hear stories told from the mouth of our ancestors.❤️

[@2008MrsKim]

Thank you, I was just going to search for her name.

[@GospelinAI]

Salves actually lived till the 1930s. That is insane. That's literally just yesterday. And they want black people to move on

[@sharris6677]

@@rainsong7327 shut up.

[@rolliesclass3986]

@@rainsong7327 Sometimes the pain of the past is the fuel that drives the desire to succeed .

[@unrulytdott2824]

@@rainsong7327 a great country?

[@anonymous2215]

Very true

[@executioner8320]

@@rainsong7327 Great country? Babylon is going down

[@HH-hy8ph]

It’s difficult to wrap one’s head around the incredible cruelty. It churns my stomach.

[@Danuxsy]

yeah people were crazy back then

[@bobcrane2720]

the horror; she had to sweep floors, chuck corn and lived in a log cabin. His ancestor was born into slavery, and a slave until as late as 10; they probably had him plowing fields before the umbilical cord was even cut.

[@Danuxsy]

@@bobcrane2720 😂😂😂

[@imbetter599]

Lol

[@nash3timemvp]

It's not difficult at all to see how cruel we are as a species, our history is littered with it. Look at ISIS recently, it's only hard to wrap your head around if you don't know anything about out history.

[@warrenitsuks9580]

"I am trying not to cry, and also trying not to be angry..." from Pharrell hit different. Like he "knows" those ancestors. We carry a lot down hereditarily such as illnesses, both mental and physical, to looks, to personalities... Just so crazy to realize that this was part of your ancestors path. Intense for sure.

[@AncestryUS]

Hey Warren. We appreciate you taking the time to watch the video and share your feelings with us. It was a really powerful and thought provoking episode and we appreciate you sharing your thoughts with our community today. We hope you will have the chance to watch full episodes of the show sometime and that you will let us know if we can ever lend a hand in advancing your own research.🌳

[@timesup6302]

It's not that deep

[@Rlbluv12]

This was the first time I have ever seen Pharrell not smiling, and looking like he was about to fight someone. And I understood the anger he was feeling

[@xoxxobob61]

Quite the Oxymoron for the man who wrote a song called "Happy" and made us all happy with that to not be smiling.

[@Dangic23]

Watch the full episode....gets worse

[@DanielUnk]

so u think he should fight the people today who had nothing at all with this history?

[@Rlbluv12]

@@DanielUnk No, that’s not what I meant at all. And I’m not going to bother to explain it to you

[@dahna4822]

Pharrell’s response was quite dignified, all things considered. Much Respect ✨

[@jodrew1845]

When we open the door to our enslaved ancestors lives we come away with a new appreciation for our lives. Although everything may not be great currently, we are not going through the pain, shame, degradation and hardship they endured. It places every day inconvenience in a new light.

[@sandwormgod4771]

No matter what, how utterly fantastic to be able to read your great, great, great, aunts actual words and account of her life.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Sandwormgod, thanks for watching. We are happy to see that you enjoyed this video. We hope it inspires you to dive deeper into your family history research.

[@ainemcgowan4495]

How beautiful.... His words "I'm forever changed".... I have traced my family history and I too have been humbled and saddened by what I have learned about my ancestors. It does have a profound effect on you.

[@itzAurora_Xoxo]

I'm assuming your irish? Breaks my heart when I think of what my ancestors went through.

[@SB-wr7hf]

What happened?

[@ainemcgowan4495]

@@SB-wr7hf just the usual irish immigration story.. They left Donegal Ireland, struggling to survive in Scotland,. My great great grandmother was left widowed on her own with three very young daughters had to make her way back home to Ireland... Still trying to figure out how she managed to get the money together for them to all travel back... It was either that or the workhouse for them... They had already been visited by the poor/welfare sort of local official and given a little money before her husband died. On her husbands death cert it said eighteen months total exhaustion and spinal disease but we think he had had a congenital heart defect as heart trouble is in our family and we recognise the condition now associated with it. My great great grandfather had worked in the mines and before his death had been working on the railway, he was dead by the age of 46.. Wore out by it all.

[@turiguliano416]

Don't start your Ancestry from America, start from your DNA tracing back to your original country and tribe in Africa. The country it proves you were from, is your history and culture and ancestors and take it from there by visiting the place. Why start the story from where your name, your religion, your language, your dress, your food, and your clothes were already forced to change and stolen? Don't read the Times read the Eternities.

[@turiguliano416]

Why do African Americans act as if their history begins with Trans Atlantic Slavery? Why not look at where you really are from before it happened, and that history and culture before it was robbed and stolen. There lays the real treasure, gems, and heritage, and culture. Slavery was an interruption to the history, not the story, why always focus on the one-page interruption instead of the whole book? His family history is not the story of slaves. That's one paragraph in a whole book so why stop and start there? A DNA test will tell you exactly the answers, and the place it says you are from is your real culture, story, roots, and identity, and this applies to Caribean people too.

[@SorinNeagu]

Knowing that through their suffering you got the chance to achieve so much, when they had so little. Be proud man! Stand tall! You honour your lineage! You live the life and opportunities that they hoped their children's children will have thanks to their survival. You are their dream, you are their legacy. Thanks to you they will never be forgotten.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Sorin. It was great to hear from you. His ancestors would be delighted to see his success.

[@eleonoraciorba6679]

Very profound and emotional ...words.

[@fizzygottchu]

This hit harder than anything I’ve seen in awhile brotha

[@DirtyDaveBeatz]

yeah this comment really teared me up. love. big love.

[@turiguliano416]

What is so great and legendary about making music and being an entertainer? Nothing. It's one of the lowest of things you can truly do when you think about it, as your construction and contribution to society is useless, just mere entertainment. What would happen if all the actors and the musicians of the world disappeared or did not exist, nothing. What would happen if all the road cleaners of the world disappeared or did not exists? A lot. Back in her time being an entertainer was seen as worse than a sell-out, like a dancing monkey to please white people as amusement to be able to get slighter better treatment, make them money, and entertain their friends. Don't put such enthesis and 'greatness' into something that doesn't deserve it, all because the TV told you it was 'important' and a 'great' thing to be. Don't make music artists and actors your prophets.

[@thelandofopie]

Slave Narratives are FREE and easy to read online- I have read them and tell anyone who will listen to read them. It really changed my life. And I feel that for a moment I honored them and let them be heard. It should be offered reading in schools.

[@pro-choicemom]

Definitely not in Florida.

[@gretamurphy3704]

​@Pro-Choice Mom It's awful what's happening there! A student group at New College is working hard to fight legislation. People can help by visiting SaveNewCollege.

[@lyndseyfifield]

@@pro-choicemom Yes, in Florida all children are taught about the history of slavery in the U.S. and there are regional field trips to relevant plantations and museums to make sure they have a hands-on experience and understanding of everything our country has overcome -- you can visit the "archives and history" to search for your family's history - or visit the black history museum in Pensacola! Wonderful people there to help -- and of course you can always visit the library of Congress online to see if you're connected to the compiled narratives the government collected (like Pharrell's)!

[@alalalala57]

@@pro-choicemom It would be burned in Florida.

[@susanthejew6351]

yeah but no stories of 1860's slaves we can ask modern slaves after we buy 1 from south africa where they have never stopped selling each other... hopefully that fact changes your life as well!

[@loritouma5899]

These people endured much more than anyone can imagine ever in their lifetime!

[@lauratee5631]

How about the Jews?

[@loritouma5899]

@@lauratee5631 same !!!

[@nancycarroll489]

God Bless these men, women and children who were forced into slavery. It’s a horrible part of our history

[@rebeccalogan8446]

@@nancycarroll489 so sad it's still happening today in other countries. Slaves make some of our products we use every day.

[@grop66]

So true 👍💜

[@spiffyjass]

This man uplifted his ancestors name and tragic history with the life he’s living now 👍🏽 he should be so proud

[@hopscotch39]

Very cool to hear that Pharaoh was a name passed down in Pharrell's family. It's his father's name as well.

[@MsTrueTy]

Pharrell Father name is Pharaoh as well. Maybe his Father people's kept the family history alive.

[@Awholekit]

What's cool about that? Pharaohs where awful people...same with Caesars in rome.

[@whitexiii3308]

@@Awholekit Ironic being named after slave masters in Egypt 💀

[@fujitafunk]

I loved his reactions, so human and caring. 😢 Pharrell is an amazing musician and I'm sure his ancestors stand right beside his achievements, just as he is proud of them for being so strong.

[@AncestryUS]

We are happy to see that you enjoyed this video! Thank you for watching.

[@RakelDaNell]

This episode was especially emotional. Pharrell"s face when he saw rhe picture of the man that "owned" his ancestors...? My God! I felt a chill in my house.

[@djmaxxhtx]

I had a neighbor 100yrs old in the 70’s. Her parents were slaves. She still took the trash to the curb into her 90’s.

[@theactualtruth4951]

That's disgusting, no one helped her? Wait if her parents were slaves, was she born into slavery or after they were freed?

[@_amyxh3182]

@@theactualtruth4951 slaveey continued. in secret when it “ended”

[@Pippi-Longstocking]

I’m having chills over this. How amazing. What a gift that he’s shared this with the public.

[@AncestryUS]

We're so glad you enjoyed the clip, Stefanie! 😊

[@turiguliano416]

Don't start your Ancestry from America, start from your DNA tracing back to your original country and tribe in Africa. The country it proves you were from, is your history and culture and ancestors and take it from there by visiting the place. Why start the story from where your name, your religion, your language, your dress, your food, and your clothes were already forced to change and stolen? Don't read the Times read the Eternities.

[@mjz16]

I lived in a one-room “house” with my whole family, including extended family. It was literally a Square structure, made of clay, dirt floor, no running water, no cooking facilities, or a bathroom to speak of. The bathroom was a wash that went past the back of the property. For cooking, we scavenged anything that would burn. Rubber shoe soles burned hotter and lasted longer so we looked for those even no if they smoked a lot and didn’t smell good. but anything we could burn was good. Built a fire on the ground, like when you go camping. Food was scarce and hard to come by. Barefoot was the way to go and it was luck if any of us had a pair of shoes once in a while, especially for going i to “town” which was a very small town with not a lot of modern timings in it. You wonder when this all was? The 1970s! I’d say we were lucky. We weren’t slaves and didn’t know the inhumanity of not being thought of as people.

[@elaine21bok]

Pharrell is buzzing, because his ancestors are being heard and there's a connection happening in the atmosphere 💥😍❤️❤️

[@Risingofthephoenix]

"It's intense sir it's intense" Angry yet dignified and still a gentlemen through and through

[@AuntieLux]

"you're not a machine" I would have broken TF down right there....

[@JennHolt]

I almost wish this had been done off camera, so that he could have had privacy. They could still share the story, but allow him a chance to digest this truth.

[@carlossimpson]

Then you have people like me, who grow up without having met no one from their family, including their mother, father, literally no one... being treated like slave many times from childhood to teenage times, from racism to bullying, and here I am I've done it just by myself. I did it by always following my heart and helping to make this world a better place for all. God Bless you all.

[@Pain53924]

No evidence for god though

[@missnene8339]

Pharrell reading those words of his ancestry, just made that life, life of slavery so powerful, but yet so hurtful. I became teary eyed at the end, because our struggle is still here, but she literally was there when it all started.

[@turiguliano416]

Don't start your Ancestry from America, start from your DNA tracing back to your original country and tribe in Africa. The country it proves you were from, is your history and culture and ancestors and take it from there by visiting the place. Why start the story from where your name, your religion, your language, your dress, your food, and your clothes were already forced to change and stolen? Don't read the Times read the Eternities. Why do African Americans act as if their history begins with Trans Atlantic Slavery? Why not look at where you really are from before it happened, and that history and culture before it was robbed and stolen. There lays the real treasure, gems, and heritage, and culture. Slavery was an interruption to the history, not the story, why always focus on the one-page interruption instead of the whole book? His family history is not the story of slaves. That's one paragraph in a whole book so why stop and start there? A DNA test will tell you exactly the answers, and the place it says you are from is your real culture, story, roots, and identity, and this applies to Caribean people too.

[@judypylant1570]

No the struggle is not still here!…it’s only what you make it to be!..

[@lmc2375]

I would say those earlier people truly suffered. Today, people, all people without, many of them seem to expect to be given what they need. It doesn't work that way. Effort must be made no matter a color or race. There are success rates in each bc they applied selves, there was no giving up, no stopping them. Yes, we need more kindness, more compassion and love, but hate is really rolling and guaranteed, will dig us a deeper hole. Esp if there is no respect across the board. You can truly only get what you give. 🙏💫🌎

[@bodigames]

it is a one sided story. when you do a DNA test as american 99% chance you have ancestors from all over the world. here they ignored those and just focused on the slavery part.

[@juniorpatron77]

@@judypylant1570today there are more slaves in the world. if you have an iphone it was helped to be produced by slaves in the congo for cobalt.

[@lauraschulz5153]

My relatives in Ohio were active with the underground railroad and helped many enslaved people reach freedom in Canada. May we never forget.

[@LilliLamour]

I share his auntie's birthday. May she be at peace.

[@valkyr8]

I do as well and I am so grateful that she shared her story.

[@rosa-sr7nl]

im the day before

[@findmeanewplanet]

I do too!

[@Madmun357]

Dr. Gates, what you're doing really matters. It's moving. It's touching. It's important. Your empathy shows. You never show anger, yet, like Pharrell I'd surely have to fight that urge to be. I watch very little television, but I watch Finding Your Roots when I can. Thank you for the work you do. You're a blessing to the American narrative.

[@boogiedownbronx73]

Just for those who didn't know. Pharrell was born in 1852 and has remained the same ever since...

[@DY0309]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@nani3466]

😅😅😅😅that was hilarious!

[@sonja4164]

😂😂😂😂

[@dmoon6137]

😅😅

[@Yellow-et1ig]

Just made my day 😀 now that’s funny

[@theresenydahl9531]

Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. It's so recent but yet already somehow forgotten. This is a very important part of American history that should be taught at every school, preferably with the documents and photographs like the ones in this segment. Thank you ❤

[@ColorMeRado]

Heart hurts for people, so much ignorance back then. Pharrel should be so proud to be apart of a family so intensely strong.

[@benobil5280]

How about the ignorance today. Some people trying to prove by all means that they are better then other because of their skin color, because of fear of retribution. The day of retribution is really coming.

[@timmycollins2149]

@@benobil5280 amen to that.

[@anonymous2215]

Your ancestors was so cruel huh

[@randylinkert2615]

Hello there, how are you doing. I was in the comment section and I came across yours I was thrilled to say Hello

[@garypace7697]

This is exactly why some people don't want to talk or teach about slavery because nobody wants to be reminded of how horrible their ancestors treated black people, but to see and read the words from one of your distant relatives describing what they went through is definitely a life changing moment.

[@whoaX_]

This man been looking the same age since I was a kid and I'm pretty sure I look older than him now

[@MyLuckyDobie]

Literally. Your YT profile pic is hilarious. Boyz In Da Hood.

[@calumbasilva868]

Lmao

[@WillBlindYouWithLight]

Same

[@dkay5014]

Fr

[@markwilliams6378]

Some people got that youthful gene. Babyface

[@SaidiLouise]

The Slave Narrative Project is a phenomenal and remarkable collection. How spectacular that his aunt was part of this work. ❤

[@randylinkert2615]

Hello Saidi, how are you doing. I was in the comment section and I came across yours I was thrilled to say Hello

[@misstreeancestry2230]

Wow. This brought me to tears. It's so important not to forget these stories. And we are so lucky that projects like these exist to record the thoughts and recollections of those we may have otherwise forgotten.

[@carolelizabethowens2661]

All Black American people should be able to have this type of research done on their families at the expense of the government. After all, it was at the expense of the government that we suffered the tragic loss of lineage, history and basic information about ourselves.

[@mufdiver9406]

Every black family should have a picture of Abraham Lincoln hanging somewhere in there house

[@fendi-bull8167]

This shows me why he made No One Ever Really Dies. His ancestors and his people shows that the fight need to continue where equality emerge for the African American people

[@eveydes4722]

Was he named for his family ? Pharaoh is close to Pharrel.

[@abryant8287]

That's what I was thinking.

[@florentm6185]

*Ferro, but you have a point.

[@Blackoreanfemale]

Reaching

[@MsTrueTy]

Pharrell's Father's name is Pharaoh as Well. Maybe they kept the name in honor of Fenner brother Pharaoh. Names can travel through generations. My daughter is named after my great great Grandma Sarah so its possible. Beautiful when we can learn our roots.

[@diamondpearlgem7589]

My family has a lot of repeated names. It helps when researching your family.