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Artistic Roots

Season 12 Episode 8 | 52m 09s

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. traces the roots of filmmaker Spike Lee and Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth, uncovering ancestors who made bold decisions to lay the groundwork for their success. Moving from the Texas frontier to World War One battlefields to plantations in the old South, Gates introduces his guests to the women and men who used their creativity to build a future for their families.

Aired: 02/23/26 | Expires: 03/26/26 | Broadcast Schedule
Corporate support for Season 11 of FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR. is provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc., Ancestry® and Johnson & Johnson. Major support is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Support is also provided by Ford Foundation; Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; Candace King Weir; by the Inkwell Society together with many of its members; and by public television viewers.
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Extras
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. introduces musicians Flea and Lizzo to their inspiring ancestors.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. heads west to map the family trees of Sara Haines and Tracy Letts.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of basketball stars Brittney Griner and Chris Paul.
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Chris Paul discovers the first labor contract his paternal family ever signed.
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