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

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 มิ.ย. 2024
  • Rapper and actress Queen Latifah joins Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and realizes her family’s roots are tied to freedom.
    Discover Your Family History today: www.ancestry.com/s122234/t4517...
    Subscribe: bit.ly/AncestrySubscribe
    About Ancestry: Start your family history journey today with Ancestry®. With our massive collection of historical records, access to family trees, and DNA technology, we’re here to help you discover your personal history.
    Visit Ancestry’s Official Site: www.ancestry.com
    Follow Ancestry on TikTok: bit.ly/AncestryTikTok
    Follow Ancestry on Instagram: bit.ly/AncestryIG
    Like Ancestry on Facebook: bit.ly/AncestryFB
    Follow Ancestry on Twitter: bit.ly/AncestryTwitter
    00:00 Introduction
    1:04 Queen Latifah finds out 3rd great-grandparents weren’t enslaved
    1:56 Queen Latifah reads document that freed her first ancestor
    2:50 Queen Latifah reacts to her newfound family history
  • วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี

ความคิดเห็น • 2.1K

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  ปีที่แล้ว +75

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

    • @gracewealthpiniano7742
      @gracewealthpiniano7742 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi is Ancestry DNA available in PH?

    • @shenitahampton7301
      @shenitahampton7301 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

    • @icemancometh8679
      @icemancometh8679 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @robertcanada2717
      @robertcanada2717 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

    • @carameldiva5131
      @carameldiva5131 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @dianemurray6550
    @dianemurray6550 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2161

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

    • @flowersfromh-evanlakshmi7577
      @flowersfromh-evanlakshmi7577 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Beautiful. So true.

    • @tesscameron3699
      @tesscameron3699 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

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

    • @brittanyrose6388
      @brittanyrose6388 2 ปีที่แล้ว +23

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

    • @karchata7123
      @karchata7123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      wow yes!!

    • @cheesecakelasagna
      @cheesecakelasagna 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      I needed to hear this today.

  • @iamohsotrendy
    @iamohsotrendy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +619

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

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

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

    • @mariej.richard5114
      @mariej.richard5114 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @thomasbrunn3988
      @thomasbrunn3988 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      yes the over use of god is so sickening

  • @carmellabrown3335
    @carmellabrown3335 3 ปีที่แล้ว +543

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

    • @emre_love
      @emre_love 2 ปีที่แล้ว +40

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

    • @missvida6251
      @missvida6251 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

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

    • @mikemeyers7328
      @mikemeyers7328 2 ปีที่แล้ว +45

      Shes more american than allllot of ppl

    • @yolandad2.031
      @yolandad2.031 2 ปีที่แล้ว +36

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

    • @yolandad2.031
      @yolandad2.031 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

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

  • @annieberardino8732
    @annieberardino8732 2 ปีที่แล้ว +270

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

    • @patriciajrs46
      @patriciajrs46 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

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

  • @sushmitamukherjee4025
    @sushmitamukherjee4025 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3712

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

    • @madhatter5357
      @madhatter5357 4 ปีที่แล้ว +164

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

    • @sushmitamukherjee4025
      @sushmitamukherjee4025 4 ปีที่แล้ว +38

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

    • @Njoofene
      @Njoofene 4 ปีที่แล้ว +47

      Black does not equal slavery.

    • @SweetSoulBrother0
      @SweetSoulBrother0 4 ปีที่แล้ว +65

      she has that mommy energy

    • @renooparmar4236
      @renooparmar4236 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

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

  • @corneliamalima4968
    @corneliamalima4968 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3000

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

    • @LucySkyDiamond
      @LucySkyDiamond 3 ปีที่แล้ว +133

      Wow! That is amazing! 🙌🏾🙏🏾

    • @sharonsmith6022
      @sharonsmith6022 3 ปีที่แล้ว +96

      It's the genes, they carry on.

    • @chicalertng
      @chicalertng 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

      That’s truly amazing!

    • @4knewt505
      @4knewt505 3 ปีที่แล้ว +85

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

    • @camerashy_
      @camerashy_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

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

  • @aimeechapman5780
    @aimeechapman5780 ปีที่แล้ว +27

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

  • @elsabean6791
    @elsabean6791 3 ปีที่แล้ว +119

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

  • @brandibliss
    @brandibliss 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4635

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

    • @joeymama4666
      @joeymama4666 4 ปีที่แล้ว +182

      And she gave that name to herself.

    • @rosaortiz3180
      @rosaortiz3180 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      😭

    • @seanprater1795
      @seanprater1795 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      👍👍👍

    • @jusletursoulglobaby
      @jusletursoulglobaby 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @thegeminiguy1065
      @thegeminiguy1065 4 ปีที่แล้ว +35

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

  • @cherrellerussell9872
    @cherrellerussell9872 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2452

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

    • @janekhoury5907
      @janekhoury5907 4 ปีที่แล้ว +122

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

    • @khwhi1
      @khwhi1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      Jane Khoury some were not enslaved

    • @simplyjustronnie6852
      @simplyjustronnie6852 4 ปีที่แล้ว +128

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

    • @dhatchick22196
      @dhatchick22196 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Jane Khoury this is incorrect lol

    • @APatriarca1
      @APatriarca1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +67

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

  • @Giannis_Sarafis
    @Giannis_Sarafis 2 ปีที่แล้ว +144

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

    • @alkante2962
      @alkante2962 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @nikoleta5237
      @nikoleta5237 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Μπράβο Γιάννη!💕

    • @satiricalsartorial
      @satiricalsartorial ปีที่แล้ว +1

      wow, amazing

    • @ZHM19372
      @ZHM19372 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      This s so amazing👏🏼🥹

  • @coastalseasider4634
    @coastalseasider4634 2 ปีที่แล้ว +102

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

  • @free22
    @free22 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1521

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

    • @michellezevenaar
      @michellezevenaar 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

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

    • @amenra13
      @amenra13 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

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

    • @OyaRevolutionary
      @OyaRevolutionary 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      amenra13 Exactly!

    • @nadineblades393
      @nadineblades393 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I love this ❤️

    • @charlottewade5922
      @charlottewade5922 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @catherinezenovich5483
    @catherinezenovich5483 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

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

  • @Cinia18
    @Cinia18 3 ปีที่แล้ว +317

    The way she says “thank you Lord” 😭🙌🏾

    • @lorrainewadsworth6977
      @lorrainewadsworth6977 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @Bantuqueen01
      @Bantuqueen01 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @mariahoulihan9483
      @mariahoulihan9483 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      VICTIM blaming. disgusting. @@Bantuqueen01

  • @emiliak2597
    @emiliak2597 3 ปีที่แล้ว +147

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

    • @patriciajrs46
      @patriciajrs46 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

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

    • @cockoffgewgle4993
      @cockoffgewgle4993 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      OMGZ SO POWERFUL

  • @greyshield6089
    @greyshield6089 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1827

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

    • @centerfold8
      @centerfold8 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Doesn’t it also mean light

    • @greyshield6089
      @greyshield6089 3 ปีที่แล้ว +97

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

    • @missyana8746
      @missyana8746 3 ปีที่แล้ว +52

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

    • @sarahalotaibi1230
      @sarahalotaibi1230 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Miss Yana it’s actually common in Middle East.

    • @robinalecia7554
      @robinalecia7554 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

  • @LifeguardSai
    @LifeguardSai 4 ปีที่แล้ว +459

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

    • @sherylhoward4831
      @sherylhoward4831 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

    • @MsShawn43
      @MsShawn43 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

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

    • @djmaxxhtx
      @djmaxxhtx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @dannicatzer305
      @dannicatzer305 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @lilhonni
      @lilhonni 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

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

  • @celticlamanite
    @celticlamanite 3 ปีที่แล้ว +330

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

    • @djmaxxhtx
      @djmaxxhtx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

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

    • @MichelleIbarraMHAEdD
      @MichelleIbarraMHAEdD 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I was thinking the same thing. 💜

    • @QueenLadyQ
      @QueenLadyQ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes

    • @nickymcneil8544
      @nickymcneil8544 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

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

    • @lorrainewadsworth6977
      @lorrainewadsworth6977 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

  • @Biboche23
    @Biboche23 2 ปีที่แล้ว +54

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

  • @lisabolo26
    @lisabolo26 4 ปีที่แล้ว +734

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

    • @WaterIsLife77
      @WaterIsLife77 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

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

    • @natokinville4632
      @natokinville4632 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

    • @mrsaye499
      @mrsaye499 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @deborahmerkerson1145
      @deborahmerkerson1145 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @elizabethcheney4599
      @elizabethcheney4599 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I love that song

  • @ayenice3484
    @ayenice3484 4 ปีที่แล้ว +152

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

    • @mrsaye499
      @mrsaye499 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Aye!

    • @bonbiskadafi9423
      @bonbiskadafi9423 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Me too!

    • @ugi161
      @ugi161 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      She has something regal about her ❤

  • @onimichaelmulling6413
    @onimichaelmulling6413 2 ปีที่แล้ว +29

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

  • @LissaDee2957
    @LissaDee2957 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

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

  • @noxible
    @noxible 4 ปีที่แล้ว +255

    When she said " thank you Lord"

  • @bethaniejify
    @bethaniejify 4 ปีที่แล้ว +226

    One person made a difference to my entire family line.

    • @mddarkwood1872
      @mddarkwood1872 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Girl I hear that.

    • @casewhite5048
      @casewhite5048 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @rolsroland2040
      @rolsroland2040 2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @mrstep2me
    @mrstep2me 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

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

  • @sweetpeepauline
    @sweetpeepauline 4 ปีที่แล้ว +219

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

    • @bigfoot1697
      @bigfoot1697 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You love this meat

  • @weherek5941
    @weherek5941 4 ปีที่แล้ว +819

    Yet a lot of people will not understand her tears

    • @jv-ep2tc
      @jv-ep2tc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +27

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

    • @siahyoung6335
      @siahyoung6335 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      were here K And that's really sad!

    • @beingmarilyngail8470
      @beingmarilyngail8470 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

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

    • @reneehicks4629
      @reneehicks4629 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

    • @jonathandewberry289
      @jonathandewberry289 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Why should they?

  • @YauriSKellyDalencour
    @YauriSKellyDalencour 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

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

  • @HamptonHongShogunMA
    @HamptonHongShogunMA 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @martyrhea6173
    @martyrhea6173 4 ปีที่แล้ว +195

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

    • @jusletursoulglobaby
      @jusletursoulglobaby 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      you forgot the h. Latifah

    • @mjade1673
      @mjade1673 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      This made you know why you love her?

    • @LaraInTheFrame
      @LaraInTheFrame ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @ChooseU4ever
    @ChooseU4ever 4 ปีที่แล้ว +140

    This brought tears to my eyes 😭😭😭

  • @edsferro615
    @edsferro615 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    We're glad you enjoyed it, Teresa! Have you started to look at your own family history and find out details about your ancestors? We hope you'll take some time to talk with your family and collect the stories and details from your ancestors’ lives.

  • @HomeCentsWithNell
    @HomeCentsWithNell 3 ปีที่แล้ว +125

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

  • @thenobleone-3384
    @thenobleone-3384 4 ปีที่แล้ว +349

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

    • @erichill612
      @erichill612 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes

    • @jusletursoulglobaby
      @jusletursoulglobaby 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

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

    • @sandy4498
      @sandy4498 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I’m in love with his mind

    • @dorothyyoung8231
      @dorothyyoung8231 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

    • @pookiehoney
      @pookiehoney 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  ปีที่แล้ว +20

    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

    • @thehillbillygamer2183
      @thehillbillygamer2183 ปีที่แล้ว

      You need to invite Sean King to do this you know who Sean King is don't you need to invite him to do it or maybe Rachel Dole is all you know invite them to do this

    • @christopherkofipreston79
      @christopherkofipreston79 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hello 👋 I'm Christopher Preston from Freetown Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 West Africa. I'm 19 and I want to do the ancestry DNA 🧬 test 🙏😇😇.

    • @TanyaOwens
      @TanyaOwens ปีที่แล้ว

      When I watched this episode it didn't resonate with me that you were talking about my great great great grandfather - BUT YOU WERE! So, part of Queen Latifah's family tree is also mine! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

  • @ruhsaanjones4750
    @ruhsaanjones4750 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

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

  • @Rudilsa80
    @Rudilsa80 4 ปีที่แล้ว +307

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

    • @whitetig2
      @whitetig2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +98

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

    • @franmellor9843
      @franmellor9843 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

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

    • @tuesdayschild8994
      @tuesdayschild8994 4 ปีที่แล้ว +27

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

    • @whitetig2
      @whitetig2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

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

    • @sandranorman5469
      @sandranorman5469 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @goanna83
    @goanna83 4 ปีที่แล้ว +82

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

  • @caltats13
    @caltats13 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

  • @anitaweitala5527
    @anitaweitala5527 4 ปีที่แล้ว +525

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

    • @michaeldukes4108
      @michaeldukes4108 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @sloanbanks9531
      @sloanbanks9531 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

    • @TheBaconWizard
      @TheBaconWizard 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @AD-jq7ow
      @AD-jq7ow 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @saarinenj1
      @saarinenj1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AD-jq7ow God freed slaves to freedom.

  • @sissybear94
    @sissybear94 4 ปีที่แล้ว +71

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

  • @randomvintagefilm273
    @randomvintagefilm273 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi, Jacqueline. Ancestry is for everyone! The DNA test will provide you with your ethnicity estimate and DNA matches. You can learn more about what the DNA test includes in more detail and the price here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/What-to-Expect-from-AncestryDNA
    The subscriptions will allow you to use our database to search for records to help build your family tree. For more information about what the subscriptions include in more detail and pricing please follow this link: support.ancestry.com/s/article/US-Subscriptions
    If you have any additional questions please let us know!

  • @daydream324
    @daydream324 4 ปีที่แล้ว +46

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

  • @gilmoremccoy6930
    @gilmoremccoy6930 4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

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

  • @rashaadlatief3984
    @rashaadlatief3984 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

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

  • @sistagaia
    @sistagaia 3 ปีที่แล้ว +55

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

    • @NoName-gh5mq
      @NoName-gh5mq 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We are not AFRICANS

  • @carrieannmcleod5219
    @carrieannmcleod5219 4 ปีที่แล้ว +90

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

    • @MsBhappy
      @MsBhappy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The English one is also very well done

    • @isd4154
      @isd4154 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MsBhappy what is is called?

  • @fredrika27
    @fredrika27 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @lancegaupp3755
    @lancegaupp3755 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @michelle_m_m
    @michelle_m_m 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @brittanyrose6388
    @brittanyrose6388 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

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

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing with us!

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @mac15792000
    @mac15792000 4 ปีที่แล้ว +173

    I love this show.

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for sharing with us, Patricia. We hope you enjoyed this segment and it has encouraged you to continue your family history research.

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Glad you enjoyed it, Lupe. We wish you success with your own family history research.

  • @jbaby007
    @jbaby007 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

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

    • @juandavidrestrepoduran6007
      @juandavidrestrepoduran6007 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @carolsybrowsky6870
      @carolsybrowsky6870 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

    • @nicolejames6796
      @nicolejames6796 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @615BlackBarbie
    @615BlackBarbie 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    That "thank you LORD" was peaceful and grateful.

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi GIEBS Jab. We all have unanswered questions about our family history. As you research your ancestors, let us know what you learn and where the answers lead you.

  • @ChaosMagic
    @ChaosMagic 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

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

    • @karlshaner2453
      @karlshaner2453 2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @dcamron46
    @dcamron46 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @lushtv7155
    @lushtv7155 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

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

  • @copah4537
    @copah4537 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The music, her voice. Spiritual😌

  • @jenniferr2057
    @jenniferr2057 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @robertvance01
    @robertvance01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

  • @jolynnhill8502
    @jolynnhill8502 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @ajj9694
    @ajj9694 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

  • @oceanrock733
    @oceanrock733 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I rewatch this frequently. It's very powerful.

  • @kalabaw99
    @kalabaw99 4 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    i wonder where mary old's family is.

    • @ByondAvrg
      @ByondAvrg 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I was thinking the same thing. What a lady❣️

  • @marymccluer1630
    @marymccluer1630 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @clairer42
    @clairer42 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @kimberleyosumah3376
    @kimberleyosumah3376 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

  • @LeezPgh
    @LeezPgh 4 ปีที่แล้ว +47

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

    • @bz3086
      @bz3086 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @catemoon
    @catemoon ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @reenierossi3724
    @reenierossi3724 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

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

  • @serenarobak3640
    @serenarobak3640 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

  • @AncestryUS
    @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว

    We're glad you enjoyed the video!

  • @larryroberts8809
    @larryroberts8809 4 ปีที่แล้ว +49

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

    • @angiecarle3041
      @angiecarle3041 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @larryroberts8809
      @larryroberts8809 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @northernstar5339
      @northernstar5339 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes Native American would be good along with other ethnicities

    • @larryroberts8809
      @larryroberts8809 2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @larryroberts8809
      @larryroberts8809 2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @shannonguerrero9273
    @shannonguerrero9273 3 ปีที่แล้ว +146

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

    • @comealongcomealong4480
      @comealongcomealong4480 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @dark6796
      @dark6796 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Good Luck 🙏

    • @teresavalencia3083
      @teresavalencia3083 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

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

    • @maryohmaryoh
      @maryohmaryoh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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

    • @derricoel8663
      @derricoel8663 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Same here I'm patiently waiting

  • @75julianne
    @75julianne 4 ปีที่แล้ว +78

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

    • @Me123Mandy
      @Me123Mandy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @Me123Mandy
      @Me123Mandy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

    • @crucialtaunt5717
      @crucialtaunt5717 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @Tiber234
      @Tiber234 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @sgmares
    @sgmares 4 ปีที่แล้ว +60

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

    • @HappiestGirl69
      @HappiestGirl69 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

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

    • @abryant8287
      @abryant8287 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Of course. Otherwise, slavery would possibly still exist.

  • @GaliSinatra
    @GaliSinatra 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I love this series and this was one of my favorite ones. Such a powerful story.

  • @cjkillax3
    @cjkillax3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

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

    • @e.j.o.4400
      @e.j.o.4400 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Amen to that! 🙏

  • @roseybud5722
    @roseybud5722 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @CP-pm8ol
    @CP-pm8ol 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @drealake3281
    @drealake3281 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

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

  • @jeffmahoney1271
    @jeffmahoney1271 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

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

    • @fong03
      @fong03 2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @jeffmahoney1271
      @jeffmahoney1271 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@fong03 10% is anything but rare.

  • @Chronicallymanette
    @Chronicallymanette 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I love hearing beautiful stories like this.

  • @ancestorhunter3864
    @ancestorhunter3864 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a moving clip, thank for sharing 🙃

    • @AncestryUS
      @AncestryUS  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      We're so glad you enjoyed it, thank you for tuning in! 😊🌱

  • @Mutlap
    @Mutlap 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @frenchtoast7742
    @frenchtoast7742 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @ladybugforest3687
    @ladybugforest3687 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

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