Iowa Public Television

African American Lives 2

African American Lives 2

Building on the widespread acclaim of AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES (2006), which The New York Times called "the most exciting and stirring documentary on any subject to appear on television in a long time, "AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES" again journeys deep into the African-American experience to unearth the triumphs and tragedies within the family histories of an all-new group of renowned participants. Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. returns as series host, guiding genealogical investigations through the 20th century, Reconstruction, slavery and early U.S. history, and presenting cutting-edge genetic analysis that locates participants' ancestors in Africa, Europe and America. The series features even greater depth of research and more powerful storytelling, as well as a unique twist: one ordinary American, Kathleen Henderson, selected from more than 2,000 applicants, has her family history researched and DNA tested along with that of Professor Gates and the series' other 10 participants: poet Maya Angelou; author Bliss Broyard; actor Don Cheadle; actor Morgan Freeman; theologian Peter Gomes; publisher Linda Johnson Rice; radio personality Tom Joyner; athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee; comedian Chris Rock; and rock 'n' roll legend Tina Turner.