Finding Oprah's Roots: Finding Your Own

by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Overview

Finding Oprah’s Roots will not only endow readers with a new appreciation for the key contributions made by history’s unsung but also equip them with the tools to connect to pivotal figures in their own past. A roadmap through the intricacies of public documents and online databases, the book also highlights genetic testing resources that can make it possible to know one’s distant tribal roots in Africa.

For Oprah, the path back to the past was emotion-filled and profoundly illuminating, connecting the narrative of her family to the larger American narrative and “anchoring” her in a way not previously possible. For the reader, Finding Oprah’s Roots offers the possibility of an equally rewarding experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780307382382
Publisher:	Crown Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/23/2007
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.75(w) x 7.95(h) x 0.85(d)

About the Author

HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., is the Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research and holder of the distinguished title of the Alphonse Fletcher, Jr. University Professor at Harvard University. As well as being the author of several award-winning works of literary criticism, he penned the memoir Colored People; The Future of the Race, co-authored with Cornel West; and Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Man.

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Chapter 1
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Excerpted from "Finding Oprah's Roots"
by .
Copyright © 2007 Henry Louis Gates.
Excerpted by permission of Crown/Archetype.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Preface 7

Introduction 11

Part 1 Beginnings 19

Part 2 Oprah 39

Part 3 Into the Past 63

Part 4 Out of Slavery: A Paper Trail 97

Part 5 Beyond the Middle Passage: DNA 143

Part 6 Looking Back 165

Appendix / Resources for Building Your Family Tree 173

Acknowledgments 187

Index 189

Editorial Reviews

This helpful book serves as the companion book to the sequel to Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s popular PBS series African American Lives. Gates uses Oprah Winfrey's search for her ancestors as an example of how African Americans can discover their own roots. The renowned Harvard professor combines a deep understanding of Diaspora history with sound practical advice about genealogical research.

Professor Gates has created an excellent guide for all would-be genealogists in this companion piece to the PBS documentary Oprah's Roots. From beginning to end, Gates uses clear examples to provide listeners with a solid framework for conducting their own genealogical expedition. This work has special significance for African American researchers as it delves into the challenges of tracing slave ancestors prior to the end of the Civil War and emancipation. The author emphasizes the importance of gathering and confirming as much oral history as one can and cites excellent print and online tools. Gates notes that trips to historical societies and cemeteries can be invaluable, but getting started in genealogical research doesn't have to be expensive. As one of the most popular and influential women in the world today, it is fascinating to learn about Oprah's family, her childhood, and the accomplishments of her forebears. Gates successfully emphasizes the importance of accurate research as he relates how a team of historians and geneticists were able to trace Winfrey's lineage back to Africa. Narrator Dominic Hoffman executes this gem of a book with a comfortable and polished delivery. Highly recommended for all public libraries.
—Valerie Piechocki

Library Journal

“This book is every bit as engaging as the documentaries and offers helpful resources.” —Booklist

“This book is every bit as engaging as the documentaries and offers helpful resources.” —Booklist

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