In a deeply touching moment on this week’s episode of Finding Your Roots, Tracy Morgan, known for his comedic prowess, was rendered speechless upon learning about his great-grandfather’s remarkable history. Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. guided Morgan through the revelation that his ancestor had registered for the draft in 1917, embarking on a journey that led him to serve in World War I.
As Morgan absorbed the historical records, his emotions surged. Reading aloud the details of his great-grandfather’s enlistment and deployment to France, Morgan’s pride was palpable. Tears welled in his eyes as he expressed his profound sense of honor and duty, wishing dearly that his entire family could share in this moment.
But the surprises didn’t end there. Tracy Morgan also discovered a familial connection with his friend Nas, the renowned rapper. Learning they were third cousins on his mother’s side, Morgan recounted the emotional phone call he made to Nas after the revelation, a bond strengthened by newfound understanding and shared ancestry.
Tracy Morgan’s experience on Finding Your Roots echoes the journeys of other guests this season, each uncovering hidden facets of their family history. From Bob Odenkirk’s revelation of royal lineage to Ciara’s connection to a South Carolina cotton farm, and Sunny Hostin’s discovery of her ancestral ties to Puerto Rico and the painful legacy of slavery, the show continues to illuminate the diverse tapestry of human heritage.