OpenTube

Emmitt Smith unravels his ancestors' painful history in the slave trade

Who Do You Think You Are?

2,131,233 views

Emmitt Smith wanted to take his family roots back to Africa, and while the task may have seemed impossible at first, the stars aligned for Emmitt and researchers – not only did Emmitt trace the path of his American slave ancestors, he also discovered the location in Africa where his ancestors hailed from.

🚨 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE 🔔 : http://bit.ly/WDYTYAyt

▶ WATCH MORE WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE: http://bit.ly/WDYTYAClips
📺 Oscar Award Winner Kate Winslet 👉 https://bit.ly/KATEWINSL3T
📺 Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman 👉 https://bit.ly/0IiviaCoIman
📺 Watch FULL EPISODES of Who Do You Think You Are USA here 👉 https://bit.ly/WDYTYAFULLEPS

In each episode, one of Britain's best-loved celebrities traces their family tree to reveal the surprising, extraordinary and often moving stories of their ancestors. We publish new videos twice a week with the most memorable moments from the show. Subscribe now and click on the bell 🔔 to get notifications every time we upload a new video!

CHECK OUT THE PODCAST 👉 http://bit.ly/WhoDoPodcast
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 👉 Twitter: wdytya_uk
CHECK OUT THE WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE WEBSITE 👉 http://bit.ly/WdytyaBBC

20 Comments

@nancyjames7013 3 years ago

Watching these stories reminds me that history is personal. When someone tries to erase history for any reason, it's something to take personally.

@marlonlangham1684 2 years ago

My wife came across this video, and sent this to me. This is eye opening, my mother name is Mary Watson, my grand-dad name was James “cat” Watson born in Burntcorn Alabama. We also did an ancestry, and also came across Bill “William” Watson. I’m in a aw right now.

Thank you for sharing this video

@jefferygreene8538 3 years ago

Wow, Emmett kept the number 22 and now he truly knows why. It wasn’t for his glory on the field. It was for the start of his life history.

@MissMelissa26 1 year ago

When Emmitt was in the store talking to his cousin in Burnt Corn he took out the picture his cousin looked just like their ancestors Watson

@simshill295 2 years ago

History no matter how painful cannot be erased…it cannot be unlived but faced with courage . In facing history let it not be lived again.
So happy Mr. Smith found his family history.

@daddams100 3 years ago

Much respect to this man…he returned “home” to free the spirits of his stolen ancestors. R.I.P. to all of the ancestors that were torn away from their families all those centuries ago…we, you’re descendants salute you.

@lovefaith6285 3 years ago (edited)

I believe it's not mere coincidence that Emmitt's ancestors were in book 22. Emmitt isn't just standing on the shoulders of giants, they have been by his side all throughout his life! His jersey isn't just his football jersey, it represents his family on a much deeper level. Emmitt's story is just so incredibly amazing! 🙏✌💖

@ted1091 3 years ago

This needs to be taught in every school in the US. Because when young people know accurate history, it becomes far more difficult to think and behave in a disrespectful manner. This story is just plain humbling. It gives your mind and attitude the adjustment they require.

@kristyscheide 2 years ago

To know what his family went through and still be such a decent human being just shows how great of a man Emmit is. ❤❤❤

@hope4lifewalker739 2 years ago

Emmitt is a Great guy... He showed me around Escambia High on my first day of highschool after a transfer. He lived in the low income apartments behind our house and jogged by our bus stop almost every other morning. He always had time to talk to us. Glad to see he took the journey back.

@essence8432 3 years ago

“She was lucky, but she created her own luck” ❤️ it’s speaks highly of Mariah given the world she was brought into. Most definitely a woman of strength, resilience and wisdom.

@coniwatson9512 3 years ago

Emmitt is not only a great athlete but a man with a and deep soul and outstanding character with honor.

@bettytrembly6538 3 years ago

I can't imagine the heartbreak of not being able to visit a relatives grave because they were buried in such a way as to say they weren't all that important.

@andrewmorales8985 2 years ago

I've been a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan since 1976 and have followed so many of players while they played in the NFL and continue to enjoy following their lives during their day's of retirement. Watching Emmitt being so interested in family tree is really powerful to watch. I come from a beautiful loving caring family who I truly love very much...so many families and children now a day's can care less about about their families and where they come from.

@tlb796 2 years ago

I'm from a line of Irish servitude.. You were able to go back way further than I've been able to trace mine. You give me hope that maybe I can find out more. Thank you.

@amandablakey5434 3 years ago

It's beautiful to watch Emmitt find his family. Slavery affected us all, no matter how much people want us to forget✊🏾

@carlosvalenzuela63 3 years ago

This is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. I’m a big fan of Emmitt. And to hear this story so many years after he did it, I’m like WOW!!

@jennaolbermann7663 3 years ago (edited)

Emmett Smith has such a lovely personality and he had such an interesting and yet difficult journey to find his family history.

@jerrilynhenson9024 2 years ago

I’m glad to see him smiling and laughing as he delves farther. It has to be heartbreakingly hard.

@sigmatricky 3 years ago (edited)

I am your frat brother. I'm in tears. I'm grateful you found answers. I, as well, am a descendant of slavery. My great grandfather was a slave that saw himself sold for $1800. He went on to be freed, & became a doctor... Still, so far away from being completely free after 100s of years. Great journey & painful... Much Love... G.O.M.A.B