The Emotional Discovery in LaVar Burton's Family Tree | Finding Your Roots | PBS
Official website: to.pbs.org/fyr10 | #FindingYourRoots
LeVar Burton did not know much about his father's side of the family, a man who has been absent for most of LaVar's life. Going further back in the Burton family tree reveals a profound shared heritage, both LaVar's paternal great-grandfather and grandfather were educators.
LeVar Burton launched his acting career while still a student at the University of Southern California. At 19, he found himself on the cover of Time Magazine, after landing the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark television series Roots. A seemingly impossible act to follow, Burton achieved further global acclaim as Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation television series - a role he reprised in Star Trek: Picard in 2023. However, it has been his role as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS children’s series Reading Rainbow of which he is most proud. Airing from 1983 to 2009, it was not only one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history, but also one of the most acclaimed, earning over 200 awards including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.
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#LaVarBurton #PBS #HenryLouisGates
Finding Your Roots
Renowned scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. guides influential guests into their roots, uncovering deep secrets, hidden identities and lost ancestors. Using genealogical detective work and cutting-edge DNA analysis, Gates guides influential guests deep into the branches of their family trees, revealing surprising stories of forgotten ancestors that transcend borders, illuminating an American root system fortified by its diversity.
If anyone deserves to find something out that makes him feel more pride in himself, it is this man.
Yassssssssss indeed.
Levar is a national treasure. Right up there with Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood on PBS).
Amen to that. Levar has dedicated his life to education in all its many forms & has worked so hard to be the face of positive educational reinforcement that it only makes sense that he came from educators on both sides. Bless him.
They didn't show the part when he found out one of his great grandfathers was white. He was so mad he could fight that other man for telling him he had white ancestors. He is so racist.
I don't know why LeVar Burton doesn't run for president with Ralph Nader as VP or something. How is LeVar Burton not head of the department of education? I saw every episode of of Reading Rainbow, and bats are my favorite animal, so the episode of him in the cave with Merlin Tuttle is the best crossover for me. But seeing this personal thing about him, and after watching him play a character on Star Trek, this whole thing is just a full circle event. It's so powerful a moment about so powerful a man's life and family.
Levar Burton's come full circle - from "Roots" to "Finding Your Roots".
Well said
Yes!
So true. Well said
And he traveled in a starship to get there.
I thought the same.
Levar Burton deserves the whole world. From Reading Rainbow to Star Trek and beyond, he's been a light his whole career.
Roots? Roots? You know..his most important work? Where he got started? Roots? Roots? Star Trek? Reading Rainbow? Great.... but you neglected the most important role in American television in the past 60 years... He changed everything and started a ball rolling toward real cultural equality with that... and you mention everything except that... baffling level of fail.
@@nogglebeak Thanks for lifting the rock I didn't realize I was living under! I apologize for my ignorance.
Don't forget voice as Kwame from Captain Planet
He's truly a national treasure!👏
Didya miss the part ? where he says racist things? whew....I loved his TV show as a kid, but yeah I've lost all respect for him based on his racist views.
"Finding Your Roots" is one of the best programs PBS has ever done.
This made me cry! This man inspired me to become an engineer when I had no educational or vocational prospects back in the late 1980s. Deep love and respect to Levar Burton!
Wooow that's amazing ❤.
That’s brilliant!
wow.
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!
Burton's years playing Geordie hopefully inspired a whole generation of kids to get into technology, it's awesome that you are among them.
I learned English in great deal because of Levar Burton and PBS. As a little immigrant kid who went on to graduate from an Ivy League school, it isn’t lost on me how much his influence has rippled through the ages. I hope he knows how much he means to so many of us. Thank you to his ancestors as well ❤
I love LaVar Burton! The Reading Rainbow meant the world to me as a child. I'm so grateful he is able to trace his family tree.
LaVar Burton found out he is part white and hates it. I guess he is his own racist.
He has a podcast called Levar Burton Reads. He reads adult novellas and shirt stories
I didn't know he had a podcast. I will definitely listen . Thank you so much for letting me know! I'm very grateful!@@hollyd.4793
LeVar Burton is a wonderful person. About a decade ago, I met his niece, whom my company had hired as an office assistant at one of our other offices. She noticed I had some sci-fi collectables in my office and she asked if I liked Star Trek. I told her Star Trek TNG was my favorite TV show of all time. She told me her uncle was in Star Trek and I asked who her uncle was. She said LeVar Burton. My mouth dropped, I told her I was not only a big fan of him from STTNG but also admired him for Reading Rainbow. We had a nice chat about him. She told me he was as nice a person as he appears on TV. About a week later, an envelope arrived in the mail. I opened it and it was a picture of Geordi LaForge, personally autographed to me. Thank you LeVar! And thank you for continuing to promote reading and education.
Think how proud those men would be to know their descendent is alive today helping to educate kids all over the nation
All over the world*
And how well-loved he is!
He's educating kids? Bad parents
@@SuperMontstaExactly. I was born in the Caribbean, and the older generation, who are mostly "christian/political" women, have failed when it came to actual/real knowledge. They're still brainwashed by fake christianity, which includes so many fake/negative mess.
Disgusting
As a 90’s kid, I’ve loved this man for most of my life. Burton was everywhere, man! The Next Generation, Reading Rainbow, Captain Planet… A lot of us look up to this dude. Absolutely wonderful getting to watch him experience this. And fun fact: Burton and I were born in the same hospital!
Woow what city and state that's interesting???
Wait a minute LaVar Burton actually voiced Captain planet?! I didn’t know this.😬
@@a.m6523 He voiced Kwame (who had the power of earth)
@@1WayOfHoliness Thanks for clarifying, my friend.
He’s related to a white confederate soldier!! Butterflies in the sky LeVar Burton is going to cry Take a look, Burn a book Reading rainbow. 😂😂😂😂
" This information is something that we need in order to feel whole. " Powerful!
I can empathize a lot. I know nothing about my maternal grandmother family outside of names. I didn't even know that my great grandfather was still alive when I was a boy, no one talked about him at all. All I got was the bald gene, which is nowhere NEAR as cool as finding out your have educators going back to the early 20th century in a society that was still trying to educate itself and knowing you're part of that legacy for millions.
I can’t say I relate at all, but it’s nice he got results at least
LaVar, you raised me, my sister and my brother. You educated us ALL. Those tears aren't enough. If you knew how much you gave us, you'd never stop crying. THANK. YOU. FOR. BEING. YOU!
Mr. Burton, you made me a lifelong reader ❤ and as a result, a best-selling novelist. You inherited a marvelous trait as an educator. THANK YOU from Hong Kong 🇭🇰
❤️ That’s Wonderful
Wow❤
That's amazing
Love this for Levar Burton!! 1. ❤ that he got to experience this wonderful surprise that his ancestors were educators too 2. 🖤 that PBS would honor him, his family, and his legacy with the station by featuring their story 3. 💚 the evolution from ancestor to descendant to getting to witness so many chapters of his career. I grew up on Reading Rainbow in the 80s. Currently loving the Levar Burton Reads podcast. It's been such a joy to exist on Earth at the same time as the iconic Levar Burton!!!❤🖤💚
Butterfly in the skyyyyyyyyy 🎵🎵 I grew up watching LaVar. Now I'm a high school teacher. This man was a great role model when I was a kid.
Seeing Mr. Burton cry is like seeing my own parent cry. 😭 What an amazing discovery!
There is something so special about being a teacher, and knowing you come from teachers. There is a love so deep for education in our family that we say it's "in our blood" - I am so grateful LeVar got to have this moment to know it's in his, too.
Reading Rainbow had such a profound impact on me as a kid. I am now in my mid 30s and I still love reading with a passion. I hope LeVar knows what an impact he has had.
I think he does. When he spoke at Gettysburg.a few years ago, the crowd gave him the biggest applause not for Roots or Star Trek, but for Reading Rainbow.
Several years ago LB gave the Remembrance Day speech in Gettysburg, the anniversary of the dedication of the cemetery and of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. I used to volunteer at those gatherings and heard many speeches, but LB's was the best by a long shot. When he was introduced, he got his biggest applause for Reading Rainbow (not Roots or Star Trek), and his speech told all about his mother's dedication to seeing her children learned to read and learned to love it. The man is seriously dedicated to education and seeing everyone can learn. Now he knows that dedication came down to him from both parents. No wonder he is overwhelmed.
Not me tearing up when he did ! 😢
I cannot put into words the profound impact Mr. Burton left on me as a child, both from Reading Rainbow as a toddler, to coming home from school and watching Star Trek, to watching Roots in a history class. Now I see him so wildly charismatic and handsome with a beautiful family. I wish him and his nothing but the best!
THIS is one of the most POWERFUL clips I've ever seen done on Ancestry PBS. I'm in tears... SOME American history ONLY THE FAMILIES CAN TELL.
For someone who has given so much, to so many, I'm glad he was able to finally recieve something so special for himself.
Christ….. this brought tears to my eyes. 😢. So happy for Mr. Levar Burton, talk about full circle.
Felt so emotional seeing him get so emotional. Glad he was able to receive this information about his roots after being an integral part of helping others to think about their roots, during his career as an actor.👏🏽
Thinking back on my childhood, I can thank my momma for getting me a library card at a very young age and Lavar Burton for my first love, which was reading books. I wish I can tell him how much he changed my life and countless others with his passion for reading. I wish I can hug you, Lavar. You're inspirational and loved by millions.
I grew up as a child having Levar Burton teach me about the joy of reading through Reading Rainbow. Then he brought one of my favorite characters to life on Star Trek. I grew up with him. What a wonderful person he is, I wish him the best in life - thank you, Mr. Burton!
I feel such absolute joy for LeVar. I know this isn't scientific to say this because life is life but - he's come by his talents genetically, in a sense. What a gift that he knows this now and he can feel more whole. He deserves that.
I lost it when Levar's voice shook😭
Many thanks to Levar Burton who enriched my curriculum for 30 years.
I love LeVar Burton. The host of Reading Rainbow on PBS KIDS. 📖 🌈
I'm over hearing bawling along with Levar. He's such a lovely human being.
I have the deepest reverence for both gentlemen. What a moment ❤
That is one of the tragedies of divorce. Not knowing a side of your family.
I love LeVar so much. I grew up really seeing him in Star Trek. Living in this futuristic new world where everyone worked to get along and be understanding of others cultures and heritage. He was so smart and worked so hard to do the best job he could. I’m all grown up now but still look back at his character and remember how he inspired me. ❤ Thank you LeVar
I absolutely love him! He deserves nothing but the best!!💜
I grew up listening to this man teach me how to read and imagine, and his character on ST:TNG always ensconced values and friendship. Watching both shows as a child made LeVar seem special, the first actor I recognized on more than one show made him stand out.
Have loved Levar Burton. Love him more now.
Ich habe mr Burton vor fünfzehn Jahren in Bonn getroffen und er hat mich zur Garderobe bekleidet und mit mir geschwatzt. Er war mit Abstand der Freundlichste Star Trek Schauspieler den ich kenne❤
In the The United States he has the additional honor of being a host to a public access television program focused on encouraging children to read. He is a huge advocate of literacy as a result.
Knowledge is everything. We learn from our own history, but also, from our ancestors.
I can't even find my great grandparents while everyone is just partying around being shocked finding stuff
I Professor Louis Gates at the LSE in London. He is an ASOLUTE gentleman 😀. We were passing each other and just offered his hand to me, we never met, he just gave off this positive vibe. The African American community are very lucky to have him.
Welcome home, Mr. Burton. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher and taking on the toughest lessons.
Powerful episode. I spent the last two years researching my family and writing a memoir. Levar and I are the same age. When he said he was having trouble finding words to describe how these discoveries made him feel, I empathized. Some of what I discovered about my ancestors shook me to my core. I was speechless. And yet, I HAD to find the words to write the book. Thanks Dr. Gates for the transformative work you are doing.
Every 80s kid alive cheers this man.
What a sweet episode. LeVar Burton hosts a great podcast, “LeVar Burton” reads. His voice is calm and soothing
One of my heroes. So amazing to see him on Star Trek and Reading Rainbow, and he has done so much more for our society since. So wonderful for him to find out these meaningful parts of his family history.
He has been a part of my life since Reading Rainbow as a 5 year old in the early 80s. I love how his family lineage has come full circle back to him in how teaching others was a foundation for those before him also.
I am from the same county in Arkansas that that school house is in. Its still being used as a school to this day and I used to drive past it everyday on my way to work.
There are stories I STILL remember to this day from Reading Rainbow and I'm in my 40s. I will always remember "Bring the Rain to Kapiti Plain", "The Toothnasher Superflash" and "Meanwhile Back at the Farm" they made me love reading but also want to read aloud expressively. Thank you Levar❤❤❤❤
Levar is a national treasure. We are all missing out not having him host Jeopardy.
He’s related to a white confederate soldier!! Butterflies in the sky LeVar Burton is going to cry Take a look, Burn a book Reading rainbow. 😂😂😂😂
What a gift to reveal the lost heritage to people to give them a better sense and understanding of their origins and who they have become. ❤ Such a healing gift
What a blessing! Between my Mom and Mr. Burton on Reading Rainbow, I’ve had a life long love of reading. I can remember episodes of RR where the book featured might tackle a difficult subject (death for example), but his voice and manner made it not scary to learn about.
So moving! I love Levar Burton. Such an amazing man. ❤️
I am so glad that it was Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. that presented this information to him. I can't imagine learning this about my family !
I freakin' adore this guy. What a legend
That line about needing to "pry" information out of his mother. That's like talking to my father and grandmother. The generational struggle continues. So happy to hear that Mr. Burton is continuing the family legacy of education.
Few KZhead videos make me tear up, but this one definitely did. So happy for Levar to make this great discovery. He’s always seemed to be such a kind and caring person. He deserves this.
I grew up watching LaVar Burton. The man's a national treasure.
I love getting to see how powerful and meaningful Levar's connections to education is. Even though he was never close with his father, that "hole" was important to fill. So happy for him!
When my son was a boy, one of our favorite shows was Reading Rainbow! LaVar Burton spread the love of reading across America!
Love to you Lavar Burton❤❤
Mr. Burton is crying, and I'm crying along with him. This whole time, through Roots, The Reading Rainbow, and his other artistic pursuits, he's made an impact on the black community, by being in alignment with his family value of education. Powerful stuff! This is why I started doing family research from the time I was in high school and have never stopped. I'm glad he's found out who he is now.
I just woke up… It’s too early to feel this emotional. Love LeVar
There are so many readers and authors who had our love of reading encouraged by this beautiful man.
Amen 🗣️💯🗣️
Crying alongside him. LaVar Burton educated generations. An amazing man and legacy.
Oh how I love Levar Burton. I have thought so highly of him over the years. My son is Autistic, but he watched Mr. Burton, and lived him so.
Leave it to LeVar to sum up so powerful an experience so eloquently. Man is a treasure.
I really like this guy. Reading Rainbow 🌈 and of course his work on Star Trek🖖...thanks PBS!
Nothing but love and respect for Mr. Burton.
There are scientists (myself included) who never would have reached their potential if not for LeVar Burton.
It's interesting to see Mr. Burton go from "ecstatic" to "outraged".
Just hearing his voice means so much to this 90's kid. ❤
Imagine how proud his grandparents and great-grandparents would be of him and all he's done for kids. From encouraging them with "Reading Rainbow" to inspiring them as Geordi La Forge.
It's really beautiful to know this wonderful man has found a deeper connection with his roots. Grew up with Levar reading stories. Always enjoyed it. He was a part of many families in the 90s. Such a beautiful soul.
I love this black man! He was such an amazing part of my childhood with his Reading Rainbow series. Absolutely beautiful. And it is so nice for him to find this connection with his family. As a Latino person, to us, family is so very important. It makes me sad to know that this was missing in his life so that he knew a little bit of why he is the way he is. I wish nothing but the best for him and his family. 1000 blessings.
I couldn't help but cry when LaVar started. He has been a hero and role model for me since I was a small child.
I got chills wathing this. Love LeVar.
So much love and respect for this man, it fills my heart with joy to see him so overcome with emotion. This dude was such a profound part of my childhood due to Reading Rainbow and Star Trek. 🕊️➕❤️ to Mr Burton and anyone reading this 🙏
This man is wholesome incarnate. Give this man the world.
This man is a hero. He deserves everything and so much more.
LaVar is a truly beautiful human being and I am so pleased that he has received such a note echoing the perfect symmetry of his life's calling.
Watched him as a child. He inspired me to be whatever I wanted to be I could and I did just that. Thank you sir for being my childhood inspiration.
Education is so essential to progress. This brought tears to MY eyes. I’m so happy for Levar Burton to have this history revealed to him.
This is just fitting. As a black man that grew up watching Reading Rainbow...this man has ALWAYS represented us in such a shining light. A lot of us...no matter the color, race, religion...he made it cool to learn. The past can be haunting at times because you just never know, but THIS guy?! This guy deserved to have this type of lineage. 👊🏿🙏🏿💪🏿
LaVar Burton has been a hero of mine since childhood. The theme song to Reading Rainbow is in my head to this day. Reading Rainbow had such a huge impact on me as a child.
How wonderful for this talented man to find a new side of his lineage and for it to be so close to his own passion. Magical.
Love Levar Burton! The man inspired me to read books as a child, and this ability and drive has served me well ❤ Love Reading 🌈
I absolutely adore this man for his contribution to children's literacy. He seems like an extraordinary gentleman.
See this is why I LOVE this show! Moments like these are so powerful and inspirational.
I feel privileged to have witnessed LB’s life changing moment. These two elegant men…
We love LaVar! Changing children's lives through reading is a gift and to know there's a great legacy he comes from
Wow...such a blessing to witness this profound moment for LaVar. He comes by it honestly from both sides of his family.
I love reading because of this man. I am so happy he was able to connect with his family.
And to think he ended up being an educator. I remember raising my kids and watching his show, The Reading Rainbow. I raised my kids with the importance of books and the library and now it's my grandchildren's turn. Thanks Lavere.
Such a lovely gentleman...and handsome as well. So pleased that he found his roots.
So awesome for Levar to find out this about his family. Thank you for sharing!
Bless you LaVar. Thank you so much for what you've done for us!
Man I love Lavar Burton, he’s such a gentleman & a cherished part of my childhood ❤️ I’m so happy for him. You are very loved my brotha!
WE LOVE YOU LEVAR!! Thank u for being part of my childhood!
what a gift to know his drive and passion to be an educator is ancestral and literally in his DNA. very powerful.