LeVar Burton shocked to learn his ancestor fought for the Confederacy
LeVar Burton Discovers Surprising Ancestry on “Finding Your Roots”
In a shocking revelation, beloved “Star Trek” actor LeVar Burton recently learned that one of his ancestors was a white Confederate soldier.
During an episode of the popular PBS series “Finding Your Roots,” the 66-year-old TV star was stunned to discover this surprising fact about his lineage. LeVar Burton, known for his role in “Reading Rainbow,” revealed that he had limited knowledge of his family tree due to being estranged from his father since childhood and his mother’s reluctance to share their background, according to People magazine.
Burton expressed his feelings of growing up with a void of information about his family history, stating, “You grow up with just blanks, right? No information, no clue and no real way to overcome that blind spot.” He emphasized the importance of such knowledge in order to feel complete, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The show’s host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., explained that a team of genealogists and DNA experts worked together to uncover these surprising findings about Burton’s past.
To Burton’s astonishment, it was revealed that his great-grandmother, Mary Sills, on his mother’s side, was not biologically related to the man she claimed as her father on a Social Security application. Instead, her biological father was James Henry Dixon, a white farmer who was married with children. “So Granny was half-white,” Burton exclaimed in disbelief, according to Today.
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Furthermore, it was discovered that Dixon, residing in North Carolina, had joined the Confederate Army at the age of 17 and served in the junior reserves. Burton’s reaction to this revelation was filled with disbelief and shock, exclaiming, “Are you kidding me? Oh my God, oh my God. I did not see this coming.” Although it is unlikely that Sills participated in any battles, the fact remains that her biological father was associated with the pro-slavery side of the Civil War and had a child with a woman born into slavery.
Reflecting on the complex dynamics of interracial relationships during that time, Burton expressed his curiosity about how white men justified their involvement with black women, particularly considering the power imbalances. He acknowledged the prevalence of mixed ancestry, as Gates informed him that almost no African American has been found to be 100% sub-Saharan African through commercial DNA tests. “We all have white ancestors,” Gates stated.
Despite the conflicting emotions stirred within him, Burton sees this revelation as an opportunity for a necessary conversation about America’s history and identity. He stated, “There’s some conflict roiling inside of me right now. But oddly enough, I feel a pathway opening up… Knowing what I know about the history of this nation, I’ve wanted, especially in this current time frame, I believe that as Americans we need to have this conversation about who we are and how we got here,” as reported by Today.
How does LeVar Burton’s journey on Finding Your Roots highlight the interconnectedness and complexity of human history, as well as the potential for personal growth and societal progress through understanding our past
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The revelation of Burton’s Confederate ancestor raises important questions about identity, race, and American history. As a prominent black actor and advocate for diversity, Burton has been a vocal critic of systemic racism and has sought to promote inclusivity in his work. Learning about his white Confederate ancestor presents a complex and thought-provoking challenge for Burton as he grapples with the legacy of racism within his own lineage.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Burton reflected on the significance of this discovery, stating, “The juxtaposition of the material reality of my life and what I have come to learn about the people that I come from is a fascinating examination of America.” He expressed that this newfound knowledge has forced him to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and reevaluate his understanding of American history.
As Finding Your Roots continues to delve into the ancestral backgrounds of various individuals, it highlights the interconnectedness and complexity of human history. The show not only uncovers hidden family secrets but also provides a platform for individuals to explore their heritage and confront the societal implications of their lineage. The episode featuring LeVar Burton serves as a powerful reminder that history is not always straightforward and that confronting uncomfortable truths is an essential part of personal growth and societal progress.
Burton’s reaction to the discovery of his Confederate ancestor demonstrates his commitment to self-reflection and his dedication to understanding the nuances of America’s past. Rather than shy away from this revelation, Burton has embraced it as an opportunity for learning and growth. He acknowledged that this newfound knowledge sheds light on the complexity of race and shows that “the world is not binary.” Through his courage and vulnerability, Burton encourages others to confront their own family histories and engage in meaningful conversations about race, identity, and the ongoing fight for equality.
LeVar Burton’s remarkable journey on Finding Your Roots serves as a reminder that our individual stories are intertwined with the larger narrative of history. It showcases the power of knowledge and the potential for personal transformation that comes from understanding our past. As Burton continues to use his platform to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society, his own exploration of his ancestry provides a powerful example of the importance of acknowledging and grappling with the complexities of our collective past.
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