Faces of America

“Faces of America” is about famous musicians, writers, singers, doctors, figure skaters and other influential famous people finding out about their history and past. The show focuses on two prominent questions: What made America and what makes us? After much research is done by going through old papers and matching DNA’s, participants are then given a “Book of Life” detailing their family history. I thought this was a very unique way and almost shocking to know and understand where some of these individuals come from and to understand how they got to where they are now, or what has shaped them and their lives. Growing up biracial and living only with my mother and step father who are white, I was never educated about my African-American History. I can recall times when I was asked to draw a family tree in elementary school and feeling an absent feeling for not being able to connect with my other background. Since my biological father was absent, there was no one I could receive information from about it. Though I was curious, it was frustrating to be placed in the position of feeling less connected to something and someone I knew I was a part of. We all desire a connection to the past and our history. As I have grown into an adult, I have learned that while it is essential to know where you come from (for medical and personal reasons), what is more important is knowing who you are today. Family history in my opinion, has not defined me as a biracial woman, but has shaped my beliefs and views of the world around me. For example, I hold a strong connection with not only my mother’s family but my step-fathers (or dad’s) family. Though medical reasons and one’s personal views about my lack of knowledge of my other ethnic side may defer from my own, in the end my opinion is what matters most.