On January 21, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville welcomed renowned scholar, author, and filmmaker Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to the Lazzara Performance Hall at the University of North Florida for a captivating Presidential Global Issues Evening presentation.
Dr. Gates, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in genealogy and African American history, took the audience on a journey through the power of ancestry and DNA research, drawing from his acclaimed PBS series, Finding Your Roots. Through compelling storytelling and video clips from his immensely popular show, he illuminated the ways in which our personal histories are deeply intertwined—across race, geography, and time.
Throughout his presentation, Dr. Gates shared fascinating case studies from Finding Your Roots, showcasing how genetics can reveal unexpected familial connections, challenge long-held assumptions about identity, and bridge cultural divides. He underscored how scientific advancements in DNA testing have revolutionized our understanding of heritage, allowing individuals to trace their ancestry with unprecedented precision.
The evening was as insightful as it was inspiring. Dr. Gates emphasized that history, at its core, is a shared human experience. “Despite our varied histories,” he concluded, “we come from one another and belong to one another.” His message underscored a fundamental truth—though our backgrounds may differ, our stories are linked in profound ways.
The Council was honored to host Dr. Gates for an evening that celebrated the power of history, science, and storytelling in shaping our collective understanding of who we are. His visit served as a reminder that beneath the surface of our individual identities lies a shared global heritage—one that unites us all.
Please click HERE to read World Affairs Council of Jacksonville member Paul Herman’s detailed recap of the event, which was hosted in partnership with the University of North Florida’s Distinguished Voices Lecture Series.
As always, a world of thanks to those whose support made this presentation possible:
Platinum Sponsors
Amy and Gilchrist Berg
Barbara and William Harrell
Paul and Nina Goodwin
Ron and Karen Rettner
Event Sponsors
Marty & Dick Jones
Chuck Moorer
Ellen & Jim Wiss
Arthur Vining Davis Foundations
Bank of America
Florida Blue
VyStar Credit Union
Media Sponsor
