Emmy nominee Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the historic origins of gospel music in America.

In PEOPLE's exclusive sneak peek at next week's 'Finding Your Roots', the actor discovers that one of his ancestors overcame "unfathomable opposition" to lead a prosperous life

In partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, the Black Film Project will inaugurate the Henry Hampton Prize for Documentary Filmmaking on Black History and Culture, awarding $200,000 annually to a first-place winner.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Finding Your Roots, Gospel, Stony the Road) is a filmmaker, professor, and cultural critic. Henry joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what techniques he uses when interviewing people, how far back he can trace his family heritage, and the sugar plantation slave trade.