By Henry Louis Gates. The first AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES revealed the power in discovering one's family history. Now, Henry Louis Gates Jr. will guide a new group to discover their ancestry in AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2. The series will draw on DNA analysis, genealogical research and family oral tradition to trace the lineages of the participants, including Maya Angelou, Morgan Freeman, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Tina Turner, down through U.S. history and back to Africa. PBS (2008), Directors: Henry Louis Gates, Jr., DVD,  English, Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested), Run Time: 240 minutes.