10 influential American celebrities who have traced their African roots

Chris Rock
South Carolina’s history has heavy connections to parts of Africa, but it still came as a surprise when the state native, comedian Chris Rock, found that his roots stem from the Udeme people (Ouldémé) of northern Cameroon.

After learning about his family’s history, he told Oprah that he hopes “everybody learns where they come from so their lives can make more sense.”

RELATED STORIES

Kramanti, the African dialect that outlived slavery to become Jamaica's identity

Anger as 24-yr-old unarmed father of three is shot multiple times by LA cops

Jamaica is third Caribbean country in a month to sign visa waiver agreement with Ghana

Ousted Egyptian president serving jail term collapses and dies during trial