WS Chronicle

Winston-Salem residents will have a rare opportunity this weekend to see a national television moment before the rest of the country — and to reflect on the deeper meaning of family, history, and legacy.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, at 4:30 p.m., the public is invited to a special advance screening of Finding Your Roots, the acclaimed PBS genealogy series, featuring NBA superstar Chris Paul. The episode will screen two days ahead of its national broadcast, making Winston-Salem the first stop in North Carolina to host the viewing.

The event will take place in the Main Theater at the Ace Exhibition Complex at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, located at 1533 S. Main St.

A story that reaches beyond the spotlight

Hosted by historian Henry Louis Gates Jr., Finding Your Roots is known for tracing the complex — and often painful — histories of prominent Americans. In this episode, the series explores Paul’s ancestry, including his documented connection to Peter Oliver (1766–1810), a figure whose life intersects with the era of slavery in early America.

According to event materials, the screening is intended to spark conversation about genealogy, historical accountability, and the lasting impact of slavery on African American families — themes that resonate deeply in Winston-Salem, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods shaped by displacement, segregation, and perseverance.

Community conversation follows screening

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and reception, creating space for dialogue about genealogy, historical memory, and how personal family histories intersect with larger systems that continue to shape American life.

Admission and next steps

The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required to reserve seating due to limited capacity.

Residents can RSVP through Eventbrite at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980636302498?aff=oddtdtcreator

The episode will officially air nationwide on Tuesday, Feb. 3, on PBS.

For Winston-Salem, Sunday’s screening offers more than early access. It’s an opportunity to gather, reflect, and engage with how one family’s story — like so many in this city — carries the imprint of America’s unfinished history and ongoing search for truth.