Sunny Hostin Discovers Ancestral Ties to Slavery on 'Finding Your Roots'

The View co-host learns of her European roots and a direct ancestor involved in the slave trade, sparking a mix of shock and reflection.

Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View, was surprised to learn on PBS's 'Finding Your Roots' that she has European ancestry and a direct ancestor who owned slaves.
Hostin, who identifies as Afro-Latina, discovered her maternal grandfather's lineage traces back to a Spaniard likely involved in the slave trade.
The revelation prompted Hostin to reflect on her identity and the complexities of her family's past, including ties to Spain's colonial history.
Despite the shock, Hostin appreciates the shared roots with her husband, Emmanuel, who has Haitian and Spanish heritage, and sees value in sharing this history with their children.
Hostin's emotional journey on the show also included learning about her father's side of the family, where her third great-grandfather was born into slavery in 1835.