Henry Louis Gates Jr., commonly known as Skip Gates, is an American literary critic, historian, and filmmaker. He was born on September 16, 1950, in Keyser, West Virginia. Gates is a prominent figure in African American studies and has contributed significantly to the understanding of African American culture and history through his work in academia and media. Gates is best known for his PBS documentary series, including Finding Your Roots, which explores genealogy and family history. He has authored numerous books and articles, focusing on African American literature and history, and has held various academic positions, including at Harvard University.