A question about race realtions??

In my mind I think alot of the racial problems in our country are because we have such misconceptions about each other. So, to my question. The other day I was listening to a radio show and it was about race, but it took a divergence that totally shocked me. Growing up I have always thought that Whites could trace their lineage back to towns, and villages in other countries. Something that most Blacks (again in my mind) cannot do. My family for instance I know that my paternal great grand parents were born slaves in North Carolina and that my grandmother emigrated to Pittsburgh with my grandfather to work in the steel mills there. After that I do not have much family history on either sides of my family. Here is my misconception, or not, can most White people here in America trace their family trees back multiple generations. I grew up believing this is it true.Hopefully, people will answer this question honestly without undue criticisim or racist rants.