ROOTS

Based on the novel by
Alex Haley

The Book
Alex Haley's novel Roots was the first of two books dealing with black history that had an enormous impact on the media industry. Biographical in nature, it traced his own family history through three generations. Kunta Kinte, an African tribesman, was captured by a rival tribe and sold to European traders who transported him to pre-Civil War America during the 1800's. He died in captivity, leaving his daughter Kizzy, who was also sold and dislocated from her family. Her own son, Chicken George, eventually won his freedom towards the end of his life. His legacy continued on in one of the most important works in black history.

The Series The resulting miniseries was the most successful of its kind in history. Its cast of characters included the biggest stars in black cinema, who were eager to contribute to the historic project. It symbolized the lancing of the boil that racism had become in America nearly a decade after the civil rights struggles of the 60's. A more sophisticated America was brought face-to-face with the shame of its past, and the issue was recognized and resolved in the national consciousness once and forever. It can be successfully argued that Roots was the catharsis America had long required. Though equally vital and compelling, Haley's Malcolm X paled in comparison to the social impact of its predecessor on a nation whose 'Roots' of racism had long since been exposed.

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Alex Haley

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