Since today is my birthday, I began to reflect on some things of significance in my several decades of life.  One of them that had the greatest impact on me was working with Alex Haley who died over 20 years ago.  Yet his meaningful works are still with us.  I was one of many students moved by his book, The  Autobiography of Malcom  X.  His premier novel Roots – which I helped write — attracted the attention of a nation.  Millions were riveted to their televisions for over a week in 1977 as they watched the miniseries unfold with the story of history of this country told through  7 generations of the Haley family, from slavery to the 20th century.

The phenomenon of genealogy was charged by this book.  Americans tracing their ancestry became enormously popular as a result of Roots.    Family reunions became happenings as a result of Roots.   As we celebrate Black History month in February 2013, if you have not read this book it should be a must on your list.  A world-wide hit for years, selling millions of copies, Roots is now also available as an audio-book and the miniseries is available on DVD.   This book is still extremely relevant to our lives.  I hope one day I can be instrumental in getting the miniseries updated to acquaint today’s young people with this amazing part of history.  (If you have difficulty finding it on the book shelves, be sure to ask for it.)

Leave a Reply