"Roots" was a ground breaking television event. It was a History lesson that America needed then and still needs today. Watching this effect me greatly. As a 9 year old kid I knew Black people were slaves (At one time) but I had no idea how people acquired slaves! Slaves and the History of this CRIME was never taught at my school. So when I sat down to watch the opening night I was SPELLBOUND. From the birth of "Kunta Kinte" was something I never seen before! Then next scene was his fathers holding up his new born son in a tribal ritual that was soon to be torn apart.
What was shocking an frighting later was the "KIDNAPPING" of African Men Women and Children being taken away on a Voyage they never booked passage on.
Later we see these men & women shackled on a boat headed to America. LAter we see a African Woman running away on the boat and jumping into the ocean. She was topless, We know what was happening to her. Suicide to her was the best option.
Later on Kunta Kinte has a beautiful daughter he names "Kizzy" played by the beautiful Leslie Uggams. At 9 years old I knew who Leslie Uggams was because she was on "Sesame Street". So in a ways she was my first teacher! So when the scene came up where she is "SOLD OFF" and taken away from her father and mother (And it also happens to the 2nd generation of the Kinte Family being stolen) it was a SHOCK!
Now I knew Leslie was just acting but what she brought to the part was a familiarity the public had with her especially children! All children that were watching "Roots" had to be effected by the scene of "Kizzy" being sold off. To this day when I hear the word slave or slavery that is the image I have in my mind! "Kizzy" at the back of a wagon in chains being sold off!
Now in a few short years "Roots" will hit a milestone. In January of 1977 it will be 40 years old! ABC should take advantage of this and REBROADCAST THIS MINI-SERIES.
It is a valuable History Lesson. And if ABC won't rebroadcast it HOW ABOUT "OWN" The Oprah Winfrey Network!
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