January 23 – January 30, 1977. I was twelve years old and sat on the floor in our living room for eight consecutive evenings to watch Roots. My family watched in silence at the history of our people. I kept asking, “This isn’t real, is it?” My father assured me that it was an accurate account. I went to bed shaken by the horrifying images.

Roots was the most-watched television show in US history at the time. On average, 130 million - almost half the country at the time - saw all or part of the series.

Based on Alex Haley’s book about his African ancestors, the show won nine Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Today history teachers still use it as a representation of slavery in the United States.

Roots began with Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton), a West African youth captured by slave raiders and shipped to America in the 1700s. The family’s saga continues to the Civil War where Kunte Kinte’s grandson gained emancipation.

I’m going to add Roots to my Netflix queue. I want to watch it again when my son comes home for spring break. I don’t think as a family we’ve watched and talked about the entire series together. Is this a good idea? Some people think these images breed hate and unforgiveness and we should forget the past - or at least not revisit it so brutally. What do you think?

When (if ever) did you see Roots? What emotions did the show evoke for you? Have you shared this movie with your kids? Why or why not? Let’s talk…

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