Roots: The Saga of an American Family Resources
Websites
Want to learn more about Alex Haley? Click away, Shmoopers.
The website is a great gateway to everything related to the novel Roots.
Movie or TV Productions
The original mini-series adaptation of Roots was a legit cultural phenomenon, and it's well worth looking back on today.
The 2016 adaptation of Roots strays from the novel in some notable ways, but the issues at its core still resonate.
Articles and Interviews
This is a great interview for many reasons, and we can't recommend you read it enough.
This interview with Haley goes in-depth into the psychological reasons behind racism.
Video
In this interview, Haley discusses the process behind both Roots the book as well as Roots the show.
This video, produced by TED, investigates what made the American institution of slavery so distinct from other forms of slavery, as well as its long-term impact on the continent of Africa.
Another gem from Haley.
Audio
In this piece, LeVar Burton discusses how he felt playing the role of Kunta Kinte, as well the cultural impact of Roots.
This NPR interview with Bill Haley, Alex Haley's son, discusses his thoughts on his father's work and legacy.
Images
Study this thing—you're going to need it as you make your way through this epic epic.
This right here is Alex Haley's childhood home in Henning, Tennessee, which is now a museum in his honor.