(AUDIO PODCAST) Alex Haley’s book Roots: The Saga of an American Family was published on August 17, 1976. In this episode of the Genealogy Gems Podcast, host Lisa Louise Cooke welcomes historian (and nephew of Alex Haley) Chris Haley to discuss the remarkable impact of Haley’s seminal work, “Roots,” nearly 50 years after its release. As the nephew of the author and a descendant of Kunta Kinte, Chris shares his insights into how the book and series impacted his own family, and the lasting influence of this groundbreaking work on genealogy, and the upcoming celebratory Kunta Kinte Tour.
Show Notes
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Timestamps
0:22 Lisa introduces Chris Haley and the 50th anniversary of Roots
6:13 Discussion about whether younger generations know Roots
9:33 How Roots changed genealogy and family history
10:31 Alex Haley’s old research logbook at the Maryland State Archives
12:33 How genealogy has changed with online access
18:25 How Chris Haley’s family experienced the impact of Roots
29:34 Chris Haley talks about the Kunta Kinte Heritage Tour
36:42 A question about family genealogy interest across generations
47:21 Chris Haley shares what he’s working on now
Exploring the Enduring Legacy of Roots
In the world of genealogy and family history, few works have had the impact of Alex Haley’s book Roots. This groundbreaking book and its subsequent miniseries became a cultural phenomenon, igniting interest in African American ancestry, the stories of slavery and genealogy as America’s new favorite pastime.
Alex Haley’s Roots has not only told the story of his own ancestry but it has also opened the door for countless individuals to explore their family history. By connecting readers to their past, Haley emphasized the importance of understanding where we come from and how our ancestors’ stories shape our identities.
Haley’s work serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by our forebears. The narrative of Kunta Kinte, an African man enslaved in America, resonates with many, highlighting the resilience and determination of those who fought for freedom. This legacy continues to inspire family historians, encouraging them to unearth their roots and share their own stories.
The Impact of Roots on the Genealogy Research
Before Roots, exploring family history was often relegated to older generations. However, Haley’s work sparked a newfound interest among younger individuals. The miniseries in particular brought the story to life, captivating audiences and prompting discussions about ancestry and heritage.
The impact of Roots is evident in the rise of genealogy research in the digital age. Today, platforms like Ancestry.com and 23andMe offer unprecedented access to historical records and genetic information, making it easier for individuals to trace their lineage. As Chris Haley notes, this shift has democratized genealogy, allowing more people to engage with their family stories.
In an era before the Internet, genealogy research required significant time and effort. Alex Haley primarily navigated archives and correspondence to uncover his family’s history. In contrast, in addition to in-person archives, today’s family historians can access a wealth of information online with just a few clicks.
Chris Haley shared his recent experience at the Maryland State Archives, where he discovered a logbook documenting his uncle’s visits in the 1960s. This moment served as a reminder of the painstaking efforts involved in research back then. Yet, he acknowledges that modern technology has transformed the landscape, allowing researchers to find documents quickly and efficiently.
The Importance of Sharing Our Stories
As we celebrate the legacy of Roots, it’s crucial to recognize the value of storytelling. Sharing our family histories fosters connections and understanding within communities. Chris Haley emphasizes that genealogy isn’t just about names and dates; it’s about the rich tapestry of experiences that shape our identities.
By engaging with our past, we can better understand the present and contribute to the ongoing narrative of our families. Whether through writing, oral history, or digital platforms, storytelling remains a powerful tool in genealogy.
Keeping the Roots Legacy Alive
In reflecting on the 50th anniversary of “Roots,” we honor Alex Haley’s contribution to the field of genealogy. His work not only illuminated the past but continues to inspire future generations to explore their histories. As family historians, we have the opportunity to keep this legacy alive by sharing our stories and encouraging others to do the same.
Resources
- Roots by Alex Haley (book options)
- Roots – The Complete Collection (Roots / Roots – The Next Generations) (DVD and Blu-Ray)
- Roots: The Complete Miniseries on Prime video
- Roots: The Next Generations on Prime video
- The Roots Legacy Tour August 7-9, 2026
About Chris Haley
Chris Haley
Chris Haley is a historian, filmmaker, author, and public speaker with a profound dedication to preserving and sharing underreported narratives. Currently serving as the Director of Research, Education, and Outreach at the Maryland State Archives, he is the founder and director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland Program. His leadership in archival research has been recognized with the Society of American Archivists Diversity Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence from the American Association of State and Local History.
A commissioner on the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Haley is also a prominent voice in genealogy. As a nephew of author Alex Haley and a descendant of Kunta Kinte, he carries forward a significant familial legacy in historical storytelling. He co-directed the award-winning documentary Unmarked and hosts the podcast The People’s Recorder.
Haley has also authored seven books, including the poetry collection, Fists and Rainbows. His professional life includes acting professionally in both film and stage. He serves on several boards, including the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation and the Annapolis Film Festival.
Visit Chris Haley’s website Chris Haley Speaks.
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Comments & Questions
What impact has Roots had on your research? Comment below.
In the early 1980s I was working for the city of Annapolis when Alex Haley came to be interviewed by a National TV crew at the City dock- I was thrilled to hear him talk about his ancestor and his book Roots. I ptomised myself that I would research my own family someday- since then I have spent countless happy hours researching my 28 Mayflower ancestors and my 11 Patriots and many Loyalists. Watching Roots on TV gave me a much better understanding of the African American experience and made me a better City administrator, for sure!!