Alex Haley’s "Roots" is 30

Alex Haley’s book and mini-series “Roots” told the story of his family’s transition from their native Africa through slavery in America. Now thirty years after its debut, a new generation has emerged to carry on.

Alex Haley’s son, Bill, is spearheading the thirtieth anniversary celebration of what’s been called the most important book every written on race in America.

EUR: Thirty years ago when most people saw the miniseries it helped put real people and a story line with the knowledge of slavery and the abuse that slaves had to endure. Most people have said they were angered by the brutal truth of it all. What did your father expect the reaction to be?

Bill Haley: Before it was called “Roots,” my father’s story was called “Before This Rage.” Publishers thought it sounded too militant, so the name of the book and mini-series were changed to “Roots.” He expected people to be angry once they witnessed the truth about slavery.

The State Of . . . Roots. What if we repackaged the story and called it by its original name? Could this generation of teenagers and young adults use some rage about their circumstances? TV One is showing the miniseries on June 24th.