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There are 4 comments on Kunta Kinte’s World

  1. As part of a course I developed in the College of Communication called the Literature of Journalism, I teach the nonfiction work of Alex Haley–most notably, his Playboy interviews and “Malcolm X.” His work generates great conversation about a time in American history that is foreign to most 21st undergraduates. Of course we also discuss “Roots” and its remarkable impact, not to mention Haley’s research methods for the book, which derive directly from the tenets of good journalism.

  2. Here’s a BU connection with “Roots” and Haley: Before Haley published “Roots,” he came to BU to speak. We in the audience heard for the first time the tale of Kunte Kinte and his descendants. Haley was an extraordinary storyteller. That night Hayden Hall (now the Tsai Performance Center) was probably the stillest room on campus or in Boston, as we sat in awe. It was the kind of story we had not imagined could be known–of a specific, good African man sold into slavery.

  3. Thanks for this information. I am still looking for my own ancestors who lived in Africa and were sold into slavery. Thanks again.

  4. Well done, Prof Thornton. This succinct piece will help any BU viewers of “Roots” to get more out of the experience. If they can only stop poking their devices for more than 2 seconds.

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