Wednesday 11 November 2009

Roots

Roots...

Alex Haley wove a beautiful tapestry spanning a period of about 200 years starting from 1750 to about 1970. A historical novel, where in a person goes in search of his roots, heritage covering seven generations and across different continents. The book signifies many things for many people, though by and large it is considered to be a history on the New world. The strongest impression left of it is the main characters pride in self, in his culture, the urge for freedom and the indomitable Spirit. This pride, urge for freedom and spirit is passed across generations. Woven across this is the change in cultures, traditions, and the political landscape. The story starts in Gambia, Africa, and takes a major turn in Annapolis or Napolis where the slave trading has happened.
The market place near the docks in Annapolis has an interesting eulogy to the enslaved African Kunta Kinte, the author and the book. There is a beautiful line to commemorate: “To commemorate the arrival, in this harbour of Kunta Kinte, immortalizes by Alex Haley in Roots, and all others who came to these shores in bondage and who by their toil, character and ceaseless struggle for freedom have helped to make these United States.” It’s a memorial for not only Kunta Kinte but to the countless people, who came, and whose names and details are lost in the pages of history.

The scene depicting the book-reading.

The story wall, gives a synopsis of what the book stands for with various quotes and in places correlating it with American history. The best I felt I can do is just to give them as they are:

Diversity
Hear me! Though we are different tribes and tongues, remember we are the Same people - African Elder
Americas strength is its diversity. People come here from all over the world, bringing new energy and new dreams. Each person has a story to tell, and every story enriches and invigorates us.

Challenge
Things don't ever get better unless you make them better - Tom Murray
In Roots, Alex Haley reminds us that only through individual efforts will this country racial and ethnic anger, guilt, hatred and fear, and remain a beacon of opportunity and hope for oppressed people around the world.

Love
We must be in this place as one village! – Mandinka Elder
Love ties us to the past, connects us in the present, and links us to the future. It is not enough that we learn to live together. We must learn to respect and love each other.

Forgiveness
When you clench your fist, no one can put anything in your hand, nor can your hand pick up anything – Omoro Kinte
Knowledge of history can be the first step away from anger and bitterness. Truth Leads to understanding. Understanding and forgiveness lead to reconciliation and healing

Family
Your sweet grandma and all of them – they’re up there watching you – Cousin Georgia
Knowing our family is knowing ourselves. Our values and traditions are forged through the struggles, heartache, pain, hopes and dreams of our ancestors.

Faith!
The only thing greater than yourself! – Omoro Kinte
Faith allows us to endure even the most bitter trails and tribulations and empowers to accomplish great things.

Perseverance
We all suffer. If man’s wise, he learns from it – Boteng Bediako (Uncle Pompey)
The strength and perseverance of our ancestors, teach universal lessons including survival through faith, strength through family, and wisdom through forgiveness.

Servitude
Share his pain – Mandinka Elder
Millions of Africans were stolen from their families and forced to endure the horrors of the middle passage and slavery. The new world was built largely on their labor, on the subjugation of Native Americans, and on the indentured servitude of Europeans and Asians.

Heritage
The farthest-back person they ever talked about was a man they called the “African”. – Alex Haley
Alex Haley’s Pulitzer prize-winning book Roots inspires all peoples to embrace their heritage. As we discover our personal history, we realise that all members of the human family share a universal bond

Dedication
You must hear me now with more than your ears! – Omoro Kinte
The story wall is dedicated to those nameless Africans, brought to the new world against their will, who struggled against terrible odds to maintain family, culture, identity and above all, hope.


More details at: http://www.kintehaley.org/memorialelements.html

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