With the film "12 Years A Slave" debuting this week, I figured it was a good time to revisit a panel discussion I shot earlier this year revolving around one of the most prominent depictions of slavery in media.
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From left to right: Levar Burton, Louis Gosset Jr., Leslie Uggams, and Ben Vereeen
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The panel featured actors who played pivotal roles in the TV mini-series "Roots" that premiered in 1977 and was shown on BET last winter. "Roots" was really the first program to explore the challenges, horrors, and triumphs within the realm of American slavery. It was an eye opening experience for millions of people and really helped shed a light on America's 'original sin.' Actors Lou Gosset Jr., Ben Vereen, Leslie Uggams and Levar Burton, spoke on the significance of "Roots," their roles in it, and how "Roots" continues to educate more than 30 years later.
The panel was a part of a larger series called 'Changing the Picture' at the Museum of the Moving Image this past February, which highlighted the works of people of color in the film and television industry.
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