Just in the last few weeks alone, "Django Unchained" was released, "Lincoln" hit theaters, and BET showed the mini-series "Roots" in the days leading up to Christmas.
The subject of slavery has historically been what I referred to as America's 'Black Box.' Everyone knows it's there, but few are willing to acknowledge its presence, and even fewer are willing to open the box and dig into its varied contents.
When "Roots" debuted in 1977, it was groundbreaking on so many levels. "Roots" tells the story of Alex Haley's family from first being kidnapped in Africa, to the trials and tribulations of slavery, and ultimately, freedom. Never before had the American public dealt with the depths of slavery told through the eyes of people of color on such a public platform before. "Roots" would go on to be one of the most watched television series in American history. BET was honoring the 35th anniversary of "Roots" and I was glad they showed it because many in my generation (those under 30) may not have had the opportunity to see it before.
