Monday night, History premiered the first installment of Roots. It’s a reboot and retelling of Alex Haley’s novel of the same name. The original miniseries aired in 1977, and was an honest depiction of life before, during and after slavery.
The 2016 version has left viewers wanting more. Not just from the series, but from that part of history. Shortly after last night’s episode aired, #RootsSyllabus started trending on Twitter.
There was a call to action.
#RootsSyllabus Start the knowledge !
— Ciara Chantè (@YourHartsDesire) May 31, 2016
If you want to read more about what you’re watching tonight on #Roots — check out the suggestions on #RootsSyllabus
— Joshua DuBois (@joshuadubois) May 31, 2016
Some people already had their list ready!
If I were teaching #Roots,
1. The Book of Negroes
2. Jubilee
3. Dessa Rose
4. Wench
5. A Mercy#RootsSyllabus— Dr. Rondrea Danielle (@Dr_FireAndIce) May 31, 2016
The #RootsSyllabus must include the work of @DrJoyDeGruy. https://t.co/NiUVeKDPqm. @FeministaJones@dradambanks@RootsSeries@levarburton
— theBlackFemaleFactor (@iAskMonica) May 31, 2016
For those interested in learning about the Middle Passage.
#RootsSyllabus pic.twitter.com/5n5STYErmr
— Sowande’ Mustakeem (@somustakeem) May 31, 2016
For the middle passage, The Slave Ship by Marcus Rediker #RootsSyllabus
— Erica Ball (@Erica_L_Ball) May 31, 2016
Seems like a good time to revisit Robert Hayden’s “Middle Passage” #roots #RootsSyllabus https://t.co/93H6cvEuR5
— Lavelle Porter (@alavelleporter) May 31, 2016
Slave narratives offer insight into our ancestors’ day-to-day lives.
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano #RootsSyllabus
— Natasha Lightfoot (@njlightfoot) May 31, 2016
Free PDF of Slave Narratives from the Library of Congress -> https://t.co/ou0BRICHr8#RootsSyllabus#Roots
— Brandale Randolph (@BRandolph1854) May 31, 2016
Follow the money and break down the slave economy.
Sven Beckert’s Empire Of Cotton was essential in my understanding the centrality of slavery in the development of capitalism #RootsSyllabus
— Sutherland Simmons (@sutherlandsmns) May 31, 2016
Joseph Miller, Way of Death. #RootsSyllabus
— Joshua D. Rothman (@rothmanistan) May 31, 2016
Get a detailed look at slavery from a woman’s point-of-view.
Camp’s Closer To Freedom: Enslaved Women & Everyday Resistance provides important look at ways women challeged enslavement #RootsSyllabus
— Tennille N. Allen (@halfmeasurefull) May 31, 2016
Don’t stop here. Keep reading!
