BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Join the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) from 11AM to 1PM on August 14th for a free, online celebration honoring the centennial birthday of acclaimed author Alex Haley, whose work is archived in the special collections of AARLCC.  

Born August 11, 1921, Alex Haley is best known as the author of Roots: The Saga of an American Family, a 1976 novel that traced his personal history back seven generations to the era of slavery in America. The following year, the novel became the basis for the blockbuster 1977 ABC television miniseries of the same name watched nationwide.

The 100th Birth Anniversary of Alex Haley: Getting to the Roots event pays tribute to the author and his journey of identity research by showcasing many of the library’s genealogical resources. Presenters will discuss elements of the award-winning and best-selling novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family, the impact of slavery and family genealogical research.

“The Alex Haley: Getting to the Roots event is an opportunity for participants to learn about the impact of the transatlantic slave trade, family roots, and DNA research,” says Interim Broward County Libraries Director Allison Grubbs.

The event highlights include special guest presentations: “Transatlantic Slave Trade’s Impact” by Dr. Tseleq Yusef, Associate Professor of History, Bethune-Cookman University; “AARLCC’s Alex Haley Collection” by archivist Afua Ferdnance; “Tracing My African Ancestry” by Andre Kearns, Director at Large, National Genealogical Society; a live DNA reveal of Bobby Henry, Sr., publisher of The Westside Gazette, and Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry, by Dr. Gina Paige of African Ancestry, Inc.; and  “Broward County Library’s Genealogical Resources” by librarian Ramona La Roche.

This online event is free and open to the public. Please visit the library’s online calendar event page for registration. For additional information, contact Michael Bryant at mdbryant@broward.org or 954-357-7435.

About Broward County Libraries
Broward County Libraries Division, named 2020 and 2015 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association, was founded in 1974 and is the largest library system in Florida by square footage and one of the busiest, with more than 7.5 million walk-in customers visiting its 38 locations annually. Broward County Libraries Division provides convenient access to a full range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing needs of the people of Broward County for information, education and recreation. Visit our website, Broward.org/Library, or follow Libraries on Facebook and Twitter.

DATE: June 17, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Catherine McElrath
Libraries Division
PHONE: 954-357-7402
EMAIL: cmcelrath@Broward.org