His Excellency Momodou Lamin Bah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Gambia to the United States, on Friday, 18 September 2026 addressed the 55th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) of the Congressional Black Caucus at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.
Ambassador Bah was invited by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to contribute to discussions on issues affecting African Americans and the global Black community. The conference, themed “Roots at 50 and Beyond: Narrative, Diplomacy and Economic Empowerment of the Diaspora,” brought together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders and civil society to explore strengthening the US-Africa partnership.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bah acknowledged the profound contribution of the Alex Haley family to global awareness of The Gambia. Reflecting on the transatlantic slave trade, he said its legacy continues to affect Africa's development, stating: “Our strong human capital was taken and that continues to affect us to this day.”
He said The Gambia Government recognizes Haley's monumental work as the country joins the family and diasporan community to commemorate “Roots at 50”. The government is rebranding the Roots Homecoming festival and will relaunch it soon.
He encouraged African Americans to look beyond cultural visits and consider investment opportunities in The Gambia and Africa. He highlighted the role of Roots in showcasing Gambian oral historians – the griots – who preserved history across generations, which significantly enriched Haley's book.
Ambassador Bah noted Roots brought The Gambia and its river into global prominence. Prior to 1976, The Gambia rarely featured in international headlines, except during its multiparty elections, which were uncommon then.
“Roots changed that. People began asking where The Gambia was located and where the River Kambi Bolong flowed from,” he said, adding it gave the world deeper understanding of The Gambia and boosted public relations as journalists visited to verify the narrative.
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland paid tribute to the Haley family and urged the African American community to persevere. He honoured Africans who entered the US through the dock of Annapolis, where the memorial of Kunta Kinteh and Alex Haley stands, and disclosed plans to organize a convergence at the dock to tribute the Haley family.
Congressman Gregory Meeks of New York emphasized unity and the political strength of the Congressional Black Caucus, noting its role in shaping federal policy and supporting economic investment. He paid tribute to the Haley family for the cultural and genealogical impact of Roots: The Saga of an American Family, noting Kunta Kinteh's legacy continues to resonate deeply.
The event was attended by members of the Alex Haley family and hundreds of African Americans celebrating their heritage.
