President Barrow described the anniversary as a milestone and an important opportunity to reflect on a story that established an enduring connection between The Gambia, Africa, and millions of people of African descent globally.
The President noted that through Haley’s search for his ancestry and his account of Kunta Kinte, the book brought unprecedented international attention to Juffureh and communities along the River Gambia. Haley’s narrative subsequently inspired generations of people of African descent to explore their ancestry and strengthen their connection with the African continent.
“Today, we honour the memory of Kunta Kinte and the countless African men, women and children who were forcibly taken from their homeland during the Transatlantic Slave Trade and never to return,” President Barrow said.
He stressed that while the anniversary provides an opportunity to remember the suffering caused by the Transatlantic Slave Trade, it must also serve as a celebration of the resilience, courage and enduring strength of African people whose identity, culture and family memories survived across generations.
The President paid tribute to Gambian families, elders, griots and communities who have preserved the country’s history through generations of oral tradition.
According to President Barrow, these custodians of history played an essential role in ensuring that stories, traditions and memories were passed from one generation to another. He described this heritage as part of the historical patrimony of The Gambia, Africa and humanity.
President Barrow particularly acknowledged the generations of families associated with the Roots saga, including grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and elders whose commitment to preserving family and community history has helped keep this important legacy alive.
He welcomed efforts by a new generation to carry the heritage forward, recognizing “The Inherited Roots Project”, co-founded by Malick L. Manga and Bill Haley Jr., for its work to preserve the intergenerational connection and introduce the story and its lessons to new audiences.
According to the President, the legacy of Roots provides The Gambia with both an opportunity and a responsibility to deepen its relationship with the global African Diaspora.
“To our brothers and sisters throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and elsewhere across the world, I say: The Gambia remembers and welcomes you, and Africa remains your ancestral home,” President Barrow stated.
He reaffirmed the importance of historic sites and communities associated with the Roots story to serve as places of remembrance, education, reconciliation and reconnection.
Mr. Barrow further called for stronger cultural exchanges, historical and genealogical research, educational partnerships, youth programmes, heritage tourism, and meaningful opportunities for Diaspora investment and engagement.
The Gambian leader paid tribute to Alex Haley, generations of Gambian custodians of oral history, and all those working to preserve and transmit the heritage associated with Roots.
Signed,
Ebrima G. Sankareh
The Government Spokesperson & Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs
