1982 – “Roots: The Next Generations” Wins NAACP Image Award

On June 11, 1982, the acclaimed television miniseries Roots: The Next Generations received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama Series. A sequel to the groundbreaking original Roots, the series aired in 1979 and chronicled the lives of Kunta Kinte’s descendants through the 20th century, including events like World War I and the civil rights movement. Featuring a diverse cast and powerful storytelling, the series continued the legacy of highlighting African American history and resilience. The NAACP Image Awards honored the series for its cultural impact, educational value, and representation of Black identity. Roots: The Next Generations not only built on the monumental success of its predecessor but also helped cement Alex Haley’s legacy as a transformative storyteller. It reinforced the role of television in shaping national conversations about race and history.