History channel's phenomenal, shocking, heart-breaking and unforgettable Roots ended on Wednesday night (6 July) and what remains is the spirit of Kunta Kinte.
Kunta's had such a dramatic impact on so many people that there are those who celebrate him annually at a Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival. It's been happening for 27 years in Annapolis, Maryland and it's a celebration of African culture inspired by Kunta and Roots.
It happens in Maryland because Maryland was America's first national capital and it attracts thousands of visitors who gather to celebrate the cultural heritage of people of African descent.
The
official website describes the festival as a blast and from the sounds of it, it is. The festival grounds are transformed into an African market with arts and crafts and performers entertain with live music, spoken poetry etc. People can stay over so you can lose yourself and forget about everything else.
Kunta's also had an intense impact on actor and producer LeVar Burton, who played him in the original mini-series in 1977.
LeVar went on to play Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge on Star Trek so Kunta catapulted his rise to stardom and ultimately inspired the Roots remake. LeVar co-produced the new series and has this to say about the effect that Kunta's had on him...
LeVar: Roots was my first job. In fact, it was my first professional audition. I was 19, and it changed my life. It gave me the life that I enjoy now. Coming back to this project again, 40 years later, is really extraordinary.
I used to think that life was very much a linear journey, but this experience has really shown me that it’s really circular in nature. I’ve come back to this same place, with this same project, but with a whole new cast of characters, both in front of and behind the camera.
Profound and oh-so-cool. What impact has Kunta had on you?