ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Marylandian -- In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of 'Roots: The Saga of an American Family,' by Alex Haley, Kunta Kinte Celebrations Inc. announces Exploring Kunta: Roots 50 Commemorative Experience, a powerful (3) three-day cultural heritage journey tracing the path of Kunta Kinte from the city docks in Annapolis, Maryland through Fredericksburg to Spotsylvania, Virginia where Kunta Kinte was then enslaved by the Waller family.

Taking place August 7-9, 2026, this immersive experience invites participants to walk the land, honor the water and engage the living communities connected to the legacy of Kunta Kinte — Whose story reshaped America's understanding of ancestry, identity and African American history.

The commemorative journey coincides with both the 50th anniversary of Roots and the 250th anniversary of the United States, creating a moment of national reflection, remembrance and cultural reclamation.

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A THREE-DAY JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY & HERITAGE

Friday | August 7, 2026 | Annapolis, MD | Roots 50: Symposium & Celebration
The experience begins at the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial at the historic Annapolis City Dock — The documented arrival point of the slave ship Lord Ligonier in 1767.

Saturday | August 8, 2026 (11a-5p) | Fredericksburg, VA | Roots 50: Community, Resistance & Resilience
Programming continues in Fredericksburg with guided cultural exploration.  This day centers Community, Resilience, Resistance & Cultural Preservation.

Sunday | August 9, 2026 | Spotsylvania, VA | Joy Fest
The journey concludes with Joy Fest at the John J. Wright Educational & Cultural Center — A celebratory gathering featuring live music, food, fellowship and a headline gospel performance by Grammy-Nominated Artist Luther Barnes.

Joy Fest honors legacy not only through remembrance, but through joy, unity and cultural pride.

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Participants return to Annapolis via charter transportation following the event.

THE ENDURING IMPACT OF ROOTS
When published in 1976, 'Roots' ignited a national awakening about slavery, ancestry and identity.  The 1977 television adaptation, Roots, was watched by more than 130 million viewers, becoming one of the most-watched programs in American history.

Fifty years later, Exploring Kunta transforms remembrance into lived experience — Inviting participants to stand where history unfolded and engage the stories that continue to shape generations.

"This journey is an act of cultural truth-telling and reclamation," said Nikki Brooks, Lead Artist at The Black Woman Aesthetic. "We are creating living history — Experienced through land, water and community."

For full itinerary & registration details visit http://Roots50.org.