Belize Marks 50 Years of “Roots” With African-Themed Art Exhibit

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Alex Haley’s landmark novel, Roots: The Saga of an American Family. First published in 1976, the book traces Haley’s ancestry from West Africa through slavery and into post-Civil War America, becoming a national phenomenon that inspired a record-breaking television miniseries. In Belize, the National Institute of Culture and History has organized an African-themed art exhibition to honor the anniversary. The showcase features paintings, sculptures, and poetry. Belizean artist Gilvano Swasey, who attended today’s opening, shared with Love News what it means to participate in celebrating such an iconic cultural work.

The exhibit opens on Sunday and will run throughout the week.