The gripping story is told through four generations, from the capture of Kunta Kinte in Africa to his transport to Colonial America in brutal conditions through successive generations fighting to win their freedom in the Civil War. Based on Alex Haley's best-selling novel which has resonated with millions of Americans, it reveals powerful, universal truths about the resilience of the human spirit.

An adaptation of Alex Haley's "Roots", in which Haley traces his African American family's history from the mid-18th century to the Reconstruction era.

Runaway slaves journey north along the Underground Railroad by following directions in a song "The drinking gourd". Other segments include: LeVar talks about slavery: LeVar introduces students to the history, heroes, stories, and music of the African American culture which emerged from slavery ; Songs about slavery: the a capella group, Sweet Honey in the Rock, perform and share their historical knowledge of slavery.

Hamish Bond is a plantation owner who has a secret past of slave trading. Rau-ru is a freedom-yearning slave who has been raised as a son by Bond. Amantha Starr is a fiery belle who goes on the auction block when her part-African heritage is revealed - and is sold to Bond. She loathes Bond at first but is eventually won over.