We have much to thank Haley for. He inspired Americans of all colors to search for their ancestors. I've always assumed that the genealogical website, Roots may have been inspired to use the name of the book and film to brand their service.

However, no one on Afrigeneas has clearly stated the fact or fiction of the book. Haley was sued by two people...one an African-American woman and lost both cases. He paid sums to both. Africana's Skip Gates wrote of Haley's lawsuits.

So what is fact and what is fiction? Was Kinte a fictionalized name? Did Haley really prompt the village chief to claim him as kin? Are there balanced reports that could answer these questions?