You're right Anna. But the difference is that Alex Haley knows who was brought to America, from what area in Africa, the year, the name of the ship, etc. That's why it is important for us to keep researching. Though many say it is nearly impossible to trace back to Africa via paper research, a number of families are able to do so. Rodney Sam was able to trace back to the Wolof tribe of Senegal. (See link below) You may be able to in the future.

http://afrigeneas.com/forum/index.cgi?read=48428

Mel