Alex Haley was an influential African American writer and journalist best known for his book "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," which was published in 1976. "Roots" traces Haley's own family history back to Kunta Kinte, a young African man captured and sold into slavery. The book was groundbreaking in its exploration of African American genealogy and history, and became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a highly acclaimed television adaptation that reached millions of viewers.

Haley's work not only brought the story of African American ancestry to mainstream audiences but also sparked a wider interest in genealogy and understanding one's own roots. He also wrote "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," a collaboration with the civil rights leader Malcolm X, which remains a seminal work on Malcolm X's life and his journey towards political and spiritual transformation.

Alex Haley's contributions to Black history are significant in that he helped to illuminate the experiences of African Americans, both in terms of their struggles and triumphs. His work continues to be an important part of the ongoing conversation around race, identity, and heritage in America.