Alex Haley was a prominent African American author and journalist known for his groundbreaking work in Black history. He is best known for his novel "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," which was published in 1976 and later adapted into a television miniseries in 1977. "Roots" traced Haley's family lineage back to Kunta Kinte, a young man captured in Africa and sold into slavery in the United States.

The novel and miniseries were widely popular and brought the history of slavery and its impact on African Americans to a mainstream audience. "Roots" sparked important conversations about race, identity, and the legacy of slavery in America. Haley's work helped to raise awareness about Black history and the experiences of African Americans.

In addition to "Roots," Haley also wrote "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," which was based on his extensive interviews with the civil rights leader Malcolm X. Haley's work has had a lasting impact on Black history and continues to be studied and celebrated today.