Roots

1750: Kunta Kinte, born in the Gambia, West Africa, is kidnapped upon his return from his ritual manhood training by invading foreigners and transferred to a ship bound for America.

1767: After a harrowing three-month crossing, Kunta is put up for auction. He goes to the Reynolds plantation in Spotsylvania, VA, where he is befriended by the American-born Fiddler.

1776: Still driven by his memories as a Mandinka warrior, Kunta (now renamed Toby) escapes. He is recaptured and crippled but family cook Bell sets out to raise his downcast spirits.

1780: Kunta happily marries Bell but sadly his long-time friend Fiddler dies. Kunta wants to attempt escape again with Bell, but the birth of a daughter named Kizzy changes his mind.

1806: A teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history and able to read and write, is forced to reveal her role in Noah’s escape which prompts her sale to the rough cock-breeder Tom Moore.

1824: Kizzy's son becomes skilled at cock-fighting earning him the name "Chicken George." George’s eventual loss in the ring results in his being sent to England to pay off a debt.