Senegal & The Gambia — 9–18 May 2026
From Memory to Movement
A 10-day immersive pilgrimage through the heart of Senegal and The Gambia. A curated journey of cultural reconnection and historical reflection.
The Journey
A Milestone Half a Century in the Making
2026 marks 50 years since Alex Haley's Roots sparked a global movement of ancestral reconnection. To honour this milestone, ITTOG, SVAFF, and Sunu Reew Medical Mission have united to present ROOTS@50 — a 10-day immersive pilgrimage through the heart of Senegal and The Gambia.
LEARN MORE10
Days
2
Countries
50
Years
Honoured
Honoured
1
HIstoric
MONUMENT
MONUMENT
Guest of Honour
LeVar Burton
Actor • Producer • Storyteller • Literacy Advocate
In 1977, LeVar Burton introduced the world to Kunta Kinte, a young Malinke man from Juffureh whose story of resilience ignited a global conversation about heritage. Half a century later, Mr. Burton returns to the ancestral homeland of his most iconic role for the ROOTS@50 pilgrimage.
During this historic journey, the Government of The Gambia will confer upon Mr. Burton the title of Honourary Paramount Chief of Nuimi — the very district that was home to Kunta Kinte himself.
“This journey is about more than memory; it is about rebranding our connection to the continent and positioning our shared heritage on the global stage.”
15
Emmy Awards including Lifetime Achievement
7
NAACP Image Awards
25M+
Podcast downloads, LeVar Burton Reads
23
Years hosting Reading Rainbow
Roots@50 is presented by:
