I had the opportunity to see Chris Haley speak a few years ago, so I knew he'd be good, but Chris knocked everyone's socks off last week at FGS when he strode into the opening session belting out, "Day-o! Daaaaay-o! Daylight come and me . . ." Not what most folks were expecting shortly after 8 in the morning, but his energy and enthusiasm were contagious. Smiles all around -- especially from those Chris sang to individually, including FGS President, Wendy Bebout Elliott! If you'd like to see for yourself, watch the video here.
Roots Television invited Chris to speak at FGS partly because it's the 30th anniversary of the much-beloved Roots book and mini-series and Chris happens to be Alex Haley's nephew. But Chris is much more than that. He's also Director of the Legacy of Slavery department of the Maryland State Archives, consultant to the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, a radio host, an accomplished actor and singer (watch the video -- you'll hear he's got some powerful pipes!), and a popular speaker. And I suspect he's about to become even more popular as a speaker and performer. In fact, I know it for a fact since I've already had several inquiries asking where we discovered Chris and how to get in touch with him (if you're interested, please email me privately for his contact info at smolenyak@att.net).
Fortunately, Chris was kind enough to spend the day with us interviewing folks at the FGS conference about the impression Roots made on them, their favorite ancestors, and the like, so keep an eye out for these interviews on Roots Television in the near future. He was also interviewed by Dick Eastman, so you're sure to enjoy that as well.
If you have an upcoming event even tangentially related to genealogy or history, please consider inviting Chris. I promise, your attendees will be charmed, revitalized and inspired -- and you'll look brilliant and get far more kudos than you deserve!
P.S. His presence caused such a stir that Chris was also interviewed by the local media. Here's a clipping:
