Month: May 2016

A new version of the “Roots” mini-series will air tonight on The History Channel.

The program is scheduled to be on from 8 p.m. to 10:13 p.m. tonight.

The broadcast is based on a book by author Alex Haley, who died in 1992, about his ancestors, who were kidnapped in the 1700s in The Gambia in Africa and sold into slavery. It traces their lives through generations in America.

Mark Wolper is listed as one of the executive producers of the new mini-series.

The original “Roots” series was broadcast on ABC-TV in 1976 and became a phenomenon.

This version will run four nights in two-hour segments. Malachi Kirby is cast as Kunta Kinte and Laurence Fishburne plays Alex Haley. The mini-series is rated TV 14 for language and violence.

Alex Haley, the author of “Roots,” was the brother of the late state Sen. George Haley, who represented Wyandotte County, and George Haley also was named an ambassador to The Gambia. George Haley died May 13, 2015, in Maryland. Alex Haley also was the uncle of state Sen. David Haley, D-4th Dist., who currently represents part of Wyandotte County in the state Senate.

A community health fair is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at 1240 Troup Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

Sponsored by Mt. Carmel Redevelopment Corp., the health fair will feature more than 90 health organizations. Health screenings will include kidney, blood glucose, immunizations and free mammograms for uninsured women ages 40 to 64. Along with screenings, there will be information about health and nutrition, financial services and other community resources.

The Dr. Norge W. Jerome Passport to Good Health Fair is free and open to the public.

“The purpose of this event is to increase health awareness by providing health screenings, activities, materials, demonstrations, and information; increase awareness of local, state, and national health services and resources; motivate participants to make positive health behavior changes; provide immunizations for children and adults; teach self-care practices; identify topics and participants for future extension educational health programs; and establish extension agents as a source for educational health programming in the metropolitan area,’ stated Marie Frasure, community outreach director.

Once participants have been screened and have visited exhibitors on the inside, there will be food and family oriented activities featured on the outside with entertainment, games, prizes, face painting, animal balloons, funnel cakes and more beginning at noon.

“The Dr. Norge W. Jerome Passport to Good Health Fair will kick start our health and nutrition initiatives scheduled to begin this summer. It is our desire to promote community engagement and support for individuals-families in need to facilitate healthy lifestyles,” Pamela Smart, Mt. Carmel Redevelopment Corp. executive director, said.